winter 2

Garden Scenes

Even though it is a focal point, the color and texture of the owl make it seem as though it belongs there.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Nice example of a focal point. The eye goes right to it as you enter this room in the garden.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Focal point. The shape fits nicely with the space available.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Cacti in the North are hard to blend into the landscapes. In certain situations, such as rock gardens or theme gardens, they are a positive addition.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Well designed landscape. Even though there are many mature plantings, it in no way seems overgrown or crowded.

Photo: www.bbcanada.com

A large expanse of lawn with a secluded feel thanks to nice use of evergreens. The curved beds compliment the informal landscaping.

Photo: www.bbcanada.com

The sculpture mimics the ferns and is a well matched focal point.

Photo: www.images.mooseyscountrygarden.com

Nice use of a previously unused area of lawn. It has now been turned into an attraction for wildlife.

Photo: www.nativeplant.com

This is a good example of a lawn area turned into a native planting. This can be aesthetically pleasing as well as helpful to the environment.

Photo: www.nativeplant.com

A combination of native plant material. It not only looks beautiful, but also helps minimize use of fertilizer and pesticides as well as reduce runoff.

Photo: www.nativeplant.com

The sound of the breeze through the dried grasses can only be enjoyed in person

Photo: Chris Butkovich

A garden scene that encourages closer inspection

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Example of symmetry in an entry way garden

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Combination of curving stone path and bench invites one to sit and relax

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The dense hemlock wall gives the area a personal feel. The table and chairs invite sitting and conversation.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Colorful and relaxing scene to greet residents coming and going

Photo: lannert.com

Form and Texture in the Garden

Thuja spp.Evergreen hedge, visual and sound barrier

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Rhus spp.Color in the winter landscape - also attracts wildlife.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

SpruceColor and form in the landscape

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Gaultheria procumbensEvergreen groundcover with added benefit of being edible

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Even in the winter landscape, thought should be given to color. The color of this evergreen shows better with the background of rock rather than simply crawling over mulch.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Ilex spp.Winter color - shows well against a background of evergreens.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The unusual needles of this pine add different texture to the garden.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The color is nice in the winter; the tree has a nice form in the trunk that can be admired all year.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Leaves of a pawpaw give a tropical feel and the tree bears edible friut.

Photo: www.petersonpawpaws.com

Pawpaw flowers can make for an early spring conversation piece.

Photos: www.petersonpawpaws.com

Ohio buckeye, Go Bucks!

Photo: www.hort.uconn.edu

Scarlet buckeye, still show Buckeye spirit with a smaller and showier versionof the buckeye tree. Nice spring color, for those who need a better reason.

Photo: www.hort.uconn.edu

Quercus albaNice tree for a large property, plant now for future generations to enjoy.

Photo: www.hort.uconn.edu

Clethra alnifoliaA shrub with fragrant flowers, nice fall color, and available in different sized cultivars.

Photo: www.hort.uconn.edu

Impressive combination of colors and textures

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Repetition of color and texture, done mostly with annuals.

Photo: www.ncarboretum.org

Holly showing symmetry in plant form

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Peeling bark adds texturally to the garden in winter

Photo: Chris Butkovich

One wonders which is the stronger of the two elements, the hardscape or the plant material.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Hardscapes

Stone stairs and retaining wall serve same function as concrete, but much more interesting

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The large expanse of retaining wall is softened by the curves. The pergola gives those below a sense of privacy, and some protection from the elements.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Irregular blocks give the feel of a natural stone wall, but is much easier to work with then different sizes of stone.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The walkway and retaining wall are very functional. The curve in the retaining wall gives the area a casual feel, even though the plantings behind are very formal. The two different materials contrast nicely.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

The arbors act as a doorway, leading into or out of a room.

Photo: Chris Butkovich

Nice example of symmetry in hardscape

Photo: www.kleinburg.com

A variety of hardscape softened by plantings

Photo: www.ncarboretum.org

Nice use of pavers at street intersection and plantings along road that help minimize runoff

Photo: www.lannert.com

Use of pavers helps alerts vehicular trafficto possible pedestrian traffic

Photo: lannert.com

Nice use of hardscape to represent a stream in nature

Photo: Chris Butkovich

A formal walkway is made less so by its curves

Photo: Chris Biutkovich

The arbor invites one to walk through and the curve in the path encourages you to find out what is beyond

Photo: Chris Butkovich