Now that our first significant snow has fallen in New Jersey, you may think that your garden will be a mass of bare ground and dead plants until next spring.  That doesn’t have to be the case!

Now is the time to start planning for a garden that loos good year-round.

There are some plants that produce flowers late into the start of winter or very early in spring.  Hellebores are frost-resistant and will bloom until a serious freeze settles in your area.  Select an evergreen variety.

Many shrubs produce gorgeous displays of brightly colored berries.  Look for Holly (red or golden berries,) Witch Hazel (red berries.) 

Other shrubs such as ‘Arctic Fire’ Dogwood (not the native Dogwood tree) may lose their leaves, but the remaining twigs and branches are bright red.

There are varieties of the Willow tree that have winter interest.  The ‘Nishiki’ Willow has red branches like the Dogwood mentioned above and the ‘Swizzle Stick’ Willow has a truly interesting profile.

There are plenty of options.  Check with your local landscaper for plants available in your area.