Wonders of the Winter Landscape

They've been talking about winter interest in the garden for years. Unless you live in Zones 7 or higher, you might not have appreciated what the fuss was about. I'll confess that I didn't. But as we've all matured as garden designers, we've started to appreciate woody plants as more than just garden filler. Vincent A. Simeone, Director of Planting Fields Arboretum on Long Island, NY, has written a beautiful book subtitled "Shrubs and Trees to Brighten the Cold-Weather Garden". Wonders of the Winter Landscape illustrates in full color the subtle beauty of woody plants at their most essential. Even those of you in warmer climates will appreciate Simeone's observations on peeling bark and fuzzy catkins. Just try to refrain from laughing at those of us viewing them over a blanket of snow.