WINTER GARDEN WALK

�O, it sets my heart a-clickin� like the tickin� of a clock.
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder�s in the shock."

After the frost leaves the pumpkin and a hard freeze turns it to mush, I say Halleluiah!� I can finally get some rest.� In the winter, I don�t really have to garden, just because I can.�

During this time of rest, if less work is �rest,� I like to take stock of how the garden is evolving.� A piece of paper and pencil replace the shovel and trowel as I wander through the garden.� Guilt often accompanies me on my walks.� There is so much to do and so little time.� Guilt is fleeting, though, as I make plans and discoveries in the winter landscape.

During these walks in our backyard private spaces, I notice the evergreen azaleas (USDA Zones 5-8) grouped in separate areas.� They were chosen to blossom at different times throughout the spring season.� I think azaleas are splendid in their short-lived spring glory.� The rest of the year, I like to hide them behind other greenery with more attractive foliage.

A good shady-side combination, much more attractive in summer and winter than the azaleas, pairs thick long-leaved, deep green cast-iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) and prickly, mature holly ferns (Cyrtomium falcatum), both zones 6-11.� Both of these attractive plants thrive in deep shade.� To keep them looking topnotch, I trim off the yellow leaves in early spring.� Otherwise, they take no care.� Any wonder why they are favorites?

A couple of weeping yaupons (Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula'), zones 7-10, have not been so favored.� They were puny looking when we bought this place.� They are finally beginning to fill out.� It does not hurt to be too busy to tackle some chores.� The yaupons have earned a reprieve from the axe.� That stay of execution might not last if they do not decide to set their translucent red winter berries by next year.

Dog hobble (Leucothoe racemosa), zones 4-8, is another tall, graceful plant.� Its arching branches screen out the ugly metal storage building.� Its evergreen branches also provide fine cover for the birds on frosty nights.� Sweet little bellflowers scent the spring air.� This native should find more homes in gardens.

Dwarf gardenias enhance the look of the azaleas out front and lay at the feet of an edgeworthia in the backyard.� Paperbush plant (Edgeworthia chrysantha), zones 6-10, is a member of the daphne family.� It is next to the screened porch, where the winter scent and unusual flower structures can be experienced close up from inside.

Variety zings up a garden.� There are so many innovative plants on the new plants lists.� I either have to quit falling for new plants or pull something out.� Something has to leave.� Last year we yanked out the Indian Hawthorns.� The Indian Hawthorns gave the front garden formality.� They have been replaced with looser, more informal and for the most part, deciduous shrubs.

Now my favorite bloomers, hydrangeas, occupy the beds where the Indian Hawthorns once crouched.� Hydrangea paniculatas come in many flower and shrub sizes.� �The Swan�, zones 3-8, is one of my favorites.� You must be patient to grow this beauty.� It can take up to five years for this ugly duckling to turn into a beautiful swan, but Oh!� The flowers.� �Big Daddy� is another favorite with his huge flower heads, zones 6-9; and the hardy �Limelight� and �Pinky Winky�, zones 3-9, are more favorites.� They all replace the sickly Indian Hawthorns, along with Weigela �Ghost�, zones 4-8, with its near-white foliage and bright red flowers, and white blossoming evergreen abelias, zones 6-9.

A winter garden is more than cloudy skies and rose hips.� The weather outside is not always frightful.� Count on spending some delightful work-free days in the winter garden.