PruninG to PrePare for Winter and PruninG to PrePare for sPrinG 129
Pruning to Prepare for
Winter and Pruning to
Prepare for Spring
WINTER PREPARATION
It used to be accepted practice to cut down most perennials in autumn. Strictly
herbaceous gardens were left totally bare, a very depressing sight, while mixed
borders may have had the odd conifer, woody shrub, or rose bush left on its own
to provide winter interest. Fortunately, as our appreciation for the winter forms
and colors of perennials is heightened, as well as our awareness and sensitivity to
the habits of birds and butterflies, we no longer mindlessly go out and cut
everything back, leaving the garden naked of any sign of dormant plants.
Winter interest—contrary to what is preached by many well-meaning
individuals, those who usually have limited knowledge of perennials—is not
provided solely by junipers, yews, pachysandra, English ivy, or the odd mugo
pine (with the requisite accompanying rock!). Certain conifers, particularly some
of the dwarf forms, and broad-leaved evergreens do add a special dimension to
mixed herbaceous borders, but many perennials contribute greatly to the winter
garden as well. Such contributions are not only in the way of attractive seed-
heads. Form, structure, and foliage color are also notable perennial contribu-
tions during the winter season. Perennials and grasses, with their often intricate
seedheads and outstanding habits, hold snow, frost, and ice in a way that is
distinct from other plants.
In addition to their ornamental qualities, perennials in the winter landscape
are important resources for birds and butterflies. Butterflies such as the viceroy
pupate (in a sheltered spot for the winter), and other species of butterflies and
moths lay eggs in the leaves of perennials for overwintering. If we cut down and
compost these plants, we may be composting next year’s generation of but-
terflies. A variety of birds frequent our feeding stations in the winter, and most ofAt Hiddenhaven, there is a great
deal of winter interest in the
mixed gardens, from the
conifers, boxwood, and the
many perennials which remain.
They are aesthetically pleasing,
and also offer food and shelter
for countless birds.