Metasequoias (Dawn redwoods)

Dawn redwoods are in a small class of trees known as deciduous conifers. This means it does produce an evergreen type needle but it looses it every fall, also in this group are baled cypress and larch. One of the interesting facts about this group of trees is that they are regenerative, this means that if you were to cut down a dawn redwood it would regrow from the stump to form a new leader. The root flair of this tree is one of the most outstanding parts. With its orange/brown color it produces several large buttress like root flairs that extend several feet up the trunk. This tree produces small upright spreading branches that are well attached to a straight central trunk. This tree requires very little pruning to keep its pyramidal form. Optimal growing rate for this tree is about seven feet a year, for that you will need full sun, lots of deep ground water and a well drained, acidic soil. Many dawn redwoods in this country that are less than fifty years old have already reached the 100 foot mark. Although it is a very fast growing tree, it does not like to be crowded among other trees, it will not do very well in that situation at all. The lacy green fern like foliage that comes out in spring and lasts though the summer months turns a yellow /orange color after the first frost. Like the baled cypress it will grow in standing water, so it is a very good plant for wetland areas. Lighting protection is recommended for older trees since they are usually the tallest trees and would be the first ones hit. So if you are looking for a large mejestic giant for your garden give this plant another look.

Helleborus

Hellebore are often called Lenten Rose or Christmas rose, these evergreen perennials are almost a staple in the winter garden. This plant was named 2005 perennial plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association. The flower color range from pure white to plum, bordering on black also yellow, pink, and red. They come in single to semi-double, and bloom from late winter to late spring some lasting two months or more. These plants have a clumping growth habit and get to 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Although sold as shade-loving plants these plants can take a lot of full sun and range into deep shade. This plant will thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, they are often found native in alkaline soils, but adapt to very acid woodland soils. When installing new plants pick a well drained site this plant does not like to be water logged, but it is very drought tolerant. Incorporate lots of organic material and plant like any other perennial. Long term exposure of this plant to the skin can cause a reaction that can last for a few hours, so when handling this plant wear gloves. One good thing from this is deer will not eat it so your hellebore will not become a salad buffet for foraging deer. The best way to reproduce this plant is by division that way each plant is identical. This plant will propagate its self by dropping seed to the ground around the parent plant, this seed will take 2 to 3 years from seed to flower. The Lenten rose will respond well to many different conditions, hellebore will make a fine addition to any garden.

Red Chokeberries

Red Chokeberry is a native plant to North eastern America, It was found growing in wet woods and wetlands. Chokeberries are attractive ornamental shrubs, naturally understory and woodland edge plants. Because they are native plants they are insect, pollution, and disease resistant. There are two well known species named for there colored fruit, red and black. This plant is a multi stemmed shrub, 6-12 feet tall and spreads readily by root sprouts. This is truly a plant for four seasons, in spring it produces clusters of white, five petaled flowers. They give way to dark green foliage throughout the summer months. This foliage turns from a lush green to a orange/red that really stands out in the fall garden. Also appearing are the bright red, pear shaped berries. These berries persist on the plant though December and January and along with the reddish brown exfoliating bark really standout in the winter landscape. Although the fruit persist though most of the winter, they are occasionally eaten by game birds and song birds and reportedly by bears. Because this plant is self pollinating only one plant is needed to produce berries. The juice from the berries is not sweet but is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. The berries can be used to make wine, jam, syrup, juice, soft spread, and tea. So if you are looking for a plant to spruce up your winter garden, give this plant a try.

Winter King Hawthorn

One of the showiest ornamental trees for the winter garden is Winter King Hawthorn. The orange/red fruit which persist on the naked tree throughout the winter makes this a tree anyone would want in there garden. Unlike other hawthorns it has has very small thorns that are inconspicuous. Also unlike other hawthorns this plant is somewhat disease and pest free. This small to medium size tree will get to 20 to 30 feet in height and width. That makes this tree a good choice for small gardens, it is also a very good tree in urban areas were air pollution, poor drainage, compacted soils, and drought are common. The 2 inch clusters of white flowers that open in mid May, show up very nicely against the glossy green foliage. The outer bark of this hawthorn is beige-gray, which exfoliates to expose a warm cinnamon color under bark. The younger branches are a silver-gray color, bearing 1 inch thorns. The fall color although not its primary feature turners from green to a golden yellow, with hints of red and maroon. For winter interest, this is a plant that's hard to beat.