It is water...eventually!
It is an insulating blanket...immediately.
It is a tool...bet you wouldn't have guessed that one. Yes it is!
When the snow falls on the landscape it hides all the busy details of the land and plants. The simplicity of white covers all the other hues leaving only the light and dark interplay of form. What you are left with is a display of pure structure.
You can see the outlines of the walls, trees, walks (once shoveled!). Berries are highlighted as well as bark. Branching patterns and undulations of the earth are pronounced. Take a look at all the forms that pop into view under the snow. Often what you see is that one characteristic of a plant that is entirely hidden in the full swing of the growing season. You might also see a gap, a flaw or a missed opportunity for a focal element in your garden. This spot may be shielded in the lush summer, but entirely exposed in the clear winter months.
The leafless and snow covered time of winter lends an opportunity to the gardener to look at the landscape in "black & white". To crisply see the form and the structure and to work at improving the flow, the dance between elements.
Taking pictures is a perfect way to catalogue what you see. Print the images, write notes on the back, and be sure to log the date. This way once spring comes around, you will have a plan...to plant that one plant...that needed gem. What a nice feeling that will be!
Happy Gardening
