Beating the Winter Blues Check out the vibrant colors of golden variegated sweet flag and wood spurge, and the blue pansies add just the right spark. Sweet flag (Acorus gramineus 'Ogon') is hardy to Zone 5 (although it may not be reliably so in the colder parts of Zone 5) and is evergreen, or rather ever-golden, in warmer climates. Its partner, golden wood spurge (Sedum 'Angelina'), can be planted in full sun to partial shade and is hardy to USDA Zone 3. Its needled foliage is a perfect complement to needled conifers.
Art with Foliage Copper-colored and dark green, the fronds of the autumn fern (left) complement the orange-pink leaves of coral bells (right). Erupting with an assortment of bold foliage textures and colors, this pot is a horticultural tour de force. And, notice, no flowers. The green sedge (Carex dipsacea, hardy to USDA Zone 7), will eventually go dormant for the winter, turning soft russet tones. Ornamental grasses are not only great for providing a flush of color and texture but also for adding sound in the winter, swishing in the wind.
Sweet November Looking for a plant that adds both texture and color in the winter? Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is known for its coppery new foliage. Once the new foliage matures, it will turn a glossy, deep green. Hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 9, it is evergreen if protected by drying winds. (Make sure to keep it watered.) In colder areas, autumn fern is semi-evergreen. By the end of winter, as with many evergreen perennials, it benefits from pruning. However, be careful about going crazy with cutting back — if you remove too much, it'll lose some vigor.
Glowing Red Red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) is one of the hardiest dogwoods in the U.S., tolerating extremely cold temperatures (to USDA Zone 2). Plus, its brilliant red stems show up nicely against snow. Here it's combined with Rheingold arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'), blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug') and blue star juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'). Tip: only the immature wood of clippings of red-twig dogwood (or, redosier dogwood) are red. To keep the glowing red color, prune back one-third of the older canes every year. Also, the red stems make a striking cutflower display outdoors, holding up very well in cold temperatures.
Intimate Color Adding a splash of color to the winter garden is made easy with brightly painted containers and rocks. To create your own colorful container garden, use spray paint (preferably one that's suitable for use on plastic surfaces) and a durable container that will withstand the freeze/thaw cycle. In a non-breezy, well-ventilated area, cover the area where you will be working with newspapers. On the prepared area, spray the external sides and inner rim of the pot. After adding potting soil, select and plant winter-hardy plants that will provide color and texture throughout the season. Keep a can of spray paint and protective covering for plants (to avoid runaway spray) handy for touch-ups if needed. Paint some rocks found around the garden for added effect.http://www.hgtv.com/