i live in the middle of a large continent, right smack on the 45th parallel (halfway between north pole and equator). that means we get some pretty intense weather. people here talk of four seasons, but really we have two: six months of hot, and six months of cold. given this, it seem reasonable that we should plant just as many gardens intended to be seen in the winter, as in the summer. i nominate, as my first minnesota winter garden candidates, red osier dogwood and rose hips. both reliably colorful all winter long.

rose bush in winter

saint paul, minnesota