Gardeners are always being recommended plants that provide “winter interest,” so we don’t get TOO depressed in the winter. Last month I went looking for winter interest around Old Greenbelt and snapped these examples of plants that provide color, texture and movement, even now.

Above and below is the glorious Ilex verticulata, common name Winterberry holly. It’s native to this region and a good provider for birds.

Pyracantha berries are nice but watch out for the sharp-edged leaves and even worse, the thorns.

Large ornamental grasses sway with the breeze and look great all winter – or until the first stalk-crushing blizzard. Above, they block a GHI member’s view of parked cars.

I love these tall grasses in the front yard of the Museum.

Great bark gets the attention it’s due this time of year. Can anyone ID this tree on the grounds of the Municipal Center?

Winter color doesn’t even need to be from plants. I love these inviting chairs and holiday decorations just inches from Ridge Road. I’m not sure they’re still there in late January, but my wreath, decorated in silver and blue, will stay up until March. The bark of the crepe myrtle on the right is nice. too.

One more example of winter interest is also an example of breaking the first rule of sustainable gardening – “Right plant, right place.” This holly at the library could be the right place if the place weren’t so WRONG. Placement mistakes make for long-term maintenance headaches.

Now who else has noticed the similarity between our library and the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture? This shot is from my visit (exterior only, so far) in October.