Snow has fallen in our neighborhood, so it’s the perfect time to embrace the wonder of our landscapes. Now that the snow has settled, we can undoubtedly notice things in our yards in a way we never have before. In the quiet of the moment and the serenity of the landscape, it’s magical to just observe.
Invariably, we can see how snow has a special way of accentuating the branching structure of a plant. The snow sparkles in every nook of the majestic branches that otherwise may go unnoticed. What is usually part of the background comes to light in a new way. The details come alive down to the shining ice at the ends of each stem. Even the most delicate frost on a big branch brings a sense of gentleness, like a soft blanket, to the bold structures in the landscape.
Painting all parts of a plant in a uniform white highlights the form of it, including, of course, size and shape, but also draws attention to characteristics like symmetry. Sometimes, the symmetry of a plant or a landscape can be extremely pleasing. Sometimes, variety brings a new perspective. Either way, the snow sheds light on the form of our plants and how they uniquely fit into their landscapes. However you see your yard in the warmer, green months, you surely see it differently under a thick layer of bright, sparkling snow.
Similarly, a fresh coat of snow dramatically displays the growth habit of a plant, especially those that have a weeping nature. The delicately arching stems collect snow and show off their graceful drooping. Almost with an exhale, the branches look like a cascade of wintery white fluff. It’s mesmerizing.
Taking a step back, we can see the entirety of a landscape—a moment in its story, captured in time. We see the smooth, untouched surfaces that ground the magnificent and intricately branched trees above. We see the layers of a mature landscape, dressed up for the occasion. Doesn’t it give a sense of awe?