Many homeowners throw in the towel and stop working on their landscape once the winter season hits. The bone-chilling temperatures combined with snow and freezing rain will sap the life from the most well-manicured gardens and lawns. Even avid green-thumbs may struggle to keep their plants alive until spring. Thankfully, however, there are steps homeowners can take to bring color to their landscape through the harsh winter months.

Shrubs With Berries

Try adding some berry-bearing shrubs to your landscape to enhance its aesthetic value year-round. Many of these shrubs will survive through the winter, while other plants die off. A holly bush, for instance, offers colorful berries that will add a new dynamic to your yard. The berries produced by shrubs and bushes will also attract birds, further boosting your landscape's visual appeal. Just remember to trim keep an eye on your shrubs and trim them when needed.

Evergreens

The term “evergreen” is somewhat of a misnomer given the fact that many plants and trees which fall under this category aren't green. Some of them produce brilliant yellow, orange and even blue-colored leaves. And best of all, evergreens never shed their leaves, so you don't have to worry about your yard becoming a barren patch of voided land during the winter.

Consider using one or more of the following evergreens in your yard this winter season:

• Helmock
• Blue spruce
• Red cedar
• Gold Thread false cypress
• Dwarf blue spruce
• Jack pine
• Love oak
• Holly

Mediterranean Crown Vetch

The Mediterranean Crown Vetch (Coronilla valentina glauca) is a beautiful green shrub that bears bright yellow flowers. It's able to grow in a wide range of climates, making it an ideal choice for winter gardening. Also, the Mediterranean Crown Vetch has an aroma that many people compare to fresh peaches.

Arnold Promise Asian Witch Hazel

Another “go to” shrub for winter gardening is the Arnold Promise Asian witch hazel. With small, stringy, colorful flowers and a pleasing fragrant aroma, it's the preferred choice for many green thumbs. The Arnold Promise Asian witch hazel receives its namesake from Harvard University professor Arnold Arboretum, whom developed the hardy variety.

Containers

Rather than allowing your unused containers to gather dust in the basement, take them out and fill them with hardy trees and plants. A miniature dwarf Alberta spruce is the perfect choice for the winter season, as it's able to withstand the tough weather and requires minimal space. Placing one inside a medium-sized container will bring more life to your landscape. Of course, you can experiment with other plants and trees, as well, placing them inside hanging baskets, ceramic pots, and even makeshift containers.

Hopefully, this will give you a better idea of how to keep your landscape attractive throughout the unforgiving winter months.