It's inevitable, another long Chicago winter is right around the corner. However, just because it's below freezing outside does not mean that homeowners can't enjoy views of their garden from the warmth and comfort of the inside of their home!

With careful attention in selecting plants that provide visually interesting textures, colors, and movement, it's possible to make winter a season of natural beauty.

Many of the ornamental grasses hold up very nicely over the winter. Karl Foerster Reed Grass, Blue Oat Grass, Flame Grass, and Northwind Switch Grass all turn a light brown in the Fall and add interest throughout the colder months. Grasses should not be trimmed back until Spring.

Evergreens, including dwarf conifers, keep that green (or bluish) feature consistently all year long. Birdsnest Spruce and Blue Nest Spruce stay small and are easily incorporated into a perennial bed. Boxwoods, Yews, and many of the creeping Junipers are all good choices. If looking for something large to perhaps screen an undesirable view, Austrian Pines can help. Unlike many other evergreens, they are quite tolerant of road salt.

Trees and shrubs with either exfoliating bark or colorful stems and twigs are one of the easiest ways to add winter interest to the garden. Trees with exfoliating bark include the River Birches. For colorful stems, consider the Red and Yellow Twig Dogwoods. They look great all Winter and contrast nicely with the white snow. The Dogwoods benefit from pruning back the old wood on an annual basis. Regular pruning out of old wood in late winter before new growth begins, keeps the Dogwoods colors vibrant.

Winter-time fruit and berries add color, too. Many of the Crabapple Trees feature either red or yellow fruits, (at least until the birds eat them). For outstanding early winter berries, look to the Chokeberries and Winterberry.

For color in the form of a vine, try American Bittersweet. The red/orange berries can also be used for winter decoration. Plant at least three plants to insure fruit.

Last but not least, the evergreen groundcovers can ensure some year round green in the garden. These include Pachysandra, Bowles Periwinkle, Purple Leaf Winter Creeper (yes, it does turn a shade of purple in the winter) and Thornedale English Ivy.

So let's get out there and get those gardens ready for December, January, February, and March.