I provide color, form and texture in my landscape with  careful selection of plant material. For example, striking contrast is created by planting  red- or yellow-barked dogwoods (Cornus spp.) in front of  groupings of Colorado Blue spruces (Picea pungens). Plants with sculptural form include the spiky Yuccas.  I favor the variegated cultivars. The varied tones of conifers, junipers (like Juniperus horizontalis "Mother lode") and broad-leafed evergreens provide a spectacular accent. Many of my shrubs have variegated leaves.

I use "Harry Lauder's walking stick" (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') for its exotic shape of stems and branches and its gorgeous display of catkins. The cotoneaster's branching patterns add interest and the graceful arching leaves of ornamental grasses add grace and motion.   Weeping Norway Spruces (Picea abies pendula) and grafted Blue Spruces (globe and pyramid forms) are planted as specimens. They are great focal points. Many plantings of red  barberry (Berberis thunbergii), including the variety 'Roseglow',  provide brilliant color.

The berries of ornamental trees, like the Hawthorns (Crataegus), Crabapple  (Malus cultivars) and Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparis), and the berries of the viburnums remain on the plants throughout winter until eaten by wildlife.

As you see, even a wildlife habitat can be beautiful throughout the year. Just choose your planting materials carefully.