To get the full effect of a contorted plant, isolate one and locate it as a focal point to be seen in winter. When crowded into a border with plants of the same size, or set against a busy background, the odd outlines become lost. Snow-catchers transform a bland winter landscape into an architectural marvel. Snow paints white edged outlines. Dogwoods take on a lovely tiered branching when lightly crusted with snow.
Evergreens can add many different greens - blue, green, rust, and gold to the garden.
Some evergreens, such as some of the azaleas, the red flowering andromeda, and the purple-leafed PJM rhododendron, even add reds and purples. Yes, they are more subdued, but with careful selection you can intensify nature's palette with a careful selection of four-season plants.