Randall Zondag Developing interest in the landscape throughout the year is an objective for most gardeners. Selecting plants that have attractive characteristics during all four seasons helps gardeners reach their goal of a well-planned landscape. Some plants have several attributes that exhibit ornamental qualities during each season of the year. While attractive flowers may be the showiest characteristic, persistent ornamental fruit may extend the display into winter, while a distinct growth habit or form will be attractive when the plant is not in bloom or bearing fruit. Plants that bloom when other plants are not in blossom deserve special consideration.
Foliage can provide varying shades of green or distinct contrast with yellow, red, or purple leaves.
A blaze of autumn foliage color is a grand finale before the plant's more subtle winter characteristics are revealed. Persistent fruit that is held into winter is attractive and may attract wildlife. Patterned or textured bark is more evident when leaves have fallen and contrast nicely to a snowy background. Bold or unusual plant structure and form also are more evident after leaves drop in autumn. Not all the plants listed have all these features, but each retains at least one outstanding ornamental characteristic all year.