Still weeping amid the snow, this larch holds tight to its globular buds, and is a great deal hardier than its elegant form would have most believe. I understand that this powerhouse can withstand the crazy-cold temps of Zone 2 (we are in Zone 5, and you’ve heard how nasty it gets here – can’t imagine what Zone 2 winters are like). Hardiness and elegance – a powerful combination as rare as it is exquisite. Its form is a nice reminder that structure, particularly in the winter, is an important aspect of the properly plotted garden.
When the wind and snow rages, and color drains from the landscape, the architecture of a garden comes into focus and play. That’s why I tend not to prune anything in the fall. The seed heads of grasses, the broken and cracked branches of woody perennials, the dried umbrels of an ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum – they all contribute to the interest and delight of the garden in winter. A blanket of snow instantly elevates this beauty. Without the bones, we’d be left with nothing but flat white. The mind requires further stimulation.
