As trees and other garden blooms begin fade this time of year, other plants begin to peak in color. I try to be creative in my own garden by adding color throughout the year. One of my favorite ways to do this in the winter months is with berries. Berries add an extra dimension to the garden and enhance the backdrop for the cold and dreary months ahead – and as a bonus, attract and provide food for many birds.

Winter holly has to top the list in my landscape. This time of year they drop their leaves and leave a massive amount of red berries. This particular variety is 'Sparkleberry'.

Another winter deciduous holly in my garden is 'Winter Gold'. These berries start out bright orange and slowly turn to yellow as the season progresses.

Nandina 'compacta' is another heavy berry producer. These berries will be bright red by Thanksgiving. They're great to use in holiday arrangements.

One of my favorite berry producing trees in the landscape is the 'Winter King Hawthorne' (Crataegus viridis). Winter king is a small deciduous tree that features white flowers in spring. In the fall small, crabapple-like fruits mature to a bright red and persist throughout the winter, or until the birds get to them.

Consider incorporating berries in your own garden to brighten up the landscape on those cold winter days.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!