Dear Duncan: Hopefully we've designed our gardens so design and structure of the garden becomes more important in winter. The curve of a path becomes a focal point in winter whereas in summer we're captivated by the interplay of light on the petals of say the perennial lobelia. Today seed heads of grasses and spent perennials created a good show in the garden. In the dead of winter it's always interesting to watch the Chickadees work on the perennial seed heads. Providing a seed source should be an important part of our garden. Even in snowy areas you'll find some perennials that withstand anything nature provides. Last winter was our largest snowfall since 1936 and yet various perennials remained standing all winter. Perovskia atriplicifolia created a wonderful backdrop to the snow. I always leave the beautiful autumn colored Peony foliage until nature collapses it. It's is important to continue to clip things that collapse as well as picking off the winter weeds that appear. You'll save time next spring. A garden is truly a four season event. Let's enjoy. Question: May I move Erica carnea in full bud now? Duncan McAlpine wrote: > Is there really a rule of thumb to start cutting back the perennial > bed? --------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS