Western Mountains and High Plains
Favorite or New Plant
Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Unique in every season, Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') really shines when the leaves have fallen. It is particularly attractive in the winter garden, where its contorted stems and branches really draw attention. It's hardy to zone 4 but requires protection as this is a grafted flowering shrub. Prune off suckers that emerge from the rootstock. It does best in well-drained soil and full to part sun exposure.
Clever Gardening Technique
Reduce Raking Chores
You can help get through the garden clean-up faster if you use a shop vacuum. It will suck up fallen leaves in the rose garden and around shrub borders. If the debris is largely free of weeds and disease, recycle the bag's contents to the compost pile. Dispose of weed- and insect-infested materials by burying them.