Evergreens are valuable elements in residential landscape design because of their permanent nature: They look nearly the same during winter doldrums as they do in the heat of summer. As permanent fixtures, many evergreens–particularly Leland cypresses–make excellent natural partitions, particularly between properties.
Many people don’t realize, however, that evergreens include all plants that retain their leaves throughout the year. Camellias (pictured), Lowcountry icons, not only retain their shiny, dark green leaves year-round, but they produce an abundance of beautiful, brilliant flowers during the winter doldrums. The various types of jasmine, a genus of ornamental vines, give fences and trestles a permanent down-home, Lowcountry feel and produce fragrances so appealing that they’ve been used in perfumes for ages. And, lest we forget, encore azaleas–quintessential symbols of Southern charm–bloom throughout the growing season.
Seth Mason, Charleston SC
