Using coloured stems in gardens designed for winter interest.

Coloured stems are a great way to add interest to your garden in the winter months. A stroll around Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge is a great way to see what a strong impact they can have when used bravely, en masse. 

The two photos above feature Cornus (Dogwood) and Rubus (Ornamental Bramble) Combining the Rubus with one of the deeper red varieties really brings out the pink in the white stems.

Cornus stems can also be combined with trees that have interesting bark such as the rich coloured bark of Cherry or Acer as above.

The peeling bark of Acer griseum combines well with the orange tones of Salix alba var. vitellina 'Britzensis' seen here at Benington Lordship Gardens near Stevenage. 

Beth Chatto uses the same salix in combination with various cornus species. The salix is an ideal specimen for placing in the boggy ground next to a pond or lake where its colourful reflection can create double the impact.