Northwest gardeners don't always get weak in the knees at the mention of a Red Twig Dogwood. It is a native plant that is fairly low maintenance, which gives it two thumbs up in my book...
but, because of those qualities it is frequently used as the default space filler plant.
But the name really says it all. The beauty of this plant lies in it's bright red bark.
Here is a photo of Red Twig Dogwood that I took at the
Platt Garden two years ago:
The dirt on Red Twig Dogwood:
Botanical Name:
Cornus sericea
Origin: California to Alaska
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness: Sunset A1-A3; 1-9; 14-21
Size:7' high, 12' wide. There are many smaller cultivars. 'Isanti' grows to 5' high.
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade
I went to the Portland Classical Chinese Garden last week just in time to see the blooming Edgeworthia. Edgeworthia, a relative of Daphne, has fragrant flowers that bloom in winter and early spring from unusual looking buds. It is a very interesting shrub that is not very widely used here, so it is always a treat to see. 
You have to appreciate it when you see a nice winter garden here in Puddletown. I've been taking advantage of our sunny weather this week by going for walks to check out various neighbors' yards and see what treasures I can find. One of the more unusual looking winter interest plants I have seen is Beautyberry. Beautyberry is an arching shrub that is covered with clusters of purple fruit. The cool thing about Beautyberry is that long after it has lost it's leaves, those crazy violet berries are still covering the shrub. It looks great combined with the contrasting foliage of yellow or chartreuse evergreen shrubs. 
