Winter is finally upon us! This winter, the fountain was transformed using interesting conifers and winter-blooming plants. Some plants included are two species of juniper, Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ and Juniperus communis ‘Gold Cone.’ Juniper makes a great container plant by providing textural interest while being able to withstand the winter cold. 

Erica darleyensis ‘Mediterranean Pink,’ commonly known as winter heath, provides a beautiful pink winter bloom. Delicate flowers add color and remind onlookers that flowers can persist during the winter season. With evergreen, rosemary-like foliage, this plant is a favorite for winter interest, blooming profusely when most plants are dormant. 

Two species of lenten rose are included as well. Helleborus x hybridus and Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ feature downward, nodding cup shaped sepals and come in a variety of colors. The park boasts a huge collection of lenten rose planted in the perennial beds throughout the park. These flowers bloom throughout the winter and into early spring. On sunny days you may see pollinators visiting the blooms eager for their nectar in the scarcity of winter. 

Bright red berries color the containers near the Farragut Monument as winterberry, Gaultheria procumbens, provides vibrant winter interest. Its flowers are reminiscent of blueberry flowers common in their shared plant family, Ericaceae. Among its evergreen foliage, bright red berries emerge from the flowers, making it an excellent container plant. These berries are a tasty source of food for native wildlife, and the leaves were once used to make wintergreen tea, given the strong minty aroma released from crushed leaves. 

While many plants go into dormancy, the park remains active as the native wildlife rely on Madison Square Park for food and shelter during the winter months. The resident red-tailed hawk has been seen perched and keeping a watchful eye on the park, while native songbirds take shelter and feast on the berries in the park’s many holly trees, Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens,’ of which we have many planted throughout the park. While the city never sleeps, neither does the park, and we hope you take a moment to appreciate the subtle beauty of winter at Madison Square Park.