If you’ve been gardening for a while, you know that fall is the perfect time to get those trees, shrubs and flowering perennials in the ground. But while flowers are pretty, there aren’t many of them around in the winter. So what do you plant now that will give you something to look at during the colder months? Plenty! Check out my go-to plant groups for winter interest, but be sure to always check with local plant experts at your county extension office or a trusted nursery to suggest appropriate varieties for your area. Happy planting!

Ornamental Grasses: While ornamental grasses are beautiful additions to the spring, summer and autumn garden, they also shine in the winter. Let them have their straw-like winter form before cutting them back in February—the golden colors and dried seedheads create unbeatable movement and texture in an otherwise bleak winter landscape. Consider dwarf fountain grass, maiden grass, Mexican feather grass, gulf muhly, bamboo muhly or inland sea oats. The first time you see morning frost on these graceful plants, you’ll thank me.

Evergreen Trees & Shrubs: Evergreen plants are the backbone of any garden, and when winter rolls around, you can definitely see why. When other plants are dormant, these keep on plugging away. But don’t brush them off as boring or plain—many of them have acorns, pinecones, berries and pods among their foliage, increasing their winter interest and providing food for wildlife. Try firs, oaks, yews, junipers, yaupons and cedars.

Plants With Gorgeous Bark: This group of plants is so stunning that it doesn’t really matter if they have any leaves in the winter. Their stunning bark is their winter calling card—from peeling, textural trunks to bark with bright colors, they stand out against white snow and evergreen plants. Try red twig dogwood, yellow twig dogwood, birches, crepe myrtles, maples, willows and aspens.