Winterstructure in perennial plantings, designlaborations from a winterperspective

Perennial plantings often loose their aesthetic value during the winter if there hasn’t been enough though laid on the perennials structural appearance in winter. A perennial planting designed without the knowledge of the perennials appearance all year round and how long they keep their structure, can result in a garden that completely looses it´s aesthetic value during winter. When the planting looses it´s value in winter it also looses it´s purpose on it´s location during this time. The purpose of this essay has been to examine the winter qualities of perennials and how they can be used to design a dynamic perennial planting that retains value all year round. The aim has been to illuminate perennials with winter qualities and their significance for public plantings. Aspects for designing with perennials have been examined to lay a ground for how to work with the winter qualities of perennial plants. Aesthetic values, which are particularly relevant for winter design, have been discussed and compared with each other. The research has resulted in a wider knowledge of what is particularly relevant for designing a perennial planting that has dynamic and aesthetic value during winter. The basic condition to create a dynamic perennial planting with year-round value is the knowledge of the perennials annual appearance. Based on this knowledge there’s a possibility to choose the right perennials with structure during all months of the year. With these structural perennials a dynamic can be built by working with contrasting forms, colours and rhythms. A variety of perennials are available with different winter qualities that are worth highlighting that can play a part in our desired social, economic and ecologically sustainable society.Uppsats för avläggande av filosofie kandidatexamen i Kulturvård, Trädgårdens hantverk och design 22,5 hp, 201