A Glowing Winter Garden with Dogwood, Sedum and Grasses

Creating a dynamic and visually appealing garden border that offers year-round interest is a dream for many gardeners. A thoughtfully designed border featuring Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’, Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’, Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Overdam’, and Stipa tenuissima can deliver just that.

Structure and Color
Begin with the Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’ as your anchor. Its vivid winter stems ranging from yellow to fiery red create a dramatic backdrop. Plant these in clusters or in a staggered row at the back of the border to create height and a color pop, especially during winter months when other plants are dormant.

Foliage and Texture
In front of the Cornus, plant Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Overdam’. This ornamental grass offers vertical lines and feathery plumes that dance in the wind, providing movement and contrast. Its variegated foliage also complements the dark green leaves of the Cornus.

Flowering Accents
Intersperse Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ between the grasses and the Cornus. This perennial is a late-season bloomer with rich, rusty-red flowers that turn to a coppery brown in winter, adding another layer of seasonal interest. Its succulent leaves provide excellent textural contrast.

Wispy Highlights
Finally, dot the front of the border with Stipa tenuissima. These delicate, wispy grasses act like a softening veil for the overall arrangement. The fine foliage provides a gentle sway and a beautiful golden color in autumn.

Final Thoughts
This border idea is not only visually harmonious but also practical. All the plants are hardy and relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. They also offer something for each season—foliage, texture, blooms, and dramatic winter color—making your garden border a year-round focal point.