As winter settles in, nature takes on the role of festive decorator, creating its own stunning displays without the need for tinsel or lights.

Trees and shrubs are adorned with clusters of vibrant berries that resemble ornaments with their red, orange, and purple hues. Mushrooms and fungi emerge, offering pops of interest across the forest floor, while frost flowers bring exquisite refinement to drying meadows. Icicles appear on trees and elsewhere as delicate sculptures, sparkling in the sunlight. Even the quiet stillness of winter offers its own kind of beauty, creating a serene and natural “holiday” atmosphere.

Photo of Eastern wahoo tree by Maria Koerner, 2024. Used with permission.

Bright red berries on trees like holly and sumac offer cheerful pops of color. The Eastern wahoo stands out with its winged, pinkish-red seed pods that look like they’ve been hung with care on the tree’s bare limbs. These fruits not only serve as visual ornaments, but also provide vital food sources for wildlife during the colder months.

Many species of fungi continue to thrive in the winter months, growing on fallen logs or damp tree trunks and adding a surprising touch of life to the season. Though less abundant, these fungi are an important part of the ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and contributing to the forest’s health. Their distinct colors and shapes offer a natural contrast to the muted winter landscape.

Photo of frost flower by Ellen Sears, 2024. Used with permission.

Frost flowers are delicate, icy formations that appear on the stems of certain plants when temperatures and conditions are just right. Water remaining in the plant is pushed up through the stem, meeting the freezing air and crystallizing into thin, petal-like ice structures. You can often spot them in the early morning hours along fields, meadows, or near wetlands, especially after a cold night following a warm day.

Icicles are one of winter’s most beautiful natural phenomena, forming when water melts from a surface like a roof or branch, then refreezes as temperatures drop. Over time, the ice builds in long, sparkling columns. These frozen “decorations” offer a visually striking indicator of temperature fluctuations, as they typically form when daytime warmth causes snow or ice to melt, and nighttime cold causes it to refreeze.

In nature’s version of decorating for the season, the landscape is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Frost-covered leaves sparkle like intricate lacework, and each step along the trail may reveal a hidden treasure—a patch of moss encased in ice, or a tree branch dotted with the season’s last few berries. These wondrous displays of nature evolve with the changing seasons, showcasing the incredible creativity of the natural world.

When you visit The Parklands, take a moment to the appreciate the subtle and magical decorations nature has to offer. This season an throughout the rest of the year, our four connected parks are always ready to impress with their plentiful charms.