While we install annuals for winter color and plant bulbs for spring bloom, the reappearance of winter bulbs such as Italian Arum (Arum italicum) is cheering. Look around the beds for clumps of arrow-shaped green leaves, sometimes with white veination. The flowers (whitish spathes) won't appear until late winter or early spring. They will be followed by clusters of red fruits that will persist after the leaves have died down in the spring heat.
Another plant with winter-emerging foliage to watch out for is Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), which has begun to emerge in one of The Fearrington Granary beds. It will form a mat of rounded to heart shaped glossy green leaves, then bloom in early spring with bright yellow buttercups. They're quite cheerful and good companions to daffodils, grape hyacinths and tulips.
The Fearrington Gardeners