LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Chris Olsen from Botanica Gardens always has great advice on home and gardening projects.

Segment 1: Hardy Evergreens
Most of our gardens and landscapes look great during the growing season but when it comes to the winter season, not so much. Don't give up hope. There are so many varieties of great low maintenance evergreen shrubs that look great and provide texture and color not only in the winter but all year long.
 
Here are Chris's favorites:
 
Variegated Boxwood
Skimmia
Rainbow Leucothoe
Julia-Jane Boxwood
Scotch Heathers
'Prelude' Pieris Japonica
Emerald Gaiety Euonymus
Yews
Assorted Herbs such as parsley, oregano, and rosemary 

Segment 2: Winter Containers
Give your yard and patio a make over this fall by simply replanted your containers with the winter hardy evergreens. All you have to do is start with the tall plants in the back and staircase down to the front of the pot with an assortment of evergreens as described in the first segment. Remember it is not about symmetry but about balance. Your potted containers do not have to match on both sides of your front door.  Just place one large pot on one side and on the other side of the door place two pots, one mid-size and one smaller size.
 
Add some color with your evergreens such as the new Cool Wave pansies. These trailing pansies will fill more garden space and drape the sides of your pots. Load with flowers, Cool Wave pansies come in an assortment of colors. Add ornamental kale such as my favorite variety the Peacock Kale, ornamental cabbages, and evergreen herbs for interested and texture..

Check out the videos for step-by-step instructions! And you can always visit Chris at Botanica Gardens, located at 1601 Rebsamen Park Road, for help on any gardening projects.