For many gardeners the prime goal is growing plants that bloom their heads off during spring and through the summer months. Some even experiment with the odd winter bloomer and many will attempt to deadhead their plants at the end of summer to encourage an autumn flourish.

It seems that trying to keep flowers in the garden is the prime ambition and one that we should all strive to achieve.

However, there are so many plants that actually look better without their foliage or colorful blooms that are sorely missed within many home gardens. They belong to the group of plants we term deciduous.

Those plants that reside within this group shine best when their autumn colour has past and spring buds are a few months away. Stripped naked and bare their trunks, branches or stems create another dimension in the garden that only the super-wise gardeners seem to enjoy and plan towards.

If your garden looks a little dreary in winter why not take advantage of some of these incredible trees and shrubs with their beautiful bark colours.

Cornus (Dogwoods)
The red stems of C.alba 'Sibirica' and C.sericia are awesome standouts in any winter garden, especially if it's covered in snow. Dogwoods are great cool climate shrubs and will contrast amazingly against a dull winter garden backdrop.

Salix matsudana tortuosa (Corkscrew or Tortured Willow)
The gnarled branches of the Tortured Willow are prized by florists who use them effectively in their flower arrangements. This highlights the versatility of this beautiful tree as it gives texture to a winter garden and dappled shade in the summer months.

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
The perennial favourite, silver birches and many other trees within the Betulaceae family offer some variations on bark that is not only beautiful but also great texturally. The white frame of the silver birch can be contrasted wonderfully if planted alongside B.nigra (River Birch) and it's dark brown offerings.

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Hazelnut, Filbert)
Like the Tortured Willow, Hazelnut trees have these incredible contorted branches that dazzle when their leaves have all fallen away. And while they look great in a winter garden they also offer a great source of fruit during the summer months making the Filbert an extremely versatile tree.

Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore maple, Plane Tree)
The tree that Zaccheus climber to get an eyeful of Jesus is also another standout in the winter garden. Sycamores are large trees so they won't be an option for most gardeners but if you have the room then this maple will make an excellent feature tree. It will shade the garden through the warmer months and then shed its auburn leaves to display its wonderfully mottled bark.

Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood)
A native tree to Iran, the Persian Ironwood will grow well in most warmer climes and offers multiple trunks and low branches. Its gorgeous autumn foliage is only temporarily missed once the bark becomes its focal point.

Populus tremula (Aspen Tree)
Not too dissimilar looking to the birches and beech trees, Aspens are tall and slender with predominantly white trunks. They can be planted close together for great effect and look best this way rather than planted solo.