Holly

Holly comes into its own this time of year.  The evergreen hollies are stalwarts in the landscape while many of the plants are leafless.  Many are decorated with their own red berries, but one at the local botanical garden has been given a little extra ornamentation (don we now our gay apparel):

 

Of course, not every holly is evergreen.  Next to the American holly, ilex opaca, above was a deciduous holly (either possumhaw holly, ilex decidua, or winterberry holly, ilex verticillata, I'm not sure which), which I find absolutely lovely.

 

Thanks to Caleb for taking the pictures (and being willing to take a walk with his old ma this afternoon).