Now the majority of flowering plants have died back and the garden is settling in for winter, you begin to appreciate those in your garden that have year round interest, whether that is winter flower, coloured stems, interesting leaves or bark. One tree that never disappoints is Prunus serrula or Tibetan Cherry. White blossom in spring, fruit and […]
We can’t ignore the impressive flowers out this month of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’. One of our very favourite hydrangeas, this late summer bloomer produces HUGE globes of small white flowers which fade through shades of green throughout autumn. An upright shrub, it looks magnificent in any partly shady border but also striking in groups.
Helleborus niger or Christmas Rose is one of the earliest flowering plants; this useful little evergreen can brighten up shady areas in the garden. This particular variety has dark foliage, contrasted by simple upturned white flowers which stand loud and proud on those dreary Feb days.
Our Really Nice Plant of the month is the Cornus sanguinea ‘Magic Flame’. Cornus are fantastic for Winter interest in the garden. This deciduous shrub reveals bright orange and red stems after shedding it’s leaves, which also redden in Autumn. Colours best in full sun but will cope with partial shade.
Now as someone who had a wonderfully religious upbringing I know very well not to covet my neighbours’ goods… Fortunately I don’t have to as my lovely neighbour to the right grows all sorts of things that creep over our boundary and look like they are mine anyway. And even better – she grows things […]