WINTER INTEREST

Many people think that Winter is a dreary time for the garden, but they couldn't be more wrong !!!  I think this season is one of the most interesting for shape, structure and unusual colour combinations.

Here are some plants you could consider to add some winter interest to your garden:

• Buxus sempervirens Box - evergreen, ideal for topiary
• Betula utilis Silver Birch tree - bright white bark
• Cornus alba 'Sibirica' Dogwood - bright red stems - great combination when planted with Betula (above)
• Holly - various species Try to buy male & female to ensure good berries - also good for Christmas & winter flower arrangements.
• Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' Evergreen with yellow winter flowers & black berries
• Malus 'Red Sentinel' Crab apple tree with tiny red apples well into winter.
• Galanthus nivalis Snowdrops - ideal for planting in clumps under trees & along hedgerows - usually purchased 'in the green' in March.
• Corylus contorta Corkscrew hazel - amazing twisted branches - interesting in flower arrangements
• Hamamellis mollis Witch hazel - scented yellow winter flowers
• Phormium 'Jester' Good evergreen architectural plant
• Cortaderia selloana Pampas grass - usually keeps its plumed seed heads well into winter.