It has been the wettest and windiest few months in many years.... since records began? On the other hand, it has also been relatively mild, with only a few frosty nights and hardly any significant snow or ice. All of which has made us realise that it's important to think about indoor plants too. These can give those of us with itchy green fingers something to care for and enjoy when the outdoors are simply too inhospitable.

On the surface, January is a pretty colourless month, and there isn't an awful lot going on in the garden. But if you look closely, you will see that 'God is in the details' of the plant world. Two subtle favourites, both in bloom in our shop at the moment, are Sarcococca confusa (Sweet box / Christmas box) and Hamamelis x intermedia (Witch hazel). They both have a delicious scent and both flower at a time when, delicate as they are, they can make themselves noticed.