Plants for the Garden in Winter

Winter isn't exactly the time you associate with the garden, but there are a few very special plants which come into their own at this time of year. Some of these plants produce wonderfully scented flowers; others have bark or twigs which can only be seen at this time of year; and others produce berries which are pretty to look at and provide much needed food for wildlife. These subtle winter plants draw you into the garden on a cold day and show that all is not asleep in the natural world. Planted near the house, scented plants can be appreciated every time you pass them, or they can be cut and brought into the house for a natural flower arrangement. Generally speaking, these plants like a shady, sheltered spot, and should be planted somewhere that you get the most out of them - ideally near a door or beside a path. The fragrance can be quite overpowering and give a great lift right when it is needed. In some cases, such as Sarcococca (Sweet box or Christmas box) the flowers themselves are pretty well hidden, so the source of the fragrance is hard to find. In others, such as the Viburnums, the flowers are larger, and because they are borne on bare twigs, are quite visible. And the most prized of all is probably the Daphne, whose wonderful fragrance can permeate a whole garden.......... all perfect for the smaller garden.  Click here to see them listed and described individually.....

Scented flowers: Sarcococca confusa (Sweet box), Viburnum farreri, Viburnum carlesii, Viburnum bodnatense 'Dawn', Daphne bhoula 'Jacqueline Postil', Hamamelis (Witch-hazel), Mahonia x media 'Charity' 

Bark and twigs: Acer davidii, Acer griseum, Betula 'Jacquemontii;, Cornus alba 'Sibirica', Cornus 'Midwinter Fire', Cornus 'Kesselringii', Luma apiculata, Salix (willows) 

Berries: Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Euonymous alatus (Spindle), Maus (Crabapple), Rosa rugosa (Rosehips)