At the end of a month in which I wasn’t able to spend much time outside, it was a welcome surprise to find the first primrose of the year and see the swelling buds of Camellia and Clematis. Although the signs are here, the garden has not yet quite woken and evergreen plants and shrubs are playing a vital role during the sparse winter months. Throughout the year they give height and structure but once herbaceous plants have died back they become the star players.
Elaeagnus x Ebbingei 'Limelight' (centre picture) has over the years, become a favourite. An undemanding plant, it is equally happy in full sun or partial shade and its green and gold splashed foliage gives a bright burst of colour to the winter garden.
Epimedium is another foliage plant I simply couldn’t do without. Around now its heart shaped leaves should be cut back to make way for fresh new growth and a froth of delicate flowers that will appear in late spring.
A weekend in the garden is overdue...
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