Although autumn isn’t officially over until December 21st my garden is already taking on its winter mantle. Now, as herbaceous foliage dies back and trees lose their leaves it is evergreen shrubs and variegated foliage that give structure and colour.
To my delight I can see that under the old pear tree, an emerging clump of Arum italicum is at last establishing and marbled leaves of Cyclamen coum are pushing their way through fallen leaves. Palest pink and white flowers will appear in January with the snowdrops.
Heuchera, is a useful plant for all year round. Available in many cultivars it forms neat evergreen mounds ideal for the front of mixed borders and its flowers are a magnet for bees in summer. Perhaps no surprise then that in its natural habitat they are a food source for hummingbirds.
With birds in mind and winter on our doorstep now is the time to fill the feeders and provide regular fresh water for our native garden birds - the heron pictured can stay in the park!
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