As we continue to brave the arctic conditions (snow is falling as I write), and our gardens have turned into a brown soggy mess, we all wait in anticipation for spring to arrive, bringing with it the promise of warm sunny days.
Whilst the gloom of this long winter is fresh in our minds, now is an ideal time to plan ahead, and make changes to our gardens.
One of my favourite trees for winter interest is Betula utilis ‘Doorenbos’, with its stunning white bark. Set against a dark backdrop, they make a real statement, either as a specimen, or planted in groups.
Betula utilis ‘Doorenbos’ Trees provide winter interest with their stunning white bark
And why not under-plant these with a group of Cornus (dogwood), grown for their vivid winter stem colours, in shades of red, yellow, orange, green and even black.
Cornus or Dogwood have brightly coloured stems in winter
Prunus Serrula, with its tactile, polished, bark | Acer Griseum, the Paper Bark Maple
Topiary, in all its shapes and forms will always produce a wow factor throughout the year, but is particularly invaluable in the winter months.
Topiary evergreen shrubs provide a WOW factor during the winter months
Used to great effect here, two lines of clipped box grab your attention and draw your eye along the canal to the garden beyond.
Japanese Cloud Trees – Ilex Crenata
Cloud clipped topiary look fabulous throughout the year, and work well in Japanese inspired planting scheme, or as a stand alone specimen in a pot.
Sir Harold Hillier Winter Garden
This photo, taken in the depths of winter in the Sir Harold Hillier Garden, successfully combines the brightly coloured stems of Cornus sanguinea, the purple spikes of Phormium, the soft creamy plumes of Miscanthus with the acid yellow of a dwarf Pinus.
Winter Garden Inspiration
For inspiration why not visit Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, or
Sir Harold Hillier Garden, in Hampshire, believed to be the largest Winter Garden in Europe.
About Amanda Broughton…
Amanda Broughton is an Award Winning Garden Designer specialising in rural and urban garden designs in London, the South East, Hertfordshire and Essex.
Contact Amanda via her website for a consultation or to view her portfolio:
www.abroughtondesign.com
[email protected]
