Winter Planting Advice
This is the season where the design deficiencies of a garden are laid bare. Unless there is a strong structure the eye is drawn to the only objects that remain after the autumn storms and frosts: a discarded tricycle, the abandoned barbecue and parasol that you have meant to put away every weekend. The little colour that is there is not enhanced by the low light levels.
Snow covers over a multitude of sins, but emphasises the remaining structure. Hedges, structures such as pergolas and trellis, and containers such as these terracotta pots all hold their own in the winter garden, but they are improved even more by a lavish topping of snow.
Some trees and shrubs with a strong framework also show up well and topiary comes into its own. Evergreens and any remaining berries give some welcome colour.
|
Natural Structure:
With or without snow the red-brown stems of this climbing Hydrangea petiolaris look good against the Cotswold stone.
|
|
Man-made structure:
This new pergola frames the view to the field beyond - the snowdrops shine out from the base of the wall, and the beech hedge gives some 'burnt umber' warmth to the foggy day.
|