Winter Gardening

There’s much to like about the winter garden. Plants that bravely flower, often with a scent. Snowdrops are the first signs that spring’s around the corner. It’s a perfect time to plant Daphne, Cyclamen, Viburnum, Camellia, Bergenia, Hostas and Wintersweet, Primula and Polyanthus.

Winter may feel like it’s outstaying its welcome, but change is stirring in the garden. There are glimpses of spring in our re-awakening gardens. The first daffodils in bloom, fragrant flowering daphne, the cup-shaped flowers of the winter rose (hellebore), early flowering magnolia, tree buds swelling and more and more outbursts of birdsong.

The winter solstice (21 June) is behind us – it’s never too early to start anticipating spring!

Winter is a great time to prune – especially your roses Gardening is both an art and a science, and pruning is one of the best ways to express your creativity. If you’ve ever hesitated to pick up the secateurs, this month we’re starting with the perfect winter candidate: roses.