What a terrible winter it has been for English gardeners! First, the heavy rains and floods, followed by freezing temperatures and snow after Christmas. And now, just as we are beginning to look forward to spring, we have more snow, sleet and icy rain. It is almost enough to stop you going out into the garden at all. But if you take care to plant some winter flowering plants there will always some little treasures that will tempt you out into the chilly weather.
Try and group some of this winter gems into an area that can easily be viewed from the house. The Cyclamen coum and Primula 'Wanda' shown here, are located in a gravelled, scree bed in front of my kitchen window - a cheering sight even in the worst of winter weather. They both seem to like the shaded, but well-drained position here.
Hellebores are always a good standby for winter flowers. I like to grow them in pots where you can appreciate their charms more easily. This one is Helleborus 'Boughton Beauty' which as well as the pink flushed blooms shown here, also has attractive, serrated purplish leaves.
And lets not forget the Algerian iris (Iris ungulicularis) which hides its beautiful flowers amongst its long, arching leaves. Again this is in a prime position in the front garden, where it can easily be seen from the living room window.
All these winter beauties help me keep my spirits up whilst waiting for the warmer spring weather. Perhaps it will come next month!
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