How many plants do you have in bloom in your garden in January? You will be astounded to know Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Scilly Isles had 289 on the 7th January. Aah – to have their climate.
But even as winter is upon us, in Scotland it is possible to have flowers in your garden even at this time of year. I have been working on this in my own garden and did a count and found 18 different plant species in flower – and there are more I can plant in time.
I think front gardens are often neglected in terms of winter interest and colour. This interest can come in different forms, from flowers, scent, evergreen plants, bulbs, shrubs and tree bark colours, and don’t forget garden furniture. You walk through your front garden most days of the year, so make it cheerful and a pleasure with a succession of colourful planting. If you are limited to a container or window box, make the most of them through the winter.
This front garden (https://www.polleygardendesign.com/case-studies/front-garden-and-driveway.html) has been developed to be best in the autumn, winter and spring and has colour 365 days of the year. This was achieved by careful choices of succession planting and structural evergreen planting.
In my next blog, I will name names of plants you could use to help you achieve a more year round colourful garden – even on a miserable grey January day.