Winter gardening
by Susanna Brown, landscape architect and garden designer
As Autumn fades taking its rich colours and abundance of produce with it, it leaves behind a garden stripped bare but no less beautiful.
Seeds and buds lie dormant like little time capsules holding their breath for Spring but it does not mean that there is no work for the keen gardener...
Time to plan
One of the greatest pleasures of winter gardening is having time to plan. It is a perfect time for rethinking the design as the garden is in its most raw state without the lush foliage of spring and the bright blooms of summer to hide behind.
Structure is the most important element of any well designed garden, it is the skeleton that holds everything together. A good framework makes everything else so much easier. Structure is the well proportioned layout of paths, patios and lawns, the height and stature of pergolas and frames. Trees and hedges are also considered structural elements. The best advice is keep it simple. Keep shapes strong and elegant; forget fancy scallops to lawns and wiggly paths. If the layout is strong the plants will do all the necessary softening.
Scale outdoors is very important too. In the garden everything needs to be larger than indoors – e.g. arches and entrance ways should be wider than your average internal doorway, steps and treads much wider and shallower than your stairs.
Make an impact
For those who are happy with their garden design, winter is a great time to look through seed and plant catalogues to plan new plant and colour combinations for borders. Even a new colour for the summerhouse and garden bench can make a big impact and refreshing change.
There are flowers in winter, but many tend to be well hidden such as the hanging head of the Hellebore or the tiny but highly scented flower of Sarcococca humilis (common names Sweet box or Christmas box). So although a real treat they need to be actively searched for. As we tend to spend less time out in the garden in winter and more time looking at it from inside, I suggest that some of the best garden plants in winter are evergreens which look good from a distance!
Fabulous evergreens ideal for winter gardening:
 - Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’
- Euonymus ‘Emerald n’Gold’
- Garrya elliptica
- Viburnum tinus
- Mahonia ‘Wintersun’ (pictured, right)
- Photinia ‘Red Robin’
- Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
- Elaeagnus 'Gilt Edge'
Architectural plants:
Also consider clipped box and topiary which are wonderful for all year round interest but take on an extra splendour when touched with winter frosts.
Other great plants for winter gardening:
Holly and Ivy are perfect for the winter garden -
maybe also think about decorating an outdoor Christmas tree.
Before you know it the evenings will be getting lighter and the snowdrops and early daffodils will be popping through. Then will follow the enormous thrust of spring and you will be glad you had a time for a rest and a little contemplation during winter!
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