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| The architectural attraction is arguably strongest
at this time and even in the depths of winter
there are plants that catch the eye. Evergreen
Viburnum tinus (white flowers) and deciduous
Viburnum `Dawn` (pink, highly scented), start
blooming in October and continue until May. Tall
standards of the winter cherry (Prunus subhirtella)
`Autumnalis` are similarly appealing at this
time. In the Ornamental Garden, Crab apple fruits
persist at eye level (`Evereste`) and above (`Red
Sentinel`). Enhanced by morning frosts, they
provide a welcome feast for hungry redwings.
Meanwhile, on the ground, winter pansies continue
to defy the weather as snowdrops and winter aconites
emerge. The biggest surprise is when the Hellebores
`Early Purple,``Wester Fiske` and foetidus start
blooming in defiance of the weather and continue
for several weeks. |
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January offers a great opportunity to work
off the over indulgences of Christmas with
some activity in the garden. A spot of winter
pruning of trees and shrubs will have you bending
and stretching, whilst turning the compost
heap will work those abdominals - who needs
an expensive gym membership? More inclement
days are perfect for ordering seeds. This is
also an ideal time to clean that greenhouse
and make your first greenhouse sowings - tomatoes
are a good crop to sow now. For the vegetable
gardener now is the time to winter dig the
vegetable patch and put out cloches or fleece
for early seed sowing, seed potatoes can also
be sprouted. To ensure a lawn suitable for summer
lounging and Sunday mowing, January is the
time to top dress your lawn. |
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