Garden still in its winter slumber
At this time of year, the garden is still in its winter slumber.
Many herbaceous perennials are still below ground waiting to burst out through the soil when the weather is warmer.
However, as gardeners we need to look at other plants that provide beautiful winter colour.
Not all plants are grown for flowers; there is bark, stems, foliage and flowers to take into consideration.
These are winning combinations and can really brighten up a drab garden during the winter months.
Cornus alba sibirica is grown for its highly decorative vibrant red stems. It is an easy plant to grow and will tolerate most soils.
In order to retain the redness, pruning needs to be carried out in February/March.
This involves cutting out the oldest stems to allow the new ones to develop.
Another plant is Salix alba is similiar.
Acer griseum or paper bark maple is renowned for its brilliant russet-coloured leaves in the autumn.
However, during the winter with the leaves gone, the bark takes on a flakiness.
Brown flakes curl away from the grey bark. It is a truly magnificent tree.
If it’s flowers you’re after, then there is Viburnum tinus.
It’s an evergreen shrub and during the growing season, starts to produce masses of flower buds.
These burst open in winter, giving the garden a wealth of pink and red flowers.
The distinct colour combinations are more stunning than the single colour types.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
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