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Tim Matcham Garden Design

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Gardening | Garden Design | Early spring interest in the garden

February 18th, 2009 by Tim Matcham

The winter months can seem very long and dark and void of colour. The pictures of the summer garden now a faded memory stored on the hard drive of our computers. Winter is a time for preparation of the great new seasons to come. We wait patiently for the moment. We endure snow and rain. How can a garden possibly be preparing to show off while the weather is so foul?

The almost without warning, as if a fairy came by in the night, the garden comes to life in a blaze of glory. The first signs that things are moving usually comes in the form of snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). They are great for planting and naturalising in woodlands, under hedges & shrubs or under trees in lawns.

Snowdrops at base of Prunus
Snowdrops at base of Prunus

A rather less well known plant that comes out to play very early is the Eranthis hyemalis or winter aconite. This dainty yellow flowered bulb pushes up from the woodland floor and creates a fabulous display. Again, over time this will naturalise and spread where conditions allow.

Eranthis hyemalis
Dainty yellow winter aconites light up the woodland floor

Another favourite at this time of year is the Hellebore. Some varieties are white or green but there are also coloured varieties available which add interesting shades to your garden.

Hellebore

Majestic Hellebore stands proud in early spring

These plants are great because they come out early to strut their stuff then seemingly vanish from our gardens while the later spring and summer plants force their way into the garden. Rest assured however that while the rest of the garden sleeps next year these early risers will be back again to assure us of warmer, brighter times to come.

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