Shrubs that are flowering at the moment include one of my favourites, the winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima and L. x purpusii), which fills the air with wonderful scent. I made a mistake when I planted mine right at the end of the garden a couple of years ago… it really needs to be nearer the door to be fully appreciated. … Read More

I like plants that don’t require mollycoddling, and cyclamen coum is just such a plant. The shops are full of cyclamen tempting us to buy for Christmas but generally speaking, the larger and more showy the flowers on the cyclamen, the less likely it is to be suitable for outdoor use all year. Cyclamen coum is an excellent hardy variety … Read More

Just coming into flower now, the winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) covers itself in creamy-white, highly fragrant flowers. Like most winter-flowering species, its scent is so strong that it carries for some distance to guide in those pollinators that are still on the wing. In winter, flowers need to be perfumed with the sort of scent that travels and lingers in … Read More

I love Nerine bowdenii for its spring-like flowers in autumn and it makes a beautifully colourful, vibrant display that will brighten even the dullest autumn days. It needs some protection from winter frosts, so plant it near a wall for protection and make sure it’s in sharply drained soil. If you garden on heavy clay, as many of us do … Read More

A very easy shrub to grow in most soil types, Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ is a compact version of the wild species plant. It has snowball-like flowers in spring and in September, brilliant glossy red berries, very attractive for birds, nestle among the bright red autumn leaves. This Viburnum requires little if any pruning, making it a good choice for a … Read More

Rosa Zephirine Drouhin is my favourite climbing rose, for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s virtually thornless, making it an ideal choice for a family garden, or for planting near a frequently used door or pathway. One of the few roses that will thrive in a shady spot, it requires very little attention, is easy going about pruning and is … Read More

Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’, or the Japanese snowball bush, has wonderful white lacecap-like flowers on horizontally tiered branches in May-June. The dark green leaves turn red-purple in autumn and I always think plants that give two seasons of interest are good value. This beautiful, deciduous shrub makes an excellent specimen plant for a sunny spot or mixed border. Give it plenty … Read More

Look out for Choisyas, flowering now. There are several varieties of Choisya, but Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’ is one of the most common – for a reason. It’s not at all fussy, the glossy leaves are evergreen, its citrus-scented, pinky-white flowers persist for weeks, sometimes repeating in late summer, and it makes a neat mound up to 2.5m each way. It can … Read More