THIS MONTH’S SHOWSTOPPERS
Make the most of winter foliage to create contrast with jewel-like tones
YEAR ROUND colour FEBRUARY
Acers provide amazing autumn foliage colour, but this family has more than bright leaves.
Its barks and stems are beautiful, whether it’s the peeling layers of Acer griseum or the fascinating striated red snakebark maple, seen here at Ellicar Gardens near Doncaster, with its patterned green and white bark beckoning visitors for a closer look.
Two sweeps of bergenia keep the planting fresh despite it being winter. There are dozens of great cultivars out there to choose from. Agreat place to start, however, are the dark-red jewel tones of ‘Bressingham Ruby’ foliage. Meanwhile, ‘Silberlicht’ is a shining green stalwart.
Early snowdrop Galanthus elwesii can be in flower from New Year’s Day through to March with lovely strap-like foliage. The glaucous tones on this beautiful plant create a truly juicy contrast to the fine filaments of a carex.
●GET STARTED WITH APLANTING PLAN
...or try this
There’s so much creativity in designing a garden and choosing what to plant and where. Here are a few suggestions to get you started – but of course, these are just a few of the possibilities!
●FOR BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP FOLIAGE
Small apple green evergreen leaves and black stems on a dense, naturally rounded shrub. H&S: 1.2m
Small-leaved conifer that can be clipped to shape; foliage turns from red-green to chocolate after the frosts. H&S: 60cm
●RED-TONED ACERS TO TRY
One of multiple snakebark acers thanks to red shoots striped with white. Yellow autumn foliage. H: 7m, S: 3m
Coral bark maple with glowing pink-red stems that look striking against its yellow-green spring foliage. H: 4m S: 2m
●ORNAMENTAL GRASSES FOR STRUCTURE
Mexican feather grass with silvery-green fine leaves and swaying blonde plumes that look so wonderful,. they simply beg to be touched. H: 60cm, S: 45cm
Pink muhly grass has clouds of airy pink flower heads in late summer.
