Winter Gems

Lynn Hill, award-winning garden designer, shares her expertise in choosing the best plants for winter interest in your East Lothian garden.

Winter flowering plants hold a unique charm that brightens the coldest days. The cheerful blooms of the Christmas Rose (Helleborus) are a delightful sight, bringing warmth and joy to the frosty winter landscape. Position them in a shady spot along pathways so that their grace can be enjoyed while making our way to the welcoming warmth of our homes.

Consider including flowering shrubs, such as the scented Viburnum x bodnantense or the evergreen Viburnum tinus, which also makes a superb hedge or windbreak.

Adding height and layers in an area is an important element in garden design. This can be achieved in the winter garden by including trees such as Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii with its enchanting snowy white bark. Keep seedheads and ornamental grasses intact to catch the frost and shine like jewels in the winter sunshine. Leaving perennial plants in situ also provides a much-needed habitat for wildlife to shelter under during winter.

As we head through the season, bulbs make their appearance with snowdrops, fritillaries, and crocus pointing us towards the promise of spring.

Thoughtful planning can transform your garden into a source of joy all year round. By appreciating the winter gems that nature offers, we can fully enjoy the beauty of the winter garden in all of its glory.

As we say farewell to 2024, I extend my warmest seasonal wishes to you, your family and your loved ones. May 2025 be filled with joy, laughter and blossoming gardens!