Hoping to avoid losing more shrubs (as we have in previous
years) – we have invested in horticultural fleece. Our once 6 feet tall Phormium
Tenax was reduced to a rotting stump a couple of years ago in similar snow
bound weather. After stripping away the rotting leathery strap leaves (no mean
task) we have nurtured and encouraged it back to life. Now the gorgeous, tender
young leaves are wrapped up (and securely pegged down) in their duvet like
fleece and hopefully will survive the cold spell.
Other snow bound shrubs have had the snow knocked off which
may bend branches and bubble wrap swathe the pots on the terrace.
Snow days are a good time to have a look at the structure of
the garden as the dark wood of shrubs stand out and you can see the role (if
any) they play in the structure of the border. Are they spaced optimally?
Clustered in unpleasing groups? Make a note and move them when the weather
improves.
Snow days are also a good time to plan ahead on planting. If
you care to follow trends in gardening current trends include Kniphofias (easy
to grow and great impact in the border) clipped evergreens, Hydrangeas (very versatile
as climbers or border shrubs) and (our favourite) Umbellifers are a huge
favourite with designers and cover a range of plants – our favourites include
Angelica archangelica, Astrantium and Fennel – all give a wayward and romantic
look to the border.
