As the door is about to close on February, and March raises the curtain on another month, the garden will soon be a stage filled with colourful performers.
The morning light arrives earlier each day, accompanied by soundtrack of singing birds, I get to spend a few welcome minutes in the garden before my inter-county commute.
Buds on the Nipponanthemum nipponicum are bursting with green, it is time to cut back the deadwood stems, blue flowers are open on the spreading rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus, enlivening the grey green aromatic stems with hope of warm days to come.
Warm brown hues linger on the Microbiota decussata, a reminder that it is still not full spring and summer is a while away yet, it will still be many weeks until the brown scale leaves turn from brown to fresh green.
Carex, Nipponanthemum at back, Microbiota in front and Rosmarinus
In the stillness of the early morning, the hair-like foliage of orange Carex testaceae ‘Prairie Fire’ does not move, even the slightest breath of wind will shake the wispy foliage like a head of long silky hair.
As the sun rises and the sky takes on a golden glow, the air smells of renewal and swelling buds are bursting with new season energy, but I shiver in the cold air, filled with the warm feelings, but chilled by the season. Soon. Soon, it will be warmer, and the garden will transform and like the days, we will feel bright and warm.
Anisondontea capensis is a magnificent plant. I purchased mine in May 2021, as a plant trained on a short stem, or mini-standard as they are sometimes called.
I potted the plant on into a bigger pot , and by the end of the summer the plant was over 1 metre (3’3″) high and as much wide.
When winter arrived I brought it inside to the green house. It went back outside in May, I potted in into its current pot, a big terracotta pot. It became too big and cumbersome to move so it stayed outside for the winter of 22/23 which was quite cold, the coldest since 2010. It survived and the plant now thrives.
It is evergreen and flowers all year round. The video above was taken during this week, you can see there are lots of flowers.
The picture below was taken in early October 2023.
Maintenance wise the plant is easy, last spring I gave the crown of the plant a cut back and removed some dead branches, it seems to get a few each year.
Each week from May to September I give a liquid feed to all the pots, I have found it does not matter what fertilizer I use.
In March I will take the top centimetre or two or compost away and replace it with new compost with slow release fertilizer mixed in.
Then all I have to do is keep the plant watered, and it is one of the more forgiving plants in this regard, it will tolerate drier conditions, but will thrive if kept well watered.
I have a number of seld-seeded plants in the garden, one which is growing big between the shed and greenhouse, I noticed it has longer more deeply cut leaves than it’s parent plant.
Look out for these great plants in May, if you want an easy to care for, evergreen that flowers all year long in a container or in the ground.
Welcome to spring, the season of renewal and vibrant colors! This year, let’s create a stunning spring planter that will add a touch of nature’s beauty to your outdoor space. Here’s a recipe for a planter that combines the elegance of Ilex x meservae ‘Little Maid’ on a stem, the captivating fragrance of Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chameleon’, the silvery foliage of Calocephalus brownii, the vibrant red berries of Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’, and the cheerful blooms of Wallflower Sugar Rush Series.
Ingredients:
Ilex x meservae ‘Little Maid’on a stem: This compact evergreen shrub features glossy green leaves and bright red berries, adding a touch of elegance and color to your planter. Note: for berries a male variety such as ‘Gentle’ ot ‘Blue Prince’ need to be close by.
Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chameleon’: Known for its delicate white flowers and intoxicating fragrance, this evergreen vine will fill the air with a delightful aroma. The leaves of this variety turn pink and white in summer. The blooms are produced in summer, it is slow growing and ideal for a pot, I am also going to try it as a ground cover plant in The Pylon Garden.
Calocephalus brownii: With its silvery-grey foliage, this plant adds a unique texture and contrast to the planter, creating a captivating visual effect.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’: This evergreen shrub boasts glossy green leaves and clusters of vibrant red berries, providing a pop of color and a festive touch to your spring display. In April/May, the buds will open into sweetly scented flowers
Wallflower Sugar Rush Series: These charming plants produce a profusion of fragrant, vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow, adding a cheerful and inviting touch to your planter. I have pink in this pot, they are along flowering and dwarf series, ideal for pots.
Calocephalus brownii Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chameleon’ Planter in February Planter when first planted up in OctoberCalocephalus and Skimmia ‘Rubella’ make a stunning combination
Instructions:
Choose a suitable container: Select a planter that is large enough to accommodate the root systems of all the plants and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Add potting mix: Fill the planter with a well-draining potting mix that is suitable for all the plants you’ve chosen, a multi-purpose compost is fine.
Arrange the plants: Start by placing the Ilex x meservae ‘Little Maid’ to the back of the planter, 12 O’Clock position) with the Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chameleon’ at 7, and Calocephalus brownii, at 4 ensuring that they have enough space to grow. Add the Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ (2 O’Clock) and Wallflower Sugar Rush Series to complete the arrangement by filling in the gaps.
Water thoroughly: Give the planter a thorough watering to settle the soil and ensure that all the plants receive enough moisture.
Place in a suitable location: Choose a spot in your garden or patio that receives partial shade to full sun, depending on the specific light requirements of each plant. All the plants in this combination will be happy in shade or sun.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a stunning spring planter that will be the envy of your neighbors and add a touch of nature’s beauty to your outdoor space. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful fragrances of spring with this captivating planter!
At the end of Spring I will re-use the plants, I will use some in the garden as permanent planting and others I will pot up for use next winter.
Hamamelis x intermedia: A Fragrant Addition to Your Garden
Hamamelis x intermedia, commonly known as the witch hazel, is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that is perfect for adding a touch of winter interest to your garden. This deciduous shrub is a hybrid of Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica, and it combines the best features of both parents.
Growing Hamamelis x intermedia
Hamamelis x intermedia is a relatively easy-to-grow shrub that is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of lime, making it a good choice for gardens with alkaline soil.
The Flowers of Hamamelis x intermedia
The flowers of Hamamelis x intermedia are one of the most striking features of the shrub. They are produced in late winter or early spring, and they come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. The flowers are also very fragrant, and they fill the air with a sweet, spicy scent.
Using Hamamelis x intermedia in Your Garden
Hamamelis x intermedia is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It can be planted as a specimen shrub, or it can be used to create a hedge or screen. It is also a good choice for foundation plantings.
My Experience with Hamamelis x intermedia
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’
I have been growing Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ in my garden for several years, and I have been very happy with it. It is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that is easy to care for. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a winter-interest shrub for their garden.
Here are some additional tips for growing Hamamelis x intermedia:
Plant the shrub in well-drained soil.
Water the shrub regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize the shrub annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
With a little care, Hamamelis x intermedia will thrive in your garden and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Popular varieties of Hamamelis intermedia
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’
* Height: 3-4 m (10-13 ft) * Spread: 3-4 m (10-13 ft) * Flowers: Yellow, fragrant * Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Diane’
* Height: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Spread: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Flowers: Brick red, fragrant * Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Jelena’
* Height: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Spread: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Flowers: Red, fragrant * Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Pallida’
* Height: 3-4 m (10-13 ft) * Spread: 3-4 m (10-13 ft) * Flowers: Pale yellow, fragrant * Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Ruby Glow’
* Height: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Spread: 2-3 m (6-10 ft) * Flowers: Deep red, fragrant * Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise ‘Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena”Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’
Cultivating the Charming Helleborus x hybrida: A Guide to Garden Glory
If you’re looking to enhance your garden with a touch of refined beauty that can weather the chilly times and bloom with the utmost poise, then the Helleborus x hybrida, commonly known as the Lenten rose, may just become your new botanical ally. This hybrid marvel is not only a stunner in the looks department, but it’s also a tough plant that can add splendor to your winter and spring garden. Let’s delve into the world of this fabulous perennial and unravel the secrets to nurturing it in your very own garden patch.
Double flowered varieties were once expensive and difficult to get, luckily they are now more widely available and affordable.
Giving It Ground: The Soil Conditions
Helleborus x hybrida isn’t a fussy diner when it comes to soil, but like any of us, it has its preferences. The ideal plate for this beauty is well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The richer, the better, hellebores can get by on fast food, but thrive on gourmet meals; if your garden has heavy clay or sand, working in lots of compost or well-rotted manure can transform it into a bed fit for a hellebore king!
A key thing to remember is that good drainage is akin to a comfortable bed for the Lenten rose. It cannot stand waterlogged feet for long periods, so make sure the soil allows for easy drainage to prevent root rot. Hellebores will do well in slightly acidic soils and also thrive in alkaline soils, like ours here at The Paddock.
Picking the Perfect Spot: Position Matters
While the Helleborus x hybrida is a star of the winter show, it takes the limelight, it’s pretty flexible about its stage. Partial to dappled shade, it will generally do well in areas that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade or those that are shaded all day. They’re perfect understory plants beneath deciduous trees, where they can enjoy the filtered light.
In Spring the hellbores bring life to the otherwise dormant borders, in summer they will be covered by the growth of summer flowering perennials.
I plant my hellebores futher back to the centre of the borders in The Patio Garden, and not at the front of the border. Although they are of short stature, i like to see them peeping up through the border, this leads the ey into the border rather than lingering on the perimeter.
In summer they are shaded by the growth of taller growing perennials and the foliage of shrubs, so far I have found this to be satisfactory arrangement, most of the Helebore plants are thriving, just be careful not to overcrowd them with very vigourous summer growth.
H. x hybrida ‘Cecilia’ has very big flowers, looking like a clematis!
What’s important is avoiding the full, harsh sun, especially in hotter climates, as this can scorch its leaves and flowers. Similarly, deep, dark shade might be a little too glum, leading to fewer blooms. It’s all about finding that happy balance, where it gets just enough light to perform without stealing the scene.
Maintenance: A Little Love Goes a Long Way
Now, let’s talk upkeep. Helleborus x hybrida is much like a low-maintenance friend; it thrives with a little bit of attention and doesn’t require constant hand-holding. Here are a few pointers to keep your hellebores happy:
Watering Wisely: Young plants do need regular watering to help them establish, but once they’re settled in, hellebores are fairly drought tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to promote strong root systems.
Feeding Your Beauties: A top-dressing of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early Spring can give them a boost for the upcoming bloom season. Think of it as prepping them for their grand entrance after winter.
Mulching Mastery: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and feeds the soil as it breaks down. Just keep the mulch away from the plant’s crown to prevent rot.
Pruning Pro Tips: This is where you can really get into the gardening groove. Come winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts, it’s time for a little trim. Cutting away the old foliage, it allows the flowers to be admired without foliar distractions, it not only tidies up the plant but also prevents the spread of leaf spot disease and makes room for those lovely new flowers to shine.
Remember, when you’re clipping away, you’re performing a bit of botanical beautification; precise cuts can prevent damage to the emerging buds. And when you’re done snipping, you can sit back and watch as the new blossoms push through, unfurling like a floral finale that’s worth the wait.
Final Flourishes: The Simple Joys of Hellebore Care
Caring for Helleborus x hybrida is as rewarding as it is untroublesome. They’re long-lived perennials that sprinkle joy throughout your garden year after year with minimal effort. During their blooming period, from late winter into spring, they’ll reward you with delightful rosettes of color, ranging from whites and creams to pinks, purples, and even deep, brooding maroons.
With just the right balance of dappled shade, a comfy soil bed, and a touch of seasonal care, Helleborus x hybrida will take your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary, even in the coldest months. Their resilience and low-maintenance demeanor are sure to make them a cherished addition to any garden, and are deinitely not boring.
Lots of us love plants, and we love to find new plants in garden centres, succumb to temptation and arrive home with our new purchases, then decide where to place them.
Diversity of plant types is good for nature, it is good for gardeners, adding interest and beauty to our gardens.
The danger with using lots of different plant varieties is that the planting scheme becomes a mish-mash or jumble of plants and the results are a confusing and unharmonious gathering of plants.
Harmony in the design can be achieved in different ways: colour of flowers, colours of foliage, plants of similar styles and also, plants with similar shapes.
In The Pylon Garden here at The Paddock, I have repeated leafy tussocks of varieties of Phormium (New Zealand Flax) and Astelia, amongst others. See the video below.
Two plants that I love for their colourful foliage and textures, especially colourful in winter
Microbiota decussata
Microbiota decussata, commonly known as Russian cypress or Siberian cypress, is a fascinating evergreen plant that adds charm and beauty to any garden or landscape. This ground-hugging coniferous shrub is native to the forests of Siberia and features unique characteristics that make it a versatile choice for ornamental purposes. Growing up to 20cm in height and spreading up to 1 meter wide, Microbiota decussata forms a dense mat of delicate feathery foliage. The scale-like leaves are arranged in a distinctive cross-cross pattern, providing an appealing texture and visual interest to any planting scheme.
One of the standout features of Microbiota decussata is its stunning seasonal color changes. During the warmer months, the foliage displays a vibrant green hue, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. As autumn arrives, the plant takes on a breathtaking bronze or burgundy coloration, infusing the landscape with warmth and depth. These color transformations make it a perfect choice for creating focal points, ground covers, or even accentuating rock gardens. Additionally, Russian cypress is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh winter conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens in colder regions.
Microbiota decussata is an exceptional ornamental plant deserving of a place in any garden. Its compact and spreading nature, along with its unique cross-cross leaf arrangement, provide an attractive visual appeal. With its ability to change colors throughout the seasons and its capacity to withstand cold temperatures, this plant offers versatility and durability. Whether used as a ground cover, a focal point, or a companion to other plants, Russian cypress brings both aesthetic beauty and resilience to the landscape.
Carex ‘Prairie Fire’
Microbiota decussata, commonly known as Russian cypress or Siberian cypress, is a fascinating evergreen plant that adds charm and beauty to any garden or landscape. This ground-hugging coniferous shrub is native to the forests of Siberia and features unique characteristics that make it a versatile choice for ornamental purposes. Growing up to 10 inches in height and spreading up to 1 meter wide, Microbiota decussata forms a dense mat of delicate feathery foliage. The scale-like leaves are arranged in a distinctive cross-cross pattern, providing an appealing texture and visual interest to any planting scheme.
One of the standout features of Microbiota decussata is its stunning seasonal color changes. During the warmer months, the foliage displays a vibrant green hue, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. As autumn arrives, the plant takes on a breathtaking bronze or burgundy coloration, infusing the landscape with warmth and depth. These color transformations make it a perfect choice for creating focal points, ground covers, or even accentuating rock gardens. Additionally, Russian cypress is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh winter conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens in colder regions.
In summary, Microbiota decussata is an exceptional ornamental plant deserving of a place in any garden. Its compact and spreading nature, along with its unique cross-cross leaf arrangement, provide an attractive visual appeal. With its ability to change colors throughout the seasons and its capacity to withstand cold temperatures, this plant offers versatility and durability. Whether used as a ground cover, a focal point, or a companion to other plants, Russian cypress brings both aesthetic beauty and resilience to the landscape.
Carex testaceae ‘Prairie Fire’
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’, commonly known as Prairie Fire sedge, is a stunning ornamental grass that brings a fiery burst of color to any garden or landscape. This clump-forming perennial grass features slender arching leaves that range from orange and bronze to deep red, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. Reaching a height of 1.5 feet (45 centimeters) and spreading up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) wide, Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ forms a dense and compact mound, making it an excellent choice for ground covers or borders.
One of the notable characteristics of Prairie Fire sedge is its ability to maintain its colorful foliage throughout the year. Even in colder climates, the leaves retain their warm tones, providing visual interest even in the winter months. This resilience, combined with its adaptability to different soil types and moderate drought tolerance, makes it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for any garden. Whether used as a focal point or planted in mass for a vibrant display, Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ adds texture, movement, and a fiery pop of color that elevates the aesthetic appeal of any landscape.
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ is an exceptional ornamental grass that offers both beauty and durability. Its slender arching leaves, ranging from orange to deep red, create a stunning visual impact. With its year-round color retention, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature, this grass provides a versatile option for various garden settings and styles. Whether used as a ground cover, a border, or a focal point, Prairie Fire sedge adds a vibrant and fiery touch that enhances the overall beauty of any landscape.
Ciaran The Gardener 