Winter uses all the blues there are.
One shade of blue for water, one for ice.
Another blue for shadows over snow.
The clear or cloudy sky uses blue twice-
Both different blues. And hills row after row
Are coloured blue according to how far.
Robert Francis (1901-1987)
Following the solstice the days are slowly but inexorably lengthening and the signs of an impending spring can be seen all over the garden. The hellebores, having been de-leaved in late December are freely displaying their multiple forms and colours and narcissus ‘Cedric Morris’ has delighted since early December. Blackbirds and thrushes busy themselves, practising spring songs but without the clarity or continuity that they will eventually perfect.
Camellias are excellent plants for the all seasons garden providing a lengthy period of flowers at a relatively bereft time of year and handsome glossy foliage. Largely free of pests and diseases, they merely require adequate water in August-September when forming spring flower buds coupled with an occasional feed of tomato fertiliser. I grow nearly a dozen in my small garden and love them all but my favourite has to be Camellia x williamsii ‘St. Ewe’. This is a hybrid between C. saluenensis and C. japonica and it seems to have inherited the former’s early flowering, reliably starting in early December or even in late November. The single glowing rose pink flowers continue to be produced until March and additionally have the tidy ‘x williamsii’ habit of shedding when spent enhancing the long display.
Daphnes have a reputation of being difficult to grow and indeed there are a number of species which are so demanding in their cultivation that they are best left to the specialist. However, there are equally a number which I have found relatively easy to please and deserve a wider audience. The species Daphne bholua was originally found on a rocky ridge in the Himalayas and not surprisingly, has proved hardy over many winters in my garden. The selection I grow is ‘Jacqueline Postill’ which is more reliably evergreen than other selections and more available to purchase. It requires well drained but moisture retentive soil and has rewarded me by producing multiple suckers around the original plant, some of which are flowering themselves. Heavily scented purplish pink flowers are produced in profusion from early January to April and it is wonderful alongside a well used path.
Many gardens in winter are lack lustre but gardens open under the National Garden Scheme have been created by their owners to provide enjoyment and interest at this time of year. Something enticing to venture out to visit.
Bryngwyn Manor, near Raglan in Gwent is one such garden which extends to 3 acres, and is wildlife friendly. There are winter snowdrops, a daffodil walk together with mature trees, walled parterre garden, ponds and shrubbery. This is a relaxed garden to be enjoyed by all the family with places to sit and take in the views and areas for children to play and explore. Hot drinks and cake are available by the fire in winter!
Bryngwyn Manor
Rosamund and Peter Davies are in the process of developing Slade in South Glamorgan into a horticultural gem. From formal areas by the house, large swathes of grass tumble down a secluded valley, sheltered by an impressive belt of woodland, enlivened by snowdrops, fritillaries and hellebores. Always improving, this year they have added large blocks of coloured crocus to provide flashes of brightness. Situated close to the sea, a trip to gorgeous Southerndown Beach is a must do!
Slade
The 1½ acre garden at Gelli Uchaf near Llandeilo is complimentary to a restored C17 Welsh longhouse and a working smallholding. Standing 800 feet above sea level with wonderful views, it has been created over 28 years for year-round interest. Early enjoyment is produced with thousands of snowdrops in over 200 cultivars, including a unique Welsh Snowdrop Collection. Additionally, there are crocus, cyclamen, narcissi and many other spring bulbs amongst the woodland plantings. Julian and Fiona Wormald, the garden’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic owners have gone to great lengths to create a largely organic garden with the emphasis on nature and wildlife. With something new to see each year the woodland plantings have recently been increased and there is now a unique Shepherds Hut to enjoy the extensive views.
Gelli Uchaf
Yr Efail near Tregaron in Ceredigion is a hidden 6 acre plot, largely formal in design with mixed, vibrant, informal planting and a large wildlife pond. There are many quiet spaces to sit and reflect with grass paths wandering through mostly native woodland where 2000 snowdrops have been planted in recent years and another 500 recently. This is a garden which opens when snowdrops and narcissi are at their best.
Yr Efail
In the coming months many NGS woodland gardens will produce a crescendo of colour and hardy visitors prepared to risk the sometimes unreliable weather will be amply rewarded.
NGS Open Gardens
Welsh Country has two NGS open garden sections. The first ‘Open Gardens’ are gardens that are open on specific days and the ‘Long Term Open Gardens’ which are by appointment only. There is a search facility on each page so simply search for a garden name or an area of Wales (i.e. Swansea) you’d like to visit.
Words: Rob Dyer
Pictures: National Garden Scheme, Annette Dyer.
National Garden Scheme: Frances Bowyer
