Come, children, gather round my knee;
Something is about to be.
Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.
The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.
Hark! It’s midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year.
Ogden Nash (1902-1971)
Save for the virginal and welcome display of snowdrops, the winter garden does not produce the mass displays which we expect from later times. However, by careful selection we can still find plants which provide small colourful patches of colour at the sometimes bleakest time of year.
We usually think of Camellias as early spring flowering, and that is generally true, especially of the multiple hybrids between C. japonica and C. saluenensis, which have the label Camellia x williamsii. Some years ago, on an early spring visit to a Cornish garden, I came across a stunning pink, single camellia which was surrounded by a mass of spent blooms and had obviously been flowering for a considerable time. Upon enquiry I found that it was Camellia x williamsii ‘Saint Ewe’ (featured image) which was the first hybrid resulting from the above mentioned cross and that it usually started flowering in December. I bought it on the spot and it has flowered faithfully every year since in early December, frequently continuing until April. It appears totally hardy and apart from disliking lime is easy to cultivate. An occasional feed of high potash will enhance flowering.
Coronilla valentina subspecies glauca ’Citrina’ is a bit of a mouthful for a small sprawling shrub but is much preferable to the alternative name ‘bastard senna’. This plant, its small heads of scented lemon-yellow flowers set off by blue-grey foliage, demands a sunny wall to provide support and shelter. It is relatively hardy, and has survived -8 degrees and flourished for a number of years in my Gower garden, requiring only the ubiquitous well drained soil. It starts into flower slowly, producing a few flowers as early as late October and continuing in full flower for several months, bringing welcome cheer to the darker months of the year.
- Coronilla valentina subspecies glauca ’Citrina’
January marks the start of the National Garden Scheme 2025. Whilst most gardens open on set dates a significant number open By Arrangement and some do both.
Why By Arrangement?
By Arrangement gardens cater for different sized groups depending on the size and accessibility of the garden. They often offer this over an extended period of time. Maybe you missed the set open day. This is a chance to arrange a bespoke visit with the garden owner perhaps to celebrate an event with family or friends or an ideal outing for a club.
Follow the link www.welshcountry.co.uk/long-term-open-gardens/ to explore and find details of how to contact owners to book and liaise arrangements.
Gardens open in January and February are special and few. The gardens Gelli Uchaf and Llysdinam open By Arrangement and have set days. Slade does set days with a second opening in May. These gardens give the chance to see how a garden changes and evolves with the seasons. A good reason to revisit later in the year. A garden can look completely different!
Gelli Uchaf
Gelli Uchaf near Llandeilo is a 1.5 acre garden designed by Julian and Fiona Wormald to complement their C17 longhouse and 11 acre working small holding. Created over 30 years there is something new to see each year. Planted for year round interest starting with hundreds of thousands of snowdrops (over 200 cultivars including a unique Welsh Collection), crocus, cyclamen, daffodils, and native woodland plantings in Spring. A haven for wildlife and insects there are wild flower and fungi rich meadows to walk through later in the year. June is the time to see the stunning hybrid Heath spotted orchids at their peak. From none at the start of their meadow restoration in 2013 Fiona estimates there were about 750 in a 1 acre field in 2024. At 800 feet above sea level enjoy the views from the Shepherds hut.
Llysdinam
Llysdinam in Powys is backed by the Cambrian mountains with sweeping views of the Wye Valley. This 20 acre garden has evolved from the 1850’s with a walled kitchen garden and beautifully planted grounds in romantic and naturalistic style. In the early dark months of the year Crocus tommasiniansus creates pools of lilac and gold under the Turkey Oak and Lime trees. Swathes of snowdrops carpet the ground and there is colour from hamamelis and stems of cornus. This garden delivers colour, form and scent in winter says Becky Keeble Payne, head gardener. Why not return for another visit in may when there is a magnificent display of rhododendrons and azeleas.
Slade
Hidden away in a valley sheltered by a long band of woodland is Slade in Southerndown Glamorgan. The garden tumbles down the valley from the house and terraced gardens enlivened by snowdrops, crocus, hellebores, fritillaries, iris tuberosa, winter aconites and other early flowering plants. This gem has been developed by Rosamund and Peter Davies over many years. Right on the coast be sure to take in the stunning sea views and visit Southerndown beach.
After the gloomy, stormy winter it’s time to get out and visit an inspiring garden. Your visits in 2024 enabled the NGS to announce a record of over £3.5 million in donations to their beneficiaries, predominantly major nursing and health charities. Thank you.
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
