Common Name:  Sweet Box, Christmas Box
This evergreen shrub is bushy and dense, typically growing to a height and spread of 1m to 1.5m.
It is fully hardy in the UK climate.


Sarcococca confusa, often referred to as Sweet Box or Christmas Box, is a hidden gem in the winter garden.

While many plants lie dormant, this evergreen shrub is actively releasing a strong, honey-like scent from its small, subtle flowers. Below is a profile of this resilient garden favourite.

Why should you consider using Sarcococca in your garden? The simple answer is its fragrance.
From December to March, it produces small, creamy-white flowers that can fill an entire corner of your garden with their scent.
The tiny white flowers stand out against the glossy, dark green, wavy-edged leaves that maintain a polished appearance throughout the year.
Additionally, after flowering, it bears spherical berries that transition from green/red to a shiny black.

You can plant it in dark corners near your door, as it thrives in deep shade where other plants may struggle.it can also be planted under the canopy of large trees.

Avoid planting Sarcococca in harsh midday sun as this plant prefer shady conditions. 

It can grow in most soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH that is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

An important factor to note is that this plant requires very little maintenance.
Light pruning in late spring helps maintain its shape, especially if you wish to create a row of plants that provide fragrance during the dormant season.
Because the end flowering time is for very early spring It also offers a rare nectar source for early-emerging bees.


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Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue'

Botanical Name: Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue'
Common Name: Globe Thistle
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Europe and Western Asia


If you want to introduce structure, texture, and a hint of steely blue to your garden, Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue' is an exceptional option.

Commonly referred to as the Globe Thistle due to its foliage, this remarkable perennial provides both visual impact and durability, making it a popular choice for wildlife-friendly and drought-resistant planting designs.

'Veitch’s Blue' is valued for its metallic-blue, globe-shaped flower heads that rise above silvery-green, spiny leaves.
The flowers emerge on sturdy, branching stems from midsummer to early autumn, creating a striking contrast with softer garden elements.
Each round flower measures about 4–5 cm in diameter, serving as a stunning feature whether fresh or dried.

It is best to cultivate this herbaceous plant in full sun, as it will thrive and maintain compact growth under these conditions.
While it is not particular about soil, it is advisable to provide well-drained, even poor or sandy soils.
Water only when initially planted, as once established, it is drought-tolerant.

Height: Approximately 90–120 cm tall
Spread: About 45–60 cm wide.

It is important to note that if you wish to attract insects, simply just plant echinops ias is excellent choice as it is highly appealing to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its flowers are rich in nectar and stand tall, facilitating easy access for flying insects.

If you have a sunny area in your garden, consider adding Echinops to the border, as it will bring brightness to gravel gardens, prairie borders, cottage-style plantings, and naturalistic designs.

It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender, verbena, and rudbeckia. The spherical blooms also add interest to floral arrangements.
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Now, the key question: how to care for the plant:
Echinops is low-maintenance, but you can prolong the flowering season by deadheading. Cut back the stems in autumn or leave them standing for winter interest and to provide seeds for birds.

Laburnum × watereri 'Vossii', also known as Voss's laburnum,
 
This stunning deciduous tree that captures attention from late spring to early summer when its long clusters of vibrant golden yellow flowers adorn the entire canopy.
This display is soon followed by a light yield of toxic seeds.

Belonging to the Fabaceae family, commonly referred to as the pea family, this tree is robust, fast-growing, and long-lived, reaching heights of approximately 8 meters. It can be cultivated as a solitary specimen, in groups, or as a focal point in a spring-summer flowering border.
When trained over a large pergola, the laburnum creates a breathtaking effect due to its rapid growth, allowing for quick results.

Additionally, having laburnum in your garden is beneficial for pollinators, as the area is filled with the delightful sound of buzzing when near the tree.
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Minimal pruning is required; however, if you need to remove any diseased or crossing branches, the optimal time to do so is between very late summer and mid-winter to prevent excessive sap bleeding at other times.
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Photo of Laburnum in Clifton area in Bristol taken in first week of May.  

Common name: Silk Tassel Bush, Coast Silk Tassel or Wayleaf Silk Tasse



Family                       Garrycaeae
Height & spread     4m x 4m
Soil                             moderately-fertile, 
                                   well-drained soil
Aspect                      Full sun or partial 
                                   shade.
Hardiness               Frost hardy - may tolerate 
                                   temperatures down to 
                                   -10ºC
Flowering time        December to 
                                    February. 




Care                    
Garrya elliptica  is native to western USA, Central America and the West Indies and is usually found in a woodland setting. 
Is useful to the landscape architect for its winter interest; the long  silvery catkins up to 20cm long, shine out among glossy, dark green leaves throughout winter.
It can also be pruned into a very attractive small tree like habit.
The silken tassels of this upright, evergreen shrub make a stunning feature in the winter garden. 
Male and female, petalless flowers are borne on separate plants, from winter to early summer, in the form of catkins. The females produce purple brown berries, however the male catkins are more attractive.
It tolerates a wide pH of soil. Avoid transplanting.
Requires little maintenance only cut back dead or straggly branches in April or May.

Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’, AGM
is a male form with dark, sea-green, slightly larger leaves and silver-grey catkins up to 20cm (8in) long.

'Common name: Christmas Rose
Family                       Ranunculaceae
Height & spread     30cm x 20cm
Soil                             well-drained,clay, loam, rock or chalk
Aspect                      Partial shade or shade
Hardiness                Hardy 
Flowering time        From December until April. 
Care                    
Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter during planting and  5cm around the base of the plant in autumn.
Cut the old leaves back down to the ground in February
to keep plants diseases free especially from Hellebore leaf spot
 also will show off the new emerging flowers.

Flowers are white and fade to pink over time (see picture above).

 All parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested and the sap may cause skin irritation