December in the Garden
Most of us tend not to venture out into our gardens during these colder months, however we do get some pleasant winter days that could tempt us out, especially if there are some seasonal flowers to admire. Near the end of our conservatory is an area planted full of winter interest plants. We sited the winter border here, close to the conservatory, as to provide a close up view of these plants without having to leave the warmth of the hotel!
The plantings include seven different varieties of Witch Hazel that produce their spidery yellow, orange or red fragrant flowers from December to March. Also here are Skimmia, Tree heaths, Golden stemmed Bamboos and the Christmas box, Sarcoccoca, the flowers of which perfume the whole area on a mild, still day. Hellebores fill the ground beneath the shrubs and provide colourful flowers for months on end. So have a look at these winter interest plants, here and around the rest of the hotel gardens, and take home a few ideas for your own winter garden.