Friends often ask me: “What plant should I buy for this border, or this pot?” Given that I’m a big fan of anything green, and my ‘expert knowledge’ is firmly based on a heck of a lot of trial and error, I don’t always feel I’m in the best position to give such advice.
But it got me thinking. Which plants bring me the most joy throughout the year? Which ones would I most miss if they weren’t in my garden? So here we go, one winning plant per month.
April 2021
Although the tulips are stealing the limelight this month, I had to give a shout out to Berberis linearifolia ‘Orange King’, which is smothered in flowers and attracting the bees.
March 2021
There is no competition this month. Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ are starting to bloom haphazardly around the garden in cheery patches of springtime loveliness. Fabulous when the sun is shining but equally uplifting on the greyest of March days.
February 2021
Colour is in short supply in the garden at the moment, so the flaming red stems of this Cornus (dogwood) really lift the border.
January 2021
The Cyclamen hederifolium are still going strong this month. They are a very welcome splash of colour near my front door and put a smile on my face every day.
December 2020
Mahonia is my must-have plant this month. It flowers right into January, providing a wonderful splash of colour and some much-needed food for late-flying bees (they love it!)
