Create a winter wonderland in a pot
There are plenty of plants perfect for containers that will add some seasonal interest to even the smallest of plots
Step into a garden open to the public over winter and you’re likely to find a space dedicated to plants that strut their stuff during the colder months of the year. Sadly, a full-blown winter garden is beyond the realms of possibility for those with tiny plots – but it’s still possible to brighten up the season by creating a miniature version of these wintry wonderlands in a container.
Selecting plants
There’s an extensive range of winter interest plants. Cyclamen, violas, pansies and other seasonal bedding plants can be mixed with early-flowering perennials, evergreen grasses, bulbs and plants valued for their foliage, such as heucheras, variegated euonymus and ivies.
Many shrubs are blessed with flowers, bright stems or jewellike berries during autumn and winter and are ideal for adding height to a display. Among suitable candidates are dogwoods and skimmia. Elsewhere, witch hazels, sarcococca and daphnes all have flowers that pack a powerful scent.
Choosing pots
Picking a container is equally important as deciding what to put inside. Good quality terracotta works well in a traditional space, and sleek metal pots are ideal for contemporary gardens. Limestone, terrazzo and other types of natural and synthetic stone suit many types of garden, while plastic or glazed pots will add a splash of colour to a modern deck or patio.
Most garden centres will stock containers made from all of these materials in a bewildering range of styles, sizes and colours. Base your decision on personal taste, budget and what suits your garden, along with what will best complement your selection of plants. Always pick pots with lots of holes in the base to ensure good drainage.
Placing containers
After planting up, containers can be used as focal points, to brighten up an empty windowsill or to break up the monotony of an empty patio. For a really exciting feature, plant up a number of pots and group closely together. Don’t put containers in rarely visited corners; ensure they can be seen clearly from the house and that those with scented plants are close to areas that are used regularly.