The stars of winter wonderland
Don’t dwell on the negative aspects of this cold season, embrace all it has to offer, advises LOUISE MIDGLEY
THERE is no denying we are in the midst of winter and yet signs of new growth are there for all to see, along with several stunning plants which choose the coldest period of the year to put on a brave performance. The sight of daffodils pushing through the earth or the appearance of big, fat peony buds all point to a slow awakening of the natural world and tentative transition from one season to the next.
But for now, seek out the shining stars of January such as snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and winter flowering shrubs that emit the most potent of fragrances. On the odd warm day, you may even spot bees and other pollinating insects which gravitate towards these flowering gems in search of nectar and pollen.
This is a particularly special time of year for galanthophiles (snowdrop enthusiasts) who will travel far and wide to seek out rare snowdrops to add to their collections.
To the average gardener, one snowdrop may look very much like any other but to an aficionado there are subtle variations in colour, shape and size that differentiate the thousands of named varieties.
Despite their delicate appearance, snowdrops are remarkably robust and shrug off extremes of weather in their stride.they are at their best when allowed to naturalise in large drifts and carpet wide areas with their white brilliance. Displays may last right through until the end of February, after which the clumps of green leaves and spent flowers can be divided to help increase stock.
IT’S DURING winter that wildlife can be more easily spotted, as it has less vegetative growth in which to hide. Keep your eyes peeled for migrant birds such as redwings which visit our shores in late autumn and winter.they can usually also be spotted stripping berries from trees or searching for earthworms in parks and playing fields.
Treecreepers or nuthatches are also more visible in winter.these beautiful birds can be found in woodland areas, climbing around the wide trunks of trees, particularly mature oaks.
The RSPB undertakes its annual bird count, the Big Garden Birdwatch, over three days from January 25-27, which allows them to monitor trends and spot problems within the various bird communities.
Each year over half a million people take part by spending one hour counting and recording birds in their gardens or local parks.
All results can be submitted online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or by post via a submission form that can be downloaded from the same website.