Rise and shine
BRIGHTEN gloomy winter gardens with silver plants that shimmer in the moonlight and sparkle through the frost.
To create the shiniest effects, grow silver- leaved plants in white glazed ceramic or metal pots. Line them with bubble wrap to stop roots freezing.
Build a dream display by filling pots with the colourful leaves of ornamental cabbages and kale sandwiched between the lacy foliage of dusty miller and trails of variegated ivy.
The colourful pigmentation of cabbage plants goes more vibrant after prolonged cold weather.
The sword-like silver leaves of astelia make it a good centrepiece.
It is ideal for containers and will look stunning around the rim of a moon-round pool that is illuminated after dark.
Or try it in a large, shady border interlaced with the ghostly white bramble stems of Rubus cockburnianus.
In your borders, cover bare soil with dead nettle. This attractive groundcover looks astonishing when used as front-of-the-border edging.
Its perfect perennial partner is the silver- spotted leaves of lungwort, which shine in the shade and make a weed-smothering carpet 30cm tall.
Surprise
From February to April, it is studded with bluish-purple blooms.
Note that lungwort leaves may turn mildewy in summer, especially if soil dries out too much.
The soft furry leaves of lamb’s ears are irresistible to touch and useful for carpeting bare soil so weeds can’t easily penetrate. Use it to cleverly create pools of light in dark corners.
For a stylish, contemporary look, go for a monochrome scheme by partnering with the black grass Ophiopogon Nigrescens.
Dark shady corners will look even more inviting if you make a feature of them by placing small statues or garden figures in among the plants for an unexpected surprise.
White statues, especially, will lighten up the darkest corner and variegated plants will reflect light and lift them out of the gloom.
Consider adding a well-placed mirror to catch any dancing beams of sunlight to double the impact.
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