Important plants currently showing

The feelgood factor engendered by Howick`s Galanthus displays and those we are familiar with in the surrounding countryside, has a cascading effect in our gardens where other plants of importance are currently showing their worth.

Assorted winter heathers that flower over four months are a stunning visual example and the constant honeybee presence is seen as a bonus.

Hellebores continue in full bloom despite overnight frosts.

Three potted plants bought a few years ago gave rise to the current group which, in maturity, offers self-sown seedlings every year.

Their flowers may differ slightly from the parent, so we have new varieties to offer a name – if they’re special!

Cyclamen coum is a hardy species that sends small, pink and white flowers up from an underground corm when frost is on the rampage. To appreciate the flowers fully we get to ground level because they’re barely three inches high. Gorgeous though the blooms are, when they fade, it’s the seed capsule that entertains.

The stem turns into a spirallike spring, pulling the load of seeds down to soil level. Resultant seedlings are constantly appearing near established plants. This is nature telling us that cyclamen seed best sown fresh rather than going into storage.

First I discovered that the scented golden flowers of a witch hazel had just opened, Then another agreeable fragrance caught my attention, but where was it coming from? An unassuming shrub with small green leaves and white, straplike flowers, was the answer – that delightful sarcococca again!