Add life with bulbs, foliage and berries this winter

As winter progresses, it’s cheering to see the tips of spring bulbs emerging from the earth.
Dwarf tulips and narcissi are easy to grow and bring a splash of colour when it’s most needed. Evergreens can also make a smart, sophisticated display on their own. The grey leaves of lavender for instance, last well through the winter.

Evergreen foliage plants are available in masses of shades of green and yellow. A particular favourite of ours are dwarf conifers, which offer great versatility and variety.

There are several compact container shrubs that give added value with their bright berries. Most are completely hardy, and can look beautiful with a sprinkling of winter frost.

Skimmia japonica is an all-round winner, with fragrant creamy, bell-shaped flowers, glossy evergreen leaves, and bright berries. It does prefer shade or semi-shade, making it particularly useful for overshadowed corners.

Finally, when most plants have lost their leaves, anything with colourful foliage comes into its own. Ornamental cabbages and kale will add a striking note to winter containers.

Their shades of rose, ruby and garnet, and swirls of crinkly-edged leaves add drama to a mixed planting bed.

They make a great background to feathery heathers, and will look colourful planted against dark mounds of ivy.