A Backbone of Evergreens

At this time of the year it can seem bare, damp and somewhat lifeless in the garden. Of course we all know this is part of the natural cycle, as many perennials are deep into their dormancy and the annuals have finally given up the ghost. The skeletal appearance of most of the hardwoods is stark and bleak, particularly when viewed against the grey winter sky. But paradoxically the same bare trees are undeniably beautiful in silhouette with their fragile looking veins and occasional watery sunshine bleeding through the branches.

However, it is the evergreens which are the backbone of the winter garden. On the Pennines we are fortunate in that a wide variety of evergreens will do well. Holly, laurel, yew, ivy, heathers not to mention a host of domestic and non native tree species, mostly the conifers, will all flourish.

The bare stems of the cherry tree would be a quite uncompromising backdrop to the top of the garden were it not for the evergreen shrubs below. Even the rhododendron is still providing some relief of green, albeit not my favourite garden plant. 

The ornamental grasses (and sedges in our case) remain good value, no matter what the season and can distract the eye from a lawn that is again looking moth eaten as the badgers have started grubbing up selected spots.

 

All areas of the garden need an evergreen framework, as the pictures show, that both the patio and the terrace each retain some greenery and a little interest deep into winter. The wildlife also appreciate the cover as do the two cats cats in our Pennine garden.

Top tip: When planning your garden think of the evergreens as the backbone of your design. Even though we might not spend as much time outside in the middle of January as we will in the height of summer all outdoor spaces will be the better for a splash of a little greenery.