To say that the garden is bare in winter is both obvious – and wrong! For many, the definition of a perennial plant is one that is a riot of colour in summer, then disappears to ground level for winter, leaving beds and borders completely devoid of anything green before magically returning in spring.
But there are dozens – nay, hundreds – of ‘evergreen perennials’: plants that don’t die back in autumn. Their green, grey, yellow or reddish leaves persist throughout winter, giving borders interest and colour until spring.
When planning planting that offers something of interest all year round you probably think first of evergreen trees and shrubs. They are, after all, the backbone to any garden. However, evergreen perennials play an equally important part in keeping your plot alive and supplying form and structure during the winter months. What’s more – great news if you are pushed for time – evergreen perennials tend to require less care to keep them in tip-top condition. For instance, they won’t need a strenuous session of mass cutting back of dead and faded stems to ground level.
Good for wildlife
Wildlife will appreciate them, too. Insects, small mammals and birds all need a garden that isn’t completely tidied away for winter, and they will make good use of the sanctuary and shelter the foliage and stems provide.
Denne historien er fra November 07, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra November 07, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters