WINTER GREENS

A crucial element in garden planting, evergreen shrubs can offer structure, interest and even scent throughout the year

Whether providing year-round foliage, seasonal flowers and berries, privacy for a corner of your outdoor retreat, or vitality and structure to see the garden through the coldest months, evergreen shrubs are among the most versatile and hardworking members of the planting palette.

When using evergreens, as with any shrub, think about the purpose that the plant will play within the scheme of your garden, advises garden designer Fi Boyle. Are you using it to block something unsightly or perhaps to form a focal point? Do you want to create interest at a time of year when other plants have died down?'

ADD BLISSFUL SCENT

'Many evergreen shrubs have wonderfully scented flowers, an essential element of any garden,' says garden designer Helen Elks-Smith. A combination of just three plants will provide scent from December right through to October. I often choose Sarcococca hookeriana Purple Stem' for a relaxed look but that combines well with the wider foliage of Daphne odora Aureomarginata', and for a slightly sunnier spot, Daphne x transatlantica Eternal Fragrance' to run through the summer.'

Scented evergreen shrubs really come into play in the winter garden when other plants are bare, agrees garden designer Harriet Farlam. Plant an evergreen specimen shrub such as Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill' close to a door to bring beautiful scent in the darkest months.'