AS colour fades, evergreen plants take centre stage in our gardens. Most of us don’t have the luxury of planting acres of stunning yew hedges like those in celebrated historic gardens – such as the 46ft (14m)-high spectacle at Powis Castle that needs a cherry picker for pruning. However, we can learn a lot from these landmarks about how to use the textures, shapes, and features of evergreens in smaller spaces.
Strong planting
We need strong planting in winter to give us our daily dose of green to calm our minds and to give our gardens a good structure that will contrast with the pared-back stems of deciduous shrubs and trees. Evergreen planting can help punctuate our borders and patios, and lead our eyes away from bare winter soil and spent flowerbeds. Hedges can work as a backdrop to winter-flowering shrubs and early bulbs, and winter foliage can come in many shades from darkest black through green to bronze.
Topiary can be used to witty or formal effect and larger specimens add strong architectural geometry. Use cubes, pillars, or spheres to frame paths, doorways and gates or as focal points within the garden, in pots or in borders.
Don’t forget herbs
Denne historien er fra October 23, 2021-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.
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Denne historien er fra October 23, 2021-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
