Plant Of the Month
February : Dwarf Iris or Iris reticulata
Flowering in February and March, these tiny Iris bring
a much- needed splash of colour to the garden at the tail end of winter.
They work particularly well in a window- box as this raises them up to
eye level. Planted with other dainty winter flowers such as Scilla siberica
'Atrocoerulea', a mixture of yellow and blue winter pansies, and set off
by some small leaved white variegated leaved ivy, all just outside your
kitchen window and February will not seem such a dull month after all.
Fatsia japonica
Fatsia ooks very exotic but is in fact hardy through our winters. It can reach as much as
3 metres high, but can easily be kept to the proportions required. This photograph
was taken in February, and it is easy to see what wonderful effects are
gained from seeing the pale February sunshine through these glossy green
leaves. Another useful trait of Fatsia is that it will grow in deep shade.
That dark corner in which nothing would grow
can suddenly develop into something much more interesting. It can be teamed
up with Hostas and a variegated Euonymous to finish off the look.Helleborus orientalis.
I love to see the buds of these flowers pushing
through the earth around Christmas time. In full flower (white, pale or
deep purple) in February, they are a splendid addition to any garden. As
they are evergreen, their dark green foliage provides an excellent backdrop
to whatever summer planting you choose! Hodsock Priory February at its best
If you are interested in seeing fine examples of what is in flower in February then a trip to Hodsock Priory would be very worthwhile. The Priory is famous for its snowdrops, and rightly so. The gardens with formal borders and woodland walks also put on a wonderful winter show in general. Visit their website here, or to find them on the map click hereHodsock Priory Gardens, Blyth, Nottinghamshire, England S81 0TY Hodsock Priory is located on the B6045 between Blyth & Worksop and is well signposted. Tel: 01909 591204