We begin a new year with a spring in our step now that the snow has gone, We will be repairing our tunnels that were firmly squashed by the snow a giant in large boots could not have done a better job. However looking around the nursery there are always sights to cheer one’s spirits such as the serendipitous combination of cornus sericea flaverimea (Yellow stemmed Dogwood) and Rubus cockburnianus (White stemmed Bramble). This is the time of year when coloured stemmed shrubs really make an impact so did you remember to prune the coloured dogwoods and willows last spring? Looking into some of our tunnels that survived the havoc of the snow there are promises of the spring ahead like the good old Primrose just beginning to flower. Another favourite more likely to found this time of year in the garden is Mahonia x media Charity. Although a fine plant my favourite Mahonia has to be japonica for the delicious near lily of the valley scent of its flowers.