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.

I`ve noticed the beginning of spring in my garden this weekend. Two yellow winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are pushing their heads above the ground, a few snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are starting to show flower buds and the Daphne bholua (seedling ) lovely pink flower buds are just starting to open. Daphne bholua is a really difficult plant to propagate, cuttings are rarely successful. I`ve found that seedlings self sow in my garden (I noticed three around the main shrub last weekend) however seedlings usually are not identical to the original. This means that over time the strain could become weaker, which in turn can mean plants that maybe are not as floriferous or hardy or diesease resistant.