GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

Sacha[_1_] · 24-11-2006, 09:32 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 24/11/06 17:24, in article
, "skybluecat"
wrote:

Hi, I just joined today.

I don't get to do much gardening due to health problems so I'm looking
for ideas that will give me a bit of winter colour every year. (I
already have some summer plants, e.g. roses, but more of that another
day!).

Is there anything hardy and preferably perennial, but not too expensive
, that I can maybe put in a patio tub near the back door that will
give a bit of colour for the next few months?

This would help to cheer me up on bad days.

You could try Sarcococca (Christmas Box) which will give you outstanding
winter perfume, underplanted with e.g. tete a tete daffs for colour. The
size of your tub will define your choices, of course but if it doesn't
*have* to be perennial, a tub planted with winter flowering pansies or
Primulas is a lovely sight. A few of the silvery variegated, small leaf
ivies and it's something special. And, as a bonus, one sprig of
Sarcococca's apparently insignificant flowers in a vase will perfume half
the house.
By the way, if you could tell us where you live - rough location, info as to
frost pockets, winds, etc. - it helps to advise you on what to plant and
when.
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
http://www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk/