Winter Devastation

According to various reports, this has been the coldest winter ever. As I walk around my own garden, the scenes of devastation would verify this. I honestly do not remember seeing so many plants so badly damaged by the cold. Of course, every year there are some tender plants which I have bought, taking a chance, and often they don’t make it. But this year, it’s the tough evergreen stalwarts which have really taken a beating and that is what I find so shocking. There is also evidence of fluctuations between the cold and mild spells. For example, my agapanthus and alliums had started to sprout and this new growth was wiped out by the frost. Only time will tell if they will make another attempt. I have decided not to intervene with fleece this year. Better to let everything take its chance. If it isn’t tough enough, then it shouldn’t be here and it will be a lesson to me for planting plans for my clients in the future.
Earlier today I heard from someone who had left outside fuchsia and begonia plants. Presumably they had survived winters before. However, he said that they were extremely damaged looking and should he dump them and purchase new plants. But I am always on the lookout for a miraculous recovery, and many’s the time I have seen a plant resurrect itself, even when I had given up hope. It is far too early to be planting out tender perennials or bedding, so I would advise to bring those plants back under cover – in a frost free shed, garage or porch – and wait and hope.
Despite the cold, the old faithfuls are making an early appearance. If you want early colour, Cornus, Winter Jasmine, Witch Hazel, snowdrops and Hellebores are the main players. They never let you down.

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