Still loads of work to do in the garden, fortunately the weather is holding out pretty well.
We managed to get three trees in the back garden pruned back sufficiently hard enough to let a bit more sunlight through next Spring, two Birch and a Rowan Pink Pagoda. This task is a constant battle, Myra with a preference for light pruning and my more severe pruning, which hopefully will make the job that bit more worthwhile and longer lasting.
Another shrub which we have recently planted in our quest to improve the appearance of the garden in Winter (Sarcococca Hookeriana Var. Humilis) is well worthy of consideration for your garden.
Although this evergreen shrub will grow well enough in a sunny position it will also thrive in the most dense of shade. The only other evergreen shrub to my knowledge which grows as well in such conditions is the Acuba,(Spotted Laurel).
Sarcococca from Western China has dark green glossy leaves and small white beautifully fragrant flowers, which have pink tips whilst in bud. The flowers start to open from December and continue through till March, followed by small black fruits.
Hardiness – Fully Hardy
Height – 60cm/2ft
Spread – 90cm/3ft
Position – Full Sun/Partial/Full Shade, in Moist Well Drained Soil
Common Name – Sweet Box
Flowering – December till March.
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