2 Black Hens

A damp and dreary day expressive of January but I’m using artistic licence because I took these photos yesterday in the sun. There are lovely things to look at outside at all times and Six on Saturday helps me focus on that!

1. Daffodils

Amazingly these daffodils are already out even before the snowdrops. They are ice follies and if we get the cold weather predicted next week they will be true to their name.

2. Hazel

I have always loved catkins. I planted this 5 years ago and it brings the countryside into the garden. So bright and simple and happy.

3. Cornus Mid-winter fire

Very suited to its name. Another easy shrub but lovely in winter.

4. Witch Hazel

I adore these small trees and envy gardens that have old established ones alight with colour at this time of year. Wakehurst has some wonderful specimens. They are very slow growing for me but I think I’m lucky that I can grow them at all because I live within sight of the chalky south downs. This is Diane and I also have Pallida which is not in flower yet.

5. Mahonia (Charity)

Beautiful clear yellow against a blue sky makes your heart sing. I’m not sure how big it gets but it just keeps growing without any help from me and the blackbirds eat all the blueish berries that come after the flowers.

6. Hellebore

At the risk of being boring, last but not least, hellebores which grow in this east facing, dry shady border along the fence and are rediscovered every winter.

If you would like to see some more peoples’ places and plants go to the Propagator’s site via this link the Propagator

For my first SOS I have decided to feature the evergreens in my garden, the oldest of which were here before me i.e planted pre 1993. Mid winter is their time to shine and come spring they will retire modestly into the background, merely props and scenery again.

1. Camellia (Donation)

Not a particularly loved specimen (I did not plant it and its been very shaded and ignored for years) but she does shine in the sun and has some juicy buds this year.

2. Yew

A slow growing blob that had a smart haircut this summer.

3. Holly

I love this varigated holly. It was smothered in berries before Christmas and looks good all year.

4. Choisya (dazzler)

This is lovely now with the shiny delicate leaves and in summer with its white flowers

5. Sarcococca confusa

I planted this by the front door 3 years ago and I think it has made enough growth to wack out some good fragrance when the flowers come out in a few days.

6. A trio of evergreens (yew, euonymus and box) along the front garden boundary

What it says on the tin