As the days draw out and we head towards British summertime, it feels opportune to reflect on the beauty of the winter season. Skeletal plant sculptures, draped in dried leaves and silken lace spun by spiders, define the cool hues of the winter landscape. From January onwards, delicate flower heads adorn the branches, pastel pom-pom petals emerging like a catwalk of scented, horticultural milinary. Without doubt, there is as much pleasure to be enjoyed during the daylight hours of winter as in the riot of high summer.
A garden seduces all the senses, and the power of scent on the psyche is not to be underestimated. Early flowering species are reliant on the power of their essential oils to attract pollinators. The tiny white flowers on the Sweet-Box, Sarcococca, produce a hypnotic scent that seduces the unsuspecting passer by, as well as being a firm favourite with the sleepy honeybees. The profusion of glossy black berries now adorning the Box are testament to the success of the pollinators. Other firm favourites here in the garden are the Daphne, 'Jacqueine Postle', and Witch Hazel, both in full flower at this time. The healing power of scent in the natural world is a wonder to behold, only ever a breath away and free to those who linger long enough to sense the magic...
