Hydrangea Mop head

Winter honeysuckle

Wild Clematis

Wild Carrot

Cyclamen leaves

Ivy flower and berries

A garden in winter is not quite the same as a winter garden – one that has been deliberately planted with winter-flowering shrubs – but it does not have to be devoid of character. A garden in winter is calming; the colour scheme has changed, bereft of colour, bleached and faded this is when fascinating shapes and forms come to the fore with layers of textured interest. Do not be too quick to cut back those grasses and perennials.

In an increasingly frenetic world we all need a space where we can recover our equilibrium, more so over the past 12 months where so much in our lives is uncertain and unknown. A garden, no matter how small, can often provide that connection with nature. Simply getting your hands into the soil and watching something grow can often provide that sanctuary. Being in nature enriches us, grounds us, reminds us of our place in the world.

Even during the winter months we can find solace in admiring the skeletal outlines of seed-heads, the calming symmetry of formal planting or the relaxing nature of wild planting. Greens will be soothing, leaf shapes with contrasting shapes will provide textures. Trees with their bare limbs will provide structure.

A garden in winter is still a garden. Enjoy it.