I recently came across Witch Hazel ‘Orange Peel’. The combination of magnificent spider- like burnt orange flowers plus the heady scent of strong marmalade has turned it into a must-have new shrub for my garden. I fully intend to buy and plant one in a very large container by our front door as research tells me it can grow up to 8ft in height and width, and prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. If only I could find a marmite scented winter flowering shrub, I would be in horticultural heaven.
January finds me pruning, mulching, cutting back perennials and carefully removing spent foliage from borders. I am constantly reminded how much new life is waiting for the year ahead. I am truly looking forward to another year of gardening.
My favourite image of the week – it was cold on Tuesday – four layers is generally my norm for this time of year; five if it is raining.
Sally Wicks 