Understated but deliciously fragrant flowers, Lonicera fragrantissima
It is the second month of a new year, a new decade. May your New Year’s resolutions be holding strong. Spring is in the air but pack away the winter woollies at your peril as temperatures can suddenly drop. It is the month of love with all the joy and heartache that she brings. Whether it’s stupid Cupid, fast love or endless love you are seeking this month, remember that you can’t hurry love!
What you can do this month is to seek out some reliable gems for the garden. One such goes by the name of Lonicera fragrantissima (that’s winter honeysuckle darling!). She is more enchantress than rock star. You will fall under her spell long before you realise who she is. Plant this deciduous shrub (growing to 2m) where her deliciously captivating scent will make you swoon daily from January to March. Her creamy white flowers are in abundance on bare branches and an enticing source for early pollinators.
There are so many wickedly wonderful snowdrops available to make you dizzy with choice. For an ever-reliable, low-maintenance charmer with substance, take a chance on the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis (just 15cm high). They are best planted while still in leaf. Their nodding single white flowers with green markings will bring a twinkle to your eyes – a carpet of late winter-white magic. Don’t be shy; plant them in large drifts in lawns or in clumps under deciduous shrubs and trees. They’re also a wonder for bees.
For a stunningly, elegant choice, be besotted by Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (autumn/ winter flowering cherry). A small tree (4-8m), its pink buds delight and open to tiny white flowers bewitching passers by especially against a cold blue sky – you will lose time in awe of her beauty.
Continue to put water and food out for birds. Do your bit to help – choose plants that are an early source of nectar for pollinators. Continue to watch ponds with freezing temperatures. Prune roses, deciduous trees and shrubs while still dormant.
Don’t despair by the length of our winter or should you be without a true Valentine this month. Be your own Cupid. Aim your bow high and may that arrow land on someone deserving of you. There is much to be thankful for… think of those horrendously destructive, heartbreaking bushfires in Australia and thank our lucky stars for all that we have.