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At Consciously Grown, we love helping our clients create gardens that reflect their personality and thrive in every season. This January, we’re thrilled to share Sarah’s story, a customer in Sevenoaks who entrusted us with transforming her large garden into a sanctuary that shines even in the colder months.
The Challenge: A Garden That Falls Flat in Winter
When Sarah first reached out, she expressed a common concern: her garden looked lovely in Spring and summer but lacked interest and vibrancy in the winter at a time when they spent the most time at home and looking out at a view of the garden. With a busy lifestyle and a deep appreciation for nature, she wanted a garden that offered year-round appeal, supported local wildlife, and was easy to maintain.
Our Solution: A Thoughtfully Designed Winter Garden
After understanding Sarah’s vision, we created a tailored planting plan to ensure her garden would remain captivating throughout the colder months. Here’s what we planted and why:
1. Cornus alba (Dogwood)
Why: Dogwood’s vivid red stems add a bold splash of colour against a frosty backdrop. They’re perfect for creating winter drama.
Placement: Planted in clusters near the patio to catch the low winter sun.
2. Hellebores (Winter Roses)
Why: These hardy perennials bloom from late winter into spring, offering delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, and deep purple.
Placement: Scattered throughout the borders to create visual interest.
3. Sarcococca (Sweet Box)
Why: Known for its glossy evergreen foliage and tiny, fragrant flowers, this shrub brings both scent and greenery to the garden.
Placement: Positioned near walkways to enjoy its fragrance up close.
4. Erica carnea (Winter Heath)
Why: This low-growing evergreen blooms in shades of pink and purple throughout winter.
Placement: Used to edge pathways and add a pop of colour.
5. Callicarpa bodinieri (Beautyberry)
Why: Its vivid purple berries stand out in the winter landscape and attract birds.
Placement: Planted near the seating area for easy viewing.
6. Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass)
Why: This ornamental grass adds height and movement, with golden plumes that persist through winter.
Placement: Planted in groups to create vertical interest in the borders.
7. Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)
Why: Its flowing, golden-green foliage adds texture and contrast to the winter garden.
Placement: Used to soften edges and complement structural plants.
8. Miscanthus (Maiden Grass)
Why: Tall, elegant grasses with feathery plumes that add softness and motion.
Placement: Positioned as a backdrop to create depth and structure.
9. Molinia (Moor Grass)
Why: Its delicate, arching stems bring grace and lightness to the garden.
Placement: Planted in sweeps along pathways for a naturalistic look.
10. Phlomis (Jerusalem Sage)
Why: Evergreen foliage and seed heads provide structure and interest year-round.
Placement: Added to mixed borders for texture and wildlife appeal.
11. Hylotelephium (Sedum)
Why: Succulent foliage and flower heads that dry beautifully for winter interest.
Placement: Planted in sunny spots to draw attention to the garden’s edges.
.12. Hydrangeas
Why: Their dried flower heads provide a striking, sculptural element through winter while adding structure to the garden.
Placement: Positioned strategically in borders to enhance form and complement other plants.
How We Supported Wildlife
In addition to creating visual interest, we prioritized plants that support local wildlife:
Nectar-rich Flowers: Hellebores and viburnums provide early-season nectar for pollinators.
Berry-producing Shrubs: Callicarpa and viburnums offer a vital food source for birds during winter.
Shelter: Evergreen shrubs like Sarcococca and Viburnum tinus offer year-round cover for small creatures.
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