I remain every hopeful that Spring is on its way, even the smallest flower can bring such delight to a gloomy February day. 

Sumptuously Scented Sarcoccoca Confusa
Also known as Christmas Box, this small hardy evergreen shrub gives off the most deliciously scented winter flowers. It has compact glossy green foliage, with white flowers and attractive black berry-like fruit. Christmas Box is ideal for growing in a pot by the front door. The plant is slow growing to a maximum height of 1.2m.

Easy to grow, Christmas Box plants prefer moist, well drained and humus rich soil. They're perfect planted in light shade under other trees and shrubs. Christmas Box can also be planted together to create a low hedge, as an alternative to common box. Containerised plants are readily available and can be planted now if the ground isn’t frozen.
 
Vicky’s Top Tip
Lightly prune with shears after flowering, to keep in a neat ball shape. 

​I always consider this to be one of the darkest months of the year. The artificial lights of Christmas are down and it is the end of the month before we begin to see the evenings draw out a little and a few early snowdrops or aconites beginning to show.

Hooray for Hellebores
I am not sure what it is about Hellebores which makes them so seductive, part of it maybe they put on a show whilst winter is still in full swing. These hardy perennial plants are not tall and cannot be accused of being flamboyant, but their flowers last for months, eventually fading to green. The range of colours is staggering from pure white to virtually black and in between soft pinks, rich purples, clarets, yellows and greens. 

Easy to grow, Hellebores prefers heavy, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shade. Many will tolerate full sun and most soil conditions but it's best to avoid excessively dry or wet conditions. They can be planted now if the ground isn’t frozen. Alternatively, plant in a pot and transfer to the border later in the spring. 

Vicky’s Top Tips 

• Make sure to mulch annually in autumn.
• Trim off old leaves ready to reveal the beautiful nodding flower heads.  
• In April or May trim off the faded flowers, dig up any seedlings from around the parent plant and plant elsewhere in the garden for further Hellebore delight.