Uppark House drive under snow
There are not many flowers to be seen at this time of year and what with the snow laden garden this post has been a bit of a challenge. A scout round the Uppark gardens revealed very little above the snow and not much more below. However here at Uppark there are a few hardy types, Gardeners and flowers alike. Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) have been out for some time now. They’re brilliant spots of yellow amongst the winter foliage.
Winter Aconites at Uppark
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are another reliable plant and when not covered by snow there are many clumps of flowers to be seen in the woodland outside and inside the Golden Gate area.
Snowdrops at Uppark
Mahonia and Viburnum have also been flowering for some weeks now. We have the Bodnant viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense) below and Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) at Uppark both showing some flowers but looking a bit under the weather.
Laurustinus
Our Mahonias were showing bright yellow before Christmas but are now past their best.
Lily of the valley bush flowering in the scented garden
We have Lily of the valley bush Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ and Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolium in the garden.
Another winter performer is Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa) with its sweet fragrance and snow white flowers. This evergreen is one of my favourites and we like it so much it’s our January plant of the month.
Sweet box
Unusual in the flower world is the colour green an example of which is the Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus). They have bright green leaves and lime green bell shaped flowers which last through to spring. Ours are looking really good amongst the snow covered borders.
Stinking hellebore
I’m looking forward to spring when there will be many more flowers to be seen and the gardens will look much more colurful.
Look at this post I did last March – A Bigger Picture
Beautiful photographs
Aren’t they just! thank you for your comment.
You are most welcome and thanks for sharing.
Stunning plant growth even in January – and how beautiful against the snow. I love the snow covered driveway shot – i know that the driveway must have proved a challenge to negotiate but so picturesque.
Alan’s done a great job with this post – his photography is pretty good too!
Great work Alan – I’ve also heard some great verbal feedback too!