Winter Wonderland – It’s not all about the flower
Think twice about cutting back your faded flower heads in autumn
The summer blooms might feel like a distant memory but it isn’t just about the flower; so you might want to think twice before getting out the loppers.
In our opinion there are many herbaceous plants and grasses that deserve to remain in the garden over the winter; there is nothing worse than staring at large patches of barren earth and longingly awaiting for the return of spring.
Waking up on a frosty morning or after the first snow has fallen, to witness the intricate network of Sanguisorba ‘Red Thunder’ seed heads twinkling in Arctic sunshine or the majestic flower heads of ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ or Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ shimmering in a wintry breeze; can truly lift the spirits.
They are fantastic specimen plants and all add an invaluable dimension into what could be a bleak winter scene.
Other worthy plants for winter interest include, Veronicastrum virginicum for their
dramatic and majestic towering spires and Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel).
The Teasel is a magnificent, statuesque addition to the back of a border and is loved by bees when in flower and is invaluable winter fodder for seed loving birds.
Many plants have a lot to offer when they’ve past their blooming best and it’s always good to remind yourself that the beauty of a plant isn’t always about the flower.
