As the shorter day approaches, we must make the most of the fleeting moments when we are outside.
A great way to do this is to plant a sweet-smelling shrub in a place where you will pass every day, next to a front door, a path or a door.
Sweet box (Sarcococca confusa) is a compact perennial shrub with dark green ovate leaves and small white flowers that are inconspicuous to look at, but smell divine.
Another of my favorites is Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’, pictured, a medium-sized perennial shrub with pink flowers that have a sweet, lemony perfume. Daphnes are short-lived, but they are worth it just for their fragrance.
And Witch Hazels are deciduous shrubs that bear flowers that look like orange or yellow candied peel from December to February.
They prefer an acid to neutral soil, and can be grown in containers, although this limits their growth.
Two of the best for scent are Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ with pale yellow flowers and H. ‘Diane’ with its fragrant copper red flowers.
Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is another deciduous shrub with unusual fragrant yellow flowers with dark red tepals.
It prefers moist, but well-drained soil and a sheltered position, so it is ideal for a sunny, south-facing wall.
Artichokes galore
Jerusalem artichokes are a bit of a joke because they induce wind, but they are useful when there is not much more growing.
A member of the sunflower family, its name comes from “girasole” – Italian for sunflower. It does not mind the cold and can be left in the ground until needed.
But if the soil is frozen or frozen, dig and store in the refrigerator. It is delicious pureed, cooked or added to soups and stews.
Order seeds
One of the most economical ways to get the garden of your dreams is to grow plants from seed.
Use the winter break to browse the seed booklets and see what you like.
Every year, seed dealers come up with old favorites in new colors or revive heirloom plants.
Plan where to plant the seedlings, but don’t be afraid to experiment. When they arrive, organize the seeds from the month that must be sown.
