CELEBRATE
A mix of exotic, formal, evergreen and faded deciduous leaves can make your garden glamorous when frost bites
©GAP Photos/Joe Wainwright - Garden: Wollerton Old Hall Garden Designers: John and Lesley Jenkins
The dramatic drooping leaflets of Melianthus major in the left hand border make an unusual exotic winter feature and contrasting spiral topiary, spiky phormium and wispy golden strands of miscanthus will create a wonderful display for the rest of the season. A summerhouse makes a fine focal point, when framed by the neatly clipped beech hedge.
1 Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ makes a fine background evergreen for winter with strong yellow and green variegation. H: 4m. ©Shutterstock / simona pavan
2 Melianthus major can suffer in a hard winter and die back but given a sunny, sheltered spot it can delight when so many plants have disappeared. H: 2m. ©Shutterstock / Helen J Davies
3 Phormium tenax ‘Variegata’ adds a welcome splash of yellow with its striped swords in winter, even more effective when caught by the low sun. H: 2m. ©Shutterstock / simona pavan
