A Gardener’s Miscellany

This week it’s:

Evergreen shrubs

Plants that come into their own during winter

IN most gardens, evergreens are limited to shrubs such as camellias, azaleas, laurels and box, but there are so many others out there. Some evergreens produce stunning flowers as well, while others rely on their decorative leaves to grab our attention. These plants come into their own in winter, when deciduous plants have shed their leaves. They provide brilliant touches of winter colour but, with careful choosing and siting, they can provide so much more. Let’s look at some of the stories surrounding them.

■ Any plant with for its Latin species name –, see below) – will be evergreen. The word is a marriage of and (‘forever’ and ‘green’).