IN winter, our thoughts turn to evergreens. We love them for the structure they give us, and the comfort of dark, glossy foliage that will cope with all weathers and provide a stalwart backdrop for the few bright sparkles of winter blooms and berries. We think of yew, holly and box for our seasonal traditions, clipped into formal shapes, or marvel at ancient hedges left to tower and dominate landscapes.
But winter evergreens are about so much more than these strong, dark, sometimes foreboding shrubs. It’s about creating pausing points in a garden; it’s about framing bare shrubs, spent stems and seedheads; and it’s about creating contrasts and textures.
Huge choice
We usually don’t have the luxury of time and the space to accommodate large architectural plants in our gardens
