Cottage Garden -January -  towards the end of the month the first signs that the year is turning. The bulbs start to push through and some very early shrubs are just coming into flower. In the last few days of the month the first snowdrops make a welcome appearance. As with other gardens the plants here seem to be mainly doubles which I don't really like, so I have got in a few bulbs of Galanthus nivalis ready to plant when they go dormant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on thumbnails for full size image.

 

Snowdrops almost out in the borders under shrubs.

The "ordinary" but lovely single Galanthus nivalis.

Close up of a Snowdrop.

A wonderful dark red flowering quince against the wall of the house.

Probably Prunus x subhirtella "Autumnalis" I just wish there were more flowering sprays on this!

Cyclamen hederifolium leaves from autumn now joined by bluebell leaves at the top of the garden.

Helleborus foetidus, featured last month still making it's contribution.

Probably Erica carnea, slightly lime tolerant which is just as well here!

Lonicera x purpusii on the patio. First flowers have appeared, although the flowers are less elegant than the summer honeysuckles it has a wonderful scent and really is a cheering plant.

Normally I'm not a fan of Eunonymous, especially this particular form but it certainly lights up the top garden these dark days.

Viburnum tinus, actually it is in next door's garden but it grows into ours.

Our yew, I guess it's would be described as a fastigate varigated form.