An avenue of whitebeam (Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’), dusted with snow, leads to a statue lit by the early morning sun
Clipped Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is underplanted with Buxus sempervirens, adding structure to this garden scheme through the winter
FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLA STOCKENEach season brings distinct moods to the garden – spring’s drenching dews, high summer’s hazy heat, autumn’s misty mellowness and, at this time of year, the crisp chill of a bright winter’s day. As daylight hours became ever scarcer, the garden largely hibernates. But it only takes a dusting of frost to awaken again, its forms and foliage, statues and trees thrown into sharp relief against a crystal dawn.
All but the tiniest gardens subdivide into smaller areas, each offering potential for a focal point. This could be a gazebo, statue, seat, topiary, sundial or specimen evergreen that comes into its own due to its fruit, foliage or form.
Evergreen plants emerge from the shadows and provide aof the familiar landscape is absent; clipped box hedges break free from lanky perennials. In topiary lies a reassuring presence, not only in the formal framework of box hedges that define knot gardens or parterres but also in larger-than-life, clipped forms. From simple geometric shapes to fun and whimsical animals, topiary can add a unique element to any garden design.