6 THINGS TO MAKE YOUR HEART SING
In January there are magical moments to enjoy outdoors . All you need is the right gear and some time during daylight hours to step out and open your mind and heart to the beauty of winter .
1 . Winter wonderland Notice the effect of frost , ice and snow on the landscape . It ’ s all about ‘ seeing ’. This is when shape , form and detailing such as water features , sculpture , trees , plants and even plant supports can be appreciated . Architectural forms look dramatic during winter weather conditions but even the smallest leaf can amaze you when you focus on the detail .
If you ’ re lucky enough to catch a hoar frost , formed when water in the air turns into feathery ice crystals on surfaces such as branches and petals , there is probably nothing more beautiful .
Freckles ’, C . ‘ Ourika Valley ’ are climbers in bloom this month .
• Mahonia , giant architectural evergreens , produce spikes of bright-yellow , scented flowers which look like rays of sunshine . They are loved by early bees and provide a valuable food source .
• Witch hazel ( Hamamelis ) is not to be missed ! Spidery , bright flowers adorn the bare twigs , their sweet smell a bonus .
• Hellebores are much closer to the ground , with gently bowed heads of subtle beauty .
2 . Fantastic flowers
• Clematis ‘ Wisley Cream ’, C . ‘ Jingle Bells ’, C . ‘
• Snowdrops , with nodding white blooms from January through to March , are the first bulbs to appear
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