Boxmoor Direct January 2025 | Page 27

need to be pruned early in the season and then their vertical stems of red , orange , yellow and lime green new growth ( depending on the variety ) will set your garden ablaze .
5 . Sounds of the outside world Some plants move gracefully in the wind before returning to their natural shape . Many ornamental grasses also give you a pleasing sound . Bamboo is another good mover with its own subtle percussion . Listen to the music of the outdoors . There are trees which provide excellent psithurism ( yes , that ’ s the word that describes the wind whispering through trees and leaves ), including some of the taller pines .
6 : The joy of work If winter feels like a drag , get outside
– move , breathe and do something ! You might undertake some winter pruning ( it ’ s a great month in which to rejuvenate apple trees ); clean the patio and paths ; feed the birds or simply go for an invigorating walk . Before returning indoors , snip some outdoor delights and arrange them in a vase . Once the light has faded outside , your twigs , foliage and flowers will connect you to the natural world .
By Caroline Knight
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