Abeliophyllum distichum

Abelio-phyllum distichum, or white forsythia is not closely related to its namesake, but like forsythia, sprays of tight buds, cut and brought inside the house, will open early in the warmth. Increasingly rare in its native Korea, due to overharvesting for medicinal uses (reputedly similar to witchhazel), my abeliophyllum is thriving in Mid-Devon, trained against a south-facing wall. It’s habit is rather spindly, without much grace or aesthetic contribution outside of late winter, but, as I compete with foraging bees to nuzzle close to the delicate, almond-scented blossom, I’m reminded of why I give it precious space.

Harbingers of spring

The second half of February was mild, a promise of spring. Honeybees came out, several days on the trot, to contentedly buzz between snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores and honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima).

A tray of old English apple pips I planted last autumn has germinated – I’m delighted as it’s the start of a coppiced orchard I’m hoping to plant. A Permaculture concept, the trees’ primary role will be to make lots of new growth to cut, chop and compost - easily harvested fertility to divert towards greedy vegetables. My pips, from a friend’s orchard of vast, ancient specimens, were open-pollinated (by bees), so their gene pool is unpredictable, unlike the grafted, named varieties you would choose for reliable fruit. Unless I’m unlucky however, they should be super-vigorous and strong, well-suited to local conditions as their parents live just down the road.

Viburnum farreri 'Candidissimum'

Sleet, hail, four consecutive dawns of glittering frost – winter has come early to Bertie’s Cottage. With the last of the tulips and Anenome blanda corms still to plant, I’m hoping that the sun, now climbing a cloudless blue sky, will thaw the soil before it too swiftly dips back over the horizon.

It is late for planting bulbs, but whilst narcissi should be buried before the end of October, tulips still thrive stored well into December, so long as they are kept in a cool, dark place, and are regularly checked for mould. If blue patches do start to form, dust the bulbs with powdered sulphur, an effective, natural and user-friendly fungicide.

The ornamental garden may be at its lowest ebb, but Viburnum farreri ‘Candidissimum’, is covered in clusters of white buds, that open a few at a time when temperatures allow. Happy in a north-facing position, next to a path, the tubular flowers generate a cloud of spicy scent that catches passers-by with surprise and delight. Well, generally delight – one nasally challenged friend complains at being mugged!