Daffodils are to spring what roses, irises and lilies are to summer What sunflowers and chrysanthemums are to autumn and hellebores and
aconites are to winter
Lift and transplant snowdrops and
aconites. Thin radish seedlings before they become overcrowded.
As garden plants, the
aconites are very ornamental, hardy perennials.
You can slot a mix of different species - such as snowdrop,
aconites, crocus, daffodils - into existing beds and borders so that, as they finish doing their thing, the perennials and shrubs will take over, creating a long season of interest.
They go well among snowdrops and winter
aconites. Scilla thrive in any well-drained, moist soil.
Now it's the turn of the
aconites. Some folk find they grow like weeds, but I've had trouble getting them started.
As Keith will be retiring later this year, this may be your last opportunity to admire the acres of snowdrops and
aconites.
Kiplin Hall reopens to the public on Sunday and its snowdrops and
aconites are already in flower.
OK, this week's offer is a bit of a cheat, but winter
aconites, or Eranthis hyemalis, will give you the look of summer wildflowers upon glossy green foliage from January through to March.
They look lovely with bulbs such as
aconites and cyclamen coum, under deciduous trees.
They look lovely with other bulbs which flower simultaneously, such as
aconites and Cyclamen coum, colonising under deciduous trees.
Lift overcrowded clumps of snowdrops and winter
aconites, separate them and replant them at their original depth.
They are stunning in patio pots, especially tulips, whereas daffodils, narcissus,
aconites, snowdrops, crocus and fritillarias are also ideal for naturalising in grass for a more informal display with other wild flowers.
Further south in Wiltshire Heale Gardens is also renowned for its annual drifts of snowdrops and
aconites that provide early welcome colour.
