Pink adds a touch of sweetness to a planting Winter performers like Viburnum bodnantense and winter cherry (Prunus subhirtella) are encouraged by the kinder weather to produce a final show of beautiful blooms in the palest of shell pink. Beneath, echo the color with carpets of winter-flowering heathers (Erica camea) that have flowers in many shades of pink, as do many of the Helleb

The rebirth of the garden with its exuberant burst of regeneration and new life never fails to quicken the pulse after the gloom of winter. Days that are lengthening and warmer temperatures bring about a veritable explosion of plant growth, making the face of the garden change dramatically from week to week. All the colors of the season work well together, thou

For a real feeling of harmony in a large garden, choose a single plant variety and use it repeatedly through different parts of the garden. Choose an adaptable plant suited to a variety of conditions and companions and it will form the basis of a number of different color schemes while also providing a continuous rhythm to link the whole garden together, rather like a refrain

More space gives more freedom to the range of colors and plants, but color planning is even more essential without the discipline of choice imposed by the restriction of a small garden.

The principle of brighter colors near the house, receding colors at the boundaries is equally valid in a larger plot. Think also about 'concentrating winter color near the house, whe