The Winter Blues

During the coldest, bleakest time of year when much of the garden lies dormant and dull, there’s a surprising number of blue flowers, ranging from indigo, cobalt or sapphire shades through to ice, powder or midnight blue. Many are baby bulbs such as irises, crocuses, grape hyacinths, windflowers and various members of the scilla family, all widely available at garden centres, ready planted in plastic pots that easily slot into larger container arrangements. For greatest impact, plant a single variety per container, or add instant colour by teaming up with low-growing violas, winter heathers or variegated ivies. This is gardening at its easiest, provided a few golden rules are followed.