Tough Winter Flowers

Winter flowers are all the more precious for their scarcity, a joyous sight that neither wind, frost nor even a blanket of snow can suppress. For, even though the garden appears to sleep, nature is very much awake as a select cast of remarkable flowers take centre stage to be applauded. Yet, these are no blowsy show-stoppers of high summer, but petite, retiring blooms that project subtle colour, fragrance and sensuality onto a stark, wintry stage. the stars include witch hazels, hellebores and fragrant daphnes, whilst even the tiniest — snowdrops, winter aconites and delicate clematis — have great presence. At this time of year, there may seem little reason to leave the fireside, but these beautiful flowers should tempt you outside.