Winter Border at The Bishop's Palace

James Cross, Head Gardener at The Bishop's Palace, Wells, describes the recently planted Winter Border in the gardens, which will be at its peak during the March fair - 04 March 2019

Our large winter border was planted nearly two years ago and has matured well during 2018 despite the drought and heat. We watered it throughout the summer and because of the thick mulch of mushroom compost all of the plants survived.

The winter border has been planted for interest throughout the winter and for flowers, scent, colour and foliage. Throughout winter you can enjoy the stem colour of Cornus, the wonderful scented flowers of several Daphne, Edgeworthia ‘Red Dragon’,  and Hamamelis selections, and the textured evergreen foliage of Picea pungens ‘Glauca’ and Pinus mugo ‘Winter Gold’.

We have also used early flowering perennials such as Helleborus, Pulmonaria and Brunnera for extra colour.

We have also considered summer interest and planted lots of Hydrangea which will give good winter structure with their flower heads! Many of these plants look good in summer too especially with the mix of conifers.

Website: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Photos: Jonathan Sawyer, The Bishop's Palace