Three perfect plants for creating a statement garden when the frost thaws

1^st December 2021

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

1 December 2021

The world is changing: there’s a marked shift in social attitudes toward a kinder attitude to the planet, takes better care of people and their home. While technological innovations march onward, some are learning again to embrace the timeless beauty of nature. It’s a paradox that can only do good.

Part of this change has been facilitated by the rise in remote working. As workers spend more time out of the office, they’re discovering the importance of outdoor spaces. For those lucky enough to have gardens, this has meant embracing what’s on the doorstep – and, in some instances, learning to make the most of it.

For both the newly enthusiastic gardener and the old faithful, there’s been a real trend toward improving outdoor spaces. Below is a look at three perfect plants to help even the least experienced do that.

Weeping redbud

The name of this plant is dramatic, and so is its appearance. Trailing elegantly, the weeping redbud requires minimal maintenance but looks beautiful when its heavily flowered branches dance sinuously in the breeze. Beginning to flower in early spring, the popular “traveller” variety produces bright pink blooms that give way to copper-coloured leaves, which mature to green. Even in winter, its twisted trunk and dark bark make their mark on the landscape.  

Globe thistle

Green will always look glorious to the eye, but it can also be fun to inject some different colours into an outdoor palette. Globe thistles are an ideal option to help do just that. With spears of silver topped by brilliant blue or white spikes, they’re dramatic, statuesque and make a bold statement. Instantly drawing attention, they’re also really easy to care for and appeal to lots of pollinators.  

Water lily

Anyone with a pond can add water lilies too. These plants turn water features into the most paradisiacal spots to sit in and enjoy. Not only do they look lovely, but they play a key part in keeping ponds healthy by providing essential shade and surface cover for fish and water life. There are dozens of different varieties available, with some having spreads of up to a metre. It’s not easy to make a much bigger statement than that!

Learning to enjoy an outdoor area

Adding eye-catching plants to a garden is a great way to improve its appearance and aesthetic, but it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s meant to be enjoyed by you. Even when winter rolls around, it should be possible to make the most of an outdoor area, and that means making it a more pleasant place to spend time.

One can do this in several ways: adding seating is a great place to start, but for the space to be useable all year round, heating options are a good idea too. It can also be fun to incorporate options like a fire pit table. Available in a range of styles, these suit gardens of all sizes and facilitate everything from relaxing outdoors to al fresco dining in the depths of winter.

These three statement plants are a great place to start for a garden revamp, but there are lots of other ways to go, from creating beautiful seating areas to adding fantastical water features and wildlife-friendly feeders. The only limit is the imagination.

The editorial unit