The Witch Hazel, the Hamamelis provides us with not only delicate sweet fragrance but also pale yellow flowers in early spring.

The first signs of new life begin with the dancing tassels of the wild hazel, Corylus avellana.

A handsome addition to the winter garden is the Viburnum tinus. Its dark green foliage is the perfect background for the pretty white flowers that open from pink buds.

Hellebores are the true treasures of early Spring. They are very long flowering and combine very well with spring bulbs. Plant in groups to create a greater impact. Try varieties such as Helleborus argutifolius and Helleborus niger.

The Bergenia begins to flower in February flowering sporadically throughout the year. The ‘Elephant Ear’ as it’s fondly known, provides not only the beautiful flowers but also large bronze nearly red tinged rubbery leaves. Both white and pink varieties are available. Try Bergenia ‘Rotblum’ for a nearly cerise pink flower and the Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’ for a pure white flower.

The Euphorbia mellifera is a great coastal shrub. The evergreen foliage is a very good all through the year. Cut back any woody growth and it will re-shoot very nicely.