IT IS frustrating not to be able to get out into the garden; it feels like weeks since I’ve been out for any length of time. Indeed the only jobs done over the past couple of weeks have been trips to the compost heap and a few shakes of the evergreens to relieve their branches of snow. As I write, a rise in temperature has been promised for the weekend, bringing a welcome thaw.

When the snow disappears, it will expose what we know is underneath its blanket. The winter-flowering viburnums and yellow winter jasmines that are sleeping lightly at the moment just need a hint of warmth to revive the flowers that began blooming last month.

These late-flowering shrubs are a joy to have in the garden, their notion to bloom when most other plants are taking their winter rest makes them a valuable addition for winter interest.

We have what we think is Viburnum farreri growing on a west-facing wall near the house. This spot that gets afternoon and evening sun is perfect for this shrub that grows neatly with upright slender stems two metres or so high. The green foliage darkened in the autumn but has now fallen, leaving bare branches behind to carry the fragrant white flowers.

This viburnum is a popular variety that can be trained as a wall shrub in small spaces or allowed freer growth in a larger area. A sunny spot near the house where the late-season flowers and delicate scent can be appreciated from an open window is ideal although a shrub hidden further away will beguile with its fragrance.

Pruning can be done after flowering but a newly planted shrub can usually be left for four years or more before anything major needs to be done. This will allow a good root system and network of branches to form to carry the blooms. After that, around one third of the oldest stems can be removed at ground level together with any dead or damaged stems in early spring – flowering usually finishes by February or March. This can then be repeated every two or three years depending on how vigorous the individual plant is and also the space available for it to grow.

Although many of the late-flowering viburnums are deciduous, there is one member of this group which isn’t. Viburnum tinus is a hardy evergreen shrub with dark green oval leaves and clusters of white flowers that will open any time from late autumn through to late spring.

The best display is to be had in mild spells during this period when the shrub will be covered in blooms for as long as the weather holds. The flowers are resistant to frost and so make a lovely sight dusted with rime on a sunny winter day. This shrub is easy to grow and can be used as a specimen shrub, at the back of a border where the dark leaves offer a good backdrop for bright, summer-flowering perennials or as hedging.

Viburnum tinus can be pruned in early spring with one third of the oldest wood cut back to ground level on shrubs five years or so old to encourage the growth of new shoots. It will also respond to drastic reduction which is useful for a neglected and overgrown specimen. Simply cut the whole plant back hard and new shoots will quickly form on the wood that is left. When doing this, it is a good idea to clear the soil around the base, sprinkle some slow-release fertiliser onto the earth and water well.


Weekend catch up

This weekend many of us will be buying our Christmas trees so this is just a reminder to trim the base of the trunk and put the tree into water; purpose-made stands are available.

Alternatively, use a large bucket and wedge the tree in place with wood, pebbles or bricks before filling with water.

Check regularly, especially if the tree is in a warm spot, and top up with water when necessary. This will help to prolong its life and prevent needle drop.

* In the Garden is temporarily hanging up the trowel to take a holiday over the festive period but will return to this spot in January.

Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all our readers and here’s to bountiful gardening in 2011.