John Gilbert

Camellias are a mainstay of the late winter/early spring garden. This Camellia japonica began to open its flower buds at the beginning of March.

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’. This old favourite has been brightening up the winter garden with its clusters of red flower buds since well before Christmas. In a few weeks the buds will open to reveal white flowers.

Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ is beginning to open its pinkish-red, fern-like foliage – a sign that spring is not far away.

Acacia dealbata, also known as Mimosa, one of the earliest flowering trees in the garden. This one began to show off its finery this year in mid February.

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’: in flower from the beginning of February and giving off a wonderful fragrance that fills a large garden area. Ideal for planting in a front garden so that it can be enjoyed every day.

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, or dogwood, revealing its attractive red stems in the winter sunlight.

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’, another highly fragrant winter performer, has been in flower since November.

Sarcococca humilis, or Christmas Box, has been filling the garden with its fragrance since the beginning of February.

This Pyracantha has kept its berries right through the winter and continues to make a striking show in a London front garden. Birds have now begun to harvest the fruit, working their way down from the top of the shrub.