Tier 4 isn’t the best way to start 2021 but here’s saying a big thank you to all the NHS, care workers, and other essential workers who have kept everything going – and an equally big thank you to the researchers who have managed to produce vaccines that work. Hopefully this coming year will see us (eventually) return to some form of normality.

In the meantime let us celebrate our gardens, the joy and solace they brought over the difficult months of last year and the hope they bring for this year

On the final day of December – and this awful year – most of the gardens are still buried under the snow but a few more evergreen and variegated little shrubs are peeping through

When everything is covered in snow, or is just brown and twiggy, we shouldn’t forget our evergreen shrubs when thinking about colour in our winter gardens. These ones are (once again) to be found in Stonefield Park – and taken before the recent snow.

It’s still snowing but these two little plants are managing to keep their heads up high (for now)

Sorry, forgot yesterday’s post which was this little rock plant – it has been flowering on and off all year round

Today’s garden colour is hidden under a blanket of snow

Nandina domestica ‘Firepower’ is really showing off at this time of year

Oh: the Holly and the Ivy . . .

With our very best wishes this Christmas.

Christmas Rose or Hellebore niger

If you were unable to join in the Barlaston Village Garden Club Zoom talk on the Fragrant Garden earlier in the month, or if you missed it, and want to see a recording of the meeting then for a short highlights version click here or for the full version click here .

Spot the ladybird in this Skimmia

Did you find it?

Primulas (or garden primroses) are blooming in sheltered spots – though somewhat chewed by slugs/snails/? and flattened by the rain