Here are a few highlights to look out for in the arboretum during January…

Although the weather remains cold and frosty, there are already many signs of life and colour emerging around the arboretum. Along Her Ladyship’s Walk – the entrance path into the arboretum – Hellebores, Snowdrops, Cyclamen and winter aconites are beginning to come into flower, providing welcome splashes of colour against the winter landscape.

The beautifully scented blooms of Daphne odora × bholua ‘Perfume Princess’, found at several locations throughout the arboretum, are particularly striking at this time of year. Fragrance continues to be a highlight, with Daphne bholua, Lonicera standishii (Standish’s honeysuckle) and Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) dotted around the arboretum.

Keep an eye out for witch hazel (Hamamelis), whose delicate, spider-like flowers appear on bare branches in shades of yellow, orange and red, adding interest to the late winter garden.

Daffodils are also starting to make an appearance. ‘January Gold’ is traditionally one of the earliest to flower, with ‘Spring Dawn’ soon to follow, displaying soft yellow and white flowers.

Ornamental dogwoods (Cornus), grown for their colourful winter stems, continue to shine at this time of year. Their vivid red, orange, yellow and acid-green stems stand out beautifully on dull winter days.

Finally, Snowdrops are becoming increasingly noticeable and are close to flowering in small areas across the arboretum. Over the coming weeks, they will become more prominent, leading to stunning displays throughout January and into early February, particularly along the stream and in other areas around the arboretum.