One of the country's best-loved gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh, has revealed the one thing he does in his garden on Christmas Day — and it might come as a surprise.
In his column for Country Life, Alan explains that he likes to hug his birch trees during the festive period, saying: "Who cares if I am branded a tree hugger? I wrap my arms around trunks, pulling myself towards them as if testing their strength."
He explained that, after giving his trees a wash with a warm cloth to get rid of their autumnal coating (something the RHS also recently suggested we all do this winter), he can't help but notice their luminosity. "Fresh from their wash and brush up, they cry out to be caressed," Alan says.
The household favourite also goes on to explain that we can still find pleasure in our gardens during the dark, dreary winter months. For him, the beauty at this time of year is found in the "stillness of the air" and in the small details, from the water collected on cobwebs to bright, red winter berries.
In a previous interview with Country Living, Alan explained that he uses the festive period to take a much-needed break. "Christmas in the garden is quiet and catch-up time – you can get everything sorted. I think that's the most forgiving thing about gardening in Britain – you get a gap.
"You can catch up and get ahead of nature – but not for long before it all starts again in March. It's a time for consolidation and planning. Although it's a quiet downtime, it's also a time for change."
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12 best plants to bring colour to a winter garden
1. Harry Hotspur (Primula Auricula)
These beautiful Primulas are semi-evergreen and will withstand the worst of the winter before blooming brightly at the start of the new year.
2. Winter-Flowering Heather (Calluna Vulgaris)
Found naturally in moorland, Winter-Flowering Heather is great in pots or bedding, can live for several years and will add pinks, purples and whites to drab winter gardens.
3. Sow Bread (Cyclamen Hederifolium)
The ivy-leaved version is the hardiest Cyclamen species and will thrive throughout a cold British winter with beautiful flowers.
4. Christmas Rose (Helleborus Niger)
A evergreen and long-lasting buttercup, the Christmas Rose has all the beauty of a wild white rose but is much more robust when the weather worsens.
5. Firebird (Flax Lily – Phormium)
'Firebird’ Flax Lilies are another evergreen perennial that retain their strong leathery leaves and distinctive colours throughout the year in a range of soils.
6. Elephant’s Ears (Claire Maxine – Bergenia)
Rhizomatous ‘Elephant’s Ears’ Bergenia, also known as Claire Maxine, will bulk out garden bedding with drooping red foliage during the colder months.
7. Tsatsumi Gold (Hinoki Cypress – Chamaecyparis Obtusa)
Coniferous Tsatsumi Gold shrubs can bring lovely, subtle yellow-golden hues all the way from their native Japan to dull winter gardens in Britain.
8. Witch Hazel (Wisley Supreme – Hamamelis Mollis)
Distinctive yellow to red Witch Hazel is a fragrant and textured shrub that will flower during the winter in all British gardens.
9. Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis Brachytricha)
This far-Eastern feather grass will bring unique silver tones to make outdoor spaces stand out against the neighbours.
10. Common Sage (Tricolor – Saliva Officinalis)
The common Tricolour Sage is a versatile evergreen shrub that can liven up British backyards this winter with grey-green leaves and purple flowers.
11. Grand Prix (Camellia Japonica)
The Camellia is another Asian winter hero – a dynamic shrub with bright flowers that jump out from its leathery leaves, it's also known as the Rose of Winter.
12. Angelina (Sedum Rupestre)
Clusters of little yellow flowers on the evergreen Angelina will sprout either side of the height of winter, in any soil that isn’t sodden.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
