Cold weather may be back, but the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is predicting Our gardens bloom in a rush of winter colors.
According to the world-renowned gardening charity, the plants that were held back by the December cold snap are all blooming in sync. Witch hazel, winter-blooming honeysuckle, Chinese quince, hellebore and snowdrops are now in full bloom, and RHS predicts the long-lasting display of winter favorites will continue into his February.
The unique explosion of colors is thought to have been caused by last summer’s heat and light, recent above-average temperatures driving growth speed, and freezing conditions in December providing the chill needed for the plants to flower.
“Spring hasn’t yet sprouted, but the flashes of dogwood stems and the intense scent of winter-blooming honeysuckle help ward off the blues of winter, and these dramatic displays are set to last well into February.”
snowdrops are blooming
Jackie ParkerGetty Images
Last year, salvia and roses bloomed in the south until December and temperatures plummeted. RHS says it has been an exceptional 12 months for the gardens. Meanwhile, the charity also explained that climate change could increase weather variability, causing more frequent extreme weather events and disrupting flowering patterns.
Time to go outside and admire the fun that surrounds you…
16 great books for gardening and indoor plant inspiration
garden book
RHS Gardening: Ideas and Advice for Transforming Outdoor Spaces
£20.00
£10.23 (49% off)
Adam Frost’s practical, down-to-earth approach will help you plan and build the garden that’s right for you. Gardeners World Presenters will walk you through the entire process, from simple garden design ideas to complete garden remodels.
garden book
Modern Container Gardening: How To Create A Stylish Small Space Garden Anywhere
£16.00
£12.45 (22% off)
Isabelle Palmer shows you how to make the most of any small space with a series of small garden, single container and window box projects that can be completed in a day or a weekend. Perfect for beginner gardeners modern container gardening We provide beautiful pictures and clear step-by-step instructions.
garden book
National Trust School of Gardening: Practical Advice from an Expert
national trust
£20.00
£15.00 (25% off)
The National Trust employs over 500 horticulturists with a great deal of expertise. And now, in this detailed guide, they share their wisdom and provide the answers new and experienced gardeners are looking for. It aims to inspire and give you the confidence to get the most out of your garden.
garden book
Grow Vegetables in One Bed: How to Grow Abundant Food Monthly in One Raised Bed
£16.99
£11.55 (32% off)
Veg in one bed We explain how to build your bed and grow from seed, and offer advice on planting, feeding and harvesting. YouTube gardening star Huw Richards ensures early success by growing young plants on your windowsill We show you how and suggest what to grow in each part of the bed.
garden book
The Complete Gardener: A practical and imaginative guide to all aspects of gardening
In this book, Monty Don offers candid gardening advice and reveals the secrets to growing vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs while respecting the needs of the environment by gardening organically. You can also tour his Herefordshire Gardens, including his Flower Garden, Herb Garden and Kitchen Garden.
Botanical picture book
RHS Practical Foliage Plant Book
DK
£16.99
£13.20 (22% off)
practical houseplant book by the RHS includes 12 step-by-step projects to help you build an eye-catching terrarium, create a floating moss ball “string garden”, grow succulents and more . Complete with 175 detailed plant profiles, it is an essential practical guide for indoor gardeners.
garden book
Small Garden Styles: A Guide to Designing Outdoor Rooms and Containers
Whether it’s an urban patio, a small backyard, or a potted plant by the door, even a small garden space doesn’t have to sacrifice style.of small garden stylegarden designer Isa Hendry Eaton and lifestyle writer Jennifer Blaise Kramer show you how to use good design to create fun, elegant, exciting yet compact outdoor living spaces.
garden book
Charles Dowding’s Nodig Gardening: From Weeds to Vegetables Easy and Fast: Course 1
No Dig Garden
£22.77
£18.99 (17% off)
Nodig innovator Charles Dowding teaches you everything you need to know about this organic gardening method. With 19 chapters, you will learn how to use nodig on different types of soil, how to recognize and significantly reduce different types of weeds, how to know the difference between soil and compost types, and how to use the nodig method to increase abundance. Learn how to grow healthy vegetables.
Botanical picture book
In Bloom: Growing, harvesting and living flowers all year round
Kyle Books
£26.00
£20.99 (19% off)
Get all the inspiration you need to plant cut flowers and fill your home with garden colors and gorgeous scents all year round. In bloomClare Nolan reveals the secrets to growing bountiful harvests and styling stunning homegrown displays in this beautifully designed book.
garden book
RHS Complete Gardener’s Manual
DK
£25.00
£18.30 (27% off)
RHS’ Complete the Gardener’s Manual Choose plants that thrive in your space, design year-round color boundaries, figure out different pruning techniques, discover how to protect vegetable patches from pests, and help you make the best compost. .
garden book
Wildlife Gardening: For All
Want to attract bees, birds, frogs and hedgehogs to your garden?of Wildlife gardening for everyone, Kate Bradbury works with the Wildlife Trust and RHS to help discover how to make your garden, balcony, porch or patio a haven for garden wildlife. You’ll find useful charts, actionable projects, and her files of facts.
Botanical picture book
My Home Plants Changed My Life: Green Happiness for Great Indoors
Gardener and television host David Domony is a firm believer that houseplants can “make a practical and emotional contribution to our well-being.” We explain the hard science behind the positive effects of plants, provide expert tips on how to keep your plants thriving, and even share the top 50 life-enhancing houseplants.
garden book
RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design: Planning, Building, and Planting the Perfect Outdoor Space
DK
£30.00
£25.00 (17% off)
If you are looking for new garden ideas, RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design We guide you through planning, such as choosing the right materials for your building and assessing drainage, to planting, laying out patios, creating ponds, and planting perennials.
garden book
How to Make an Eco Garden: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Green Gardening
lorenz books
£15.00
£11.75 (22% off)
This earth-friendly book is packed with ideas for creating your own eco-gardens of all sizes, from small courtyards to large gardens and plots. Discover organic techniques that improve biodiversity, learn the value of using recycled and reclaimed materials for landscaping, and tackle simple projects like creating ponds and wildlife hotels.
Botanical picture book
RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers
DK
£40.00
£31.39 (22% off)
With expert advice from RHS, this best-selling reference book is organized by color, size, and type rather than as an AZ directory to help you choose the right breed for your outdoor space .
garden book
Build a Better Garden: 30 DIY Projects to Improve Your Yields
Francis Lincoln Publishers Limited
£16.99
£12.85 (24% off)
Joyce and Ben Russell devised 30 home garden projects designed to extend the season, protect crops from pests and improve yields. These projects transform vegetable gardens into more productive, more attractive and safer places.