Plant silhouettes, scent and berries become increasingly important both visually and to the wildlife at this time of year. I try to cram as much as possible into the top and front garden so that it cheers me up on even the gloomiest of days. Placing a few pots with flowering plants in prominent positions works well too, although the choice of flowers is very limited. Last year I found the bedding dianthus flowered as well as anything, and flowered again in summer. Little violas have already put on an excellent show but even they struggle in the depths of winter.

One of my most successful and favourite plantings has to be the window boxes opposite the front door in a very shady place. They contain skimmia reevesiana, gaultheria and evergreen ferns. They were planted into ericaceous soil about five years ago. The lovely red berries look stunning against the deep green, and the ferny foliage sets it off a treat.

On a large scale is the sorbus 'pink pagoda', but any of the rowans look good for some time, and the birds were queuing up to eat the berries once the cold set in.

I love the coloured barks too. Well known are the birches, but don't forget the dogwoods.These look a little drab through summer, but I like to grow a clematis through them, so they earn their place in summer and winter. Cornus 'midwinter fire' backlit by the sun is an unforgettable sight. These winter beauties make excellent presents. Happy Christmas and stay snug.