This modern method of gardening has been called gardening in four layers. Speaking personally, it is for me the most satisfying form of gardening. It also provides much more for local wildlife. In winter, most gardens can look a bit bare. This season is without doubt the 'acid test' for most gardens.
Good gardens are confident gardens, flaunting their good structure and bones.
Planning for all year round interest can be difficult and no more so than in winter and early spring. With a little planning, colour and texture can be had even in the darkest days of winter. In today's smaller gardens it is essential to grow a wide variety of shrubs. Height and solidity can be found amongst the larger shrubs, whilst smaller evergreen shrubs or plants provide colour and form in winter. I also like to leave much of the dead growth of the previous growing season intact, not only for wildlife, but also for the lovely tapestries that winter frost can bequeath on seed heads and stems alike.