Seasonal Interest.

If ever there was a plant that represents the importance of seasonality in the garden at Barnsley House then Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' is it. A long term resident of Barnsley House, this unassuming Lungwort tirelessly flowers from just before Christmas and then well into spring, with rosy red flowers that sometimes, when young, look brick red.

Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'


 

The above picture was taken yesterday; but there are many other plants in the garden flowering; interestingly the Winter Aconites are yet to make an appearance. Here's a list of what's in flower:

Helleborus foetidus.

Helleborus orientalis, not many out yet; but the beginning of the season for this charming Cotswold garden favourite that comes in many colour forms. 

Galanthus elwesii

Chimonanthes praecox, sweetly scented Wintersweet.

Cyclamen coum, just starting to appear at the top of the drive and on the Lime Walk.

Mahonia japonica  Bealei Group, sulphur yellow flowers with a beautiful Lily of the Valley scent that carries well on the breeze.

Parrotia persica, the Persian Ironwood.

Galanthus 'Atkinsii', just poking it's heads up along the Winter and Laburnum Walks.

Sarcoccoca confusa, tiny honey scented flowers on the Christmas Box.

Galanthus 'Rodmarton', a tall double Snowdrop.

Primula.

Vinca difformis, a prolific winter flowering Periwinkle.

In addition there are other interesting plants:

The red stems on top of the pleached Limes, Tilia platphyllus 'Rubra'.

Great evergreen leaves on the newly planted Acanthus mollis.

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen', a form of the Soft Shield Fern.

Polystichum aculeatum, the Hard Shield Fern.

An attractive yellow (Autumn coloured) Astrantia on the Winter Walk, a chance seedling, I think.