Plant a winter wonderland

S autumn takes hold and nights draw in, many gardeners assume the show is over until spring bulbs push through in March. Yet winter has its own stars, plants flowering in the coldest months, offering colour, fragrance and structure when they're most needed. With a little planning now, you can enjoy a garden that lifts the spirits throughout winter.

- with DAVID DOMONEY

BRIGHT SPLASHESHelleborus niger (Christmas rose): Pure white flowers often appear from December, even through snow, with other varieties featuring more wonderful colours. Plant into rich, free-draining soil in partial shade and they'll reward you year after year.

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter aconite): From late winter, buttercup-yellow cups bring cheer. Tubers planted in autumn establish well in humus-rich soil, spreading into golden carpets beneath deciduous trees.

Iris unguicularis (Algerian iris): Large purple blooms with golden centres appear in midwinter. Plant them near a sunny wall in a patch of well-drained soil. October is a fine time to plant for them to settle.