In the Dead of Winter

We have all heard the phrase 'in the dead of winter'. It is one brought to us from northern, much colder climes. From those not lucky enough to have beheld the wonder of a winter garden filled with Australian natives, where the sap runs quietly amongst downy greys and flinty greens, a quiet burble of life that defies cold days and short sunlit hours. I know of such a garden and it is in my home in bayside Melbourne. It is a space that speaks of tranquillity and joy and I would like to share it with you.

The brittle mornings have borne a drift of tiny blossoms over the Thryptomene, the sweetly arching stems drawing in droves of native bees.

As well as the winter treasures, there are the 'I want to please you' plants that bring delight from summer, through autumn and into our long winter. One of these is Banksia spinulosa, a low growing form from the south coast of New South Wales.

Banksia spinulosa (left) and Banksia blechnifolia

Another perennial pleaser is Banksia blechnifolia whose shoots creep inexorably outwards, the serrated leaves are tough with needle-like points and the flower cones are deliciously soft and velvety to touch.

Austral Cranesbill and Geraldton Wax

A native geranium, known as Austral Cranesbill, has happily self-seeded and filled in the gaps around the garden's edge and is in all stages of flower - from tightly furled buds to full bloom. The Geraldton Wax is also budding, with bright pink baubles clinging precariously to shoot tips.

So 'the dead of winter', much maligned as a time of darkness and withdrawal, can actually be a time of awakening and hope; or as one wise French Algerian wrote: 'In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.'

TC