Oonagh's flowers

POLITICS

Flowers in January

This time of year is my least favourite; the festivities of Christmas have receded, the decorations are down and yet we are still left with short grey days and nothing of interest to fill them.

How about scouring the hedgerows and your garden for any interesting bits to make some floral decorations? Some Beech twigs are still clinging onto their auburn leaves, teasels and rose hips are plentiful, as are fronds of grass heads, such as Pampas, if you are lucky enough to have some in your garden.

I made a winter wreath whilst walking Tizzy my little white lurcher the other day. I simply twisted whips of twig together to form a circle and started adding in any interesting bits I found as I went. The result is rather wild and woolly, but adorns my front door replacing the traditional foliage Christmas wreath, reflecting the season and my mood!

Bring a bit of nature inside by treating yourself to some flowering bulbs, I’ve got some Amaryllis and Hyacinth in pots and I’m enjoying wafts of scent from the latter each time I pass by.

Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and I’d suggest going for something scented such as Paper Whites, Hyacinths or Bridal Crown Narcissi, although I can never resist Muscari - the strange, bobbly, Grape Hyacinths on their slender stems. Buy some ‘in the green’ i.e. already planted and shooting, for immediate gratification, as well as some in packets which you can plant up and bring on inside the house on a warm windowsill.

Have fun and try planting some bulbs in quirky containers such as an old teapot; I often scour charity shops for such things! Do remember to put grit in the bottom for drainage.

Group an odd number of bulbs together and position the bulbs with the top half above the level of the compost for best effect.

(this can be safely done when growing inside, but not advisable in the garden).

I often add a little bit of moss to cover the compost. The bulbs will need support as they grow, particularly Hyacinths with their large heavy heads; you can use short canes, one positioned by each bulb and tie a ribbon about two thirds of the way up around the whole lot. Or for a more natural look, push twigs (any variety will do) in amongst the bulbs when you plant them, to the height they will grow when mature and they will support the foliage and flower heads. The second option has the advantage of being cost free and looks more wintery, reminiscent of skeletal trees.

Oonagh Langrishe The English Florist www.theenglishflorist.co.uk