winter interest.

[kentishgal]

My garden looks kinda boring during the winter months and as I have a small bed to fill Im wondering if there is anything I can put there to provide abit of interest?
It would have to have a very small footprint (I dont mind tall, just not wide!), be happy in a fairly shady spot (so no sun after about 10am), be pet safe and have something to look at when everything else has died back! (I dont mind if its leaves, flowers, berries or even interesting branches).

Does anything spring to mind??

[WendyC]

When you say small footprint how small is that? Is there a wall or fence behind to support a wall shrub or climber?

[Two_Sheds]

Do you mean for right now?

I have snowdrops & primroses in flower at the moment, and hellebores will be along soon. Shadiest part of the garden (north facing).

[VirginVegGrower]

If you are looking for a shrub, it depends on how big. Is it width but not height that is an issue? Or vice versa. I love my Virburnum "Dawn" which is out from November through Spring. It grows very tall though. Mahonia is a beauty at this time of year but has a spreading habit. Witch hazels again for colour and scent. Depends how restricted is restricted.

[kentishgal]

I wouldnt want anything wider then about 3ft really, although I dont mind tall....and climbers are out as I am growing my blackberries and raspberries along the fence!

[jessmorris]

Some of the Skimmia are quite nice - glossy green oval leaves, umbels of white or green flowers and red berries. Skimmia japonica? Winter box is also nice, dark green and upright to 18", sweet smelling creamy flowers (insignificant to look at but smell gerat!) - Sarcococca (there are 3 species). Cornus twigs are good in the winter, esp 'Midwinter Fire' which has twigs of pink and orange. You can coppice it but it may be too big for your space......