Winter's Fragrance
While winter may seem like a time of dormancy in the garden, a closer look reveals seasonal blooms with unexpected fragrances. The crisp air carries a subtle beauty, enhanced by delicate winter flowers. Among those found in the Dixon’s gardens are lenten roses, paperbush, honeysuckles, snowdrops, and witch hazel.
Colorful Lenten Blooms & Paperbush:
One of the first to bloom in the winter garden is the Lenten rose (Helleborus/Hellebore). Despite its name, this plant is not a rose but an evergreen perennial that thrives in the chill of late winter and early spring. While its petals are typically shades of white and pink, the blooms in the Dixon’s gardens are a soft yellow with green hues and a bright yellow center. Their petals exude a quiet elegance. Though their scent is faint, they can be spotted along the terrace walk.
Commonly known as paperbush, Edgeworthia chrysantha, thrives throughout the walking paths near our greenhouse with golden blossoms reminiscent of small sunflowers. These clusters of blooms add a hint of spice to our cutting gardens.
Sweet Scent of Winter Honeysuckle:
Even in the heart of winter, honeysuckle shrubs provide a rich, sweet fragrance that lingers. With over 100 species of honeysuckle, the winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) can be found near statues at Bowlin Stage and in small bushes throughout the garden. Unlike the familiar summer-blooming honeysuckles, winter honeysuckle has delicate white flowers with a scent described as lemony or jasmine-like. The ones in the Dixon’s garden are white with a subtle pink hue in their petals. You can even see some winter pollinators making themselves at home among the honeysuckle blooms!
Glow of Witch Hazel:
Adding both color and scent to the winter landscape, witch hazel (Hamamelis) is another garden favorite with its vibrant shades of yellow and orange. Beyond its striking appearance, witch hazel also offers a gentle, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves or citrus.
Seasonal Beauty:
The fragrance of winter flowers may be softer than the bold scents of summer, but that makes them all the more special. Wander through the Dixon’s gardens and see if you can spot snowdrops (Galanthus) sprinkled throughout the woodland areas.
We hope you enjoy the quiet charm of winter blooms as we look forward to the bright colors of spring!
