The spiral into autumn and winter does not necessarily mean that the planting season is over! Container grown trees and shrubs can be planted at any time of year providing the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. There are many beautiful plants available that really come into their own during our darkest days!

If you have the space available Garrya elliptica (silk tassel bush) is an absolute must. With a height and spread of twelve feet, this stunning evergreen produces the most beautiful, long, silvery-green catkins imaginable. Preferring a situation that offers protection from very cold North and East winds, plant in well-drained soil, thinning out new growth in spring to help keep this shrub to size.

Although we equate fragrant plants with spring and summer, the garden centre holds quite a few suprises in the form of winter-flowering scented shrubs at a time when we least expect it!

Situate Viburnum bodnatense 'Dawn' near a well trodden route to the house and you will be able to inhale its sweetly scented flowers from October to March. Growing to a height of between 8 to 10 feet, with a slightly smaller spread, this deciduous shrub is tolerant of most soils that are reasonably well-drained, provided it is situated in full sun. Underplanting with autumn flowering Colchicum 'Water Lily' and spring flowering crocuses will afford successional colour for many months.

A close relative Viburnum tinus, as an evergreen shrub, not only offers year round foliage but pink buds from November, which open to clusters of white flowers right through to the following May. No matter what the conditions are, from sun to shade, in salty air and even in poor soil, this glorious shrub simply excels.

Its low-growing branches lend themselves perfectly for layering in order to increase stocks. Make a partial, diagonal cut through the underside of a whippy branch and dust with hormone rooting powder.

Pin the branch down either side of the cut, in a small trench and cover with soil. Tie-in the shoot tip to a vertical cane and keep the area moist. Leave in place until the following autumn, by which time the layer should have developed a strong root system of its own. Sever from the parent plant and pot on or plant out.

Of course, some would argue that Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese witch hazel, is the cr�me de la cr�me of winter flowering shrubs and they are probably right! Its deciduous, hazel-like leaves turn golden before falling to reveal furry buds. These slowly unravel into spidery, bright yellow flowers which are impervious to frost and snow. Additionally the flowers are beautifully fragrant and persist from December through till March. If this wasn't enough for any die-hard gardener, the Chinese witch hazel's branches can be cut and taken indoors, where not only do the flower-laden branches last well, but will also fill the room with their sweet scent. 'Pallida' is probably one of the best varieties to purchase, and with its open, upward growth, lends itself well to underplanting.

A carpet of winter flowering Heather such as Erica carnea 'Springwood white' underneath the shrub will 'lift' the entire area. As both enjoy and acid soil, work in plenty of peat prior to planting adding a peat mulch each spring. Lightly trim the Heather once flowering has finished to help keep it in shape.

Winter flowering, scented shrubs are indispensable when creating a garden that has year-round interest. Look out for fresh stock appearing in the garden centre now as this is one of the best times to plant your new additions!