December Clematis
Even in the low-light conditions of December, there are sensual pleasures in the garden. Moody remains of Clematis ternifolia with dark dried foliage and white, fluffy seed-heads is one of my favourites. It typifies the way textures become the most important elements in the garden in the early winter. Clematis of all sorts have interesting seed-heads already earlier in the season, starting a glossy gold or silver colour. The change to the fluff of the winter seeds happens imperceptibly as the season becomes busy with Christmas preparations. Suddenly I look again and there they are, soft and quiet.