The final talk of Chiddingfold Horticultural Society’s season was given by Steve Austin on ‘Winter Jewels’.

It included about 25 different shrubs and trees, 10 perennials and some bulbs, all of which looked spectacular in the various winter settings.

Even the dead heads of plants such as achillea and echinacea can seem attractive with frost and cobwebs, while providing winter protection for the base of the plant.

Many of the species would be well-known to gardeners but Steve, who has recently been travelling the world in search of new breeders, was able to recommend particular varieties, such as Cornus sanguinea ‘Annies Winter Orange’ which maintains its colour over many years and grows only to about 4ft in height.

For winter scent, hamamelis is well-known, but while H.Pallida is too large for most gardens, H. Brevipetala was suggested for smaller gardens and has a better rich yellow colour.

The best shrub for scent is Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’ but it requires moist soil all year, perhaps perfect for Chiddingfold clay, and grows to 5ft or 6ft, whereas D. Rebecca is smaller and has variegated leaves.

Another variegated shrub is Pittosporum Elizabeth which develops a pink leaf edge in spring – P. Tom Thumb on the other hand creates a small evergreen dome.

In regard to perennials, members were advised helleborus hybridus, the modern coloured hellebores, should have their leaves removed in December and then be given a compost mulch to maintain the flower colour.

Of the many different heucheras now available, Steve’s recommendation was ‘sugar frosting’.

Heucherellas were better for dry shade and H.’sweet tea’ was suggested for its rust/peach colour combination.

Lastly, if you have a leylandii hedge, make the most of it by planting acer Sangu Kaku in front for autumn colour contrast, or grow clematis armandii for scented white blooms over it.

There is no excuse for a dull garden in winter; shape, leaf and bark colour and scent all contribute to interest throughout the winter.

•The 2018 season starts on Wednesday, February 21 with a talk by the Mays of Seale Nurseries on ‘Success with Roses’. New members will be welcome.