Winter Patio Tubs.

Your patio containers don´t have to lie empty over winter and spring.Plant them with a combination of hardy evergreens, winter flowering heathers ,spring bulbs and flowers. Good central height plants include young specimens of the following: Chamaecyparis "Boulevard","Elwoodii" or "Ellwood´s Gold", Skimmia japonica "Rubella", Aucuba crotonifolia or Buxus sempervirens. Next around the center shrub plant some winter flowering Ericas such as "Silberschmeltze", "Springwood Pink" or "King George", Colored foliage Callunas such as "Sunset", "Beouly Gold" or "Gold Haze". One or two hardy primulas such as "Wanda", will bring late winter cheer. To trail over the container edges choose some pretty variegated ivies such as "Kolibri, "Golden Child" or "Golden Inga" Finally plant some crocus, dwarf narcissi or dwarf Tulips into the gaps for spring color. The combinations are your choice, but this style will give color and interest till it´s time to plant the summer annuals again.