When Winter’s frosts first deeply touched the land, black death struck down the dahlias with withering hand. Hydrangeas, peonies and most other plants around from Winter’s gales died off, some went underground. But nature in her charity keeps faith with hope – ‘midst starkness proves that all is never lost: that Life remains to thwart scourging winds and frost. For the brave chrysanthemum’s rich coloured banners show, unyielding laurels shine green in hedging row, pyracantha and holly berries have reddened… to a warm Christmas glow, - and sprouting Spring just around the corner!