Bold winter statements

Why have I come rushing inside on this beautiful winter's morning? Because I have to show you what I saw when the sun came out, after the mist and rain cleared; colour, deep, dramatic and bold.

First, the kales and cabbages... you can see why some are called ornamental kale, but I should also tell you that these are some of the sweetest, softest and most wonderful salad leaves imaginable, in my winter garden....

Next, radicchio, chicory and all those other Italian bitter "greens" which are a jumble in my brain. The winter colours of this family is especially astonishing when the days are short and grey. They shine like beacons and consequently are very difficult to photograph...

and then rhubarb and some ornamentals.....

One minute white with frost.... then as the sun warms the air, brilliant colours return...

Spring onions are a great winter	herb which I use copiously