PLANTS which flower at this gloomy time of year are doubly precious, and every gardener should aim to have a few near the front door and some more in view of the kitchen sink.

Three wintry gems will fit in the smallest garden, or even a windowbox. For a sunny spot, choose winter aconite (Eranthis hiemalis) with shiny buttercup yellow blooms shown off by a smart green ruff.

Snowdrops prefer a slightly shady spot. There are scores of fancy varieties but pure and simple Galanthus nivalis is as beautiful as any.

Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but very classy looking, the dainty hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen coum) comes in three flavours deep pink, pale pink and white and has attractive glossy leaves. It self-seeds readily so a few plants will soon spread into a carpet.

If you've space for a shrub or two then it's hard to beat the Japanese quince (Chaenomeles) for colour, bravely blooming on bare twigs and looking particularly good if trained against a wall. Recommended varieties include white Nivalis', red Simonii' and pink Moerloosei'.

For the added bonus of scent, try the low-growing evergreen Christmas box (Sarcococca hookeriana Humilis')

with vanilla-scented creamy flowers, or the pretty pink winter-flowering viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense Dawn').

For a tall, dramatic shrub go for Mahonia x media Lionel Fortescue' with pale yellow flowers scented like lily of the valley and prickly evergreen leaves.

BY Rosemary Ward