Previous seasonal advice - November
December is the start of winter and the pace in the garden has slowed down.
However, on the milder days it is an excellent idea to get outside and benefit
from the calming effect of the garden - a great alternative to battling the
crowds in the town centres. I prefer to leave the stems on many plants to
appreciate their winter effect but for those who prefer to tidy up please
keep a lookout for ladybirds. These invaluable creatures will be hibernating
in crevices and you must be careful not to disturb them. The winter period
is a good time to move plants that are in the wrong place. Remember to take
as large a rootball as you can cope with and if necessary take precautions
against winter winds by staking your newly moved plants and provide a windbreak
shelter. Wrap insulation around outside taps and consider removing the pump
from your pond.
Remember to regularly put food and water out for the birds. Special bird food
containing seed and nut mixtures will be better for them than household scraps.
The RSPB website www.rspbshop.co.uk
has a good range. Their bird feeders and nest boxes make great presents which
will still be looked on fondly when the festive season is over. I will also
be giving lots of organic products this year. I love the Neal's
Yard eco gifts so much I have become a independent consultant for the
range!
Avoid walking on the lawn if it is frosted or very wet as it will damage it.
A dry day is a good time to do some winter digging. All soils are improved
by the addition of bulky matter and if you haven't managed to find time to
dig in some manure or compost then do so now. One of my favourite shrubs for
this time of year is Mahonia x media 'Charity'. When I first met this plant
it was planted at the side of my driveway and I cursed it everytime it pricked
me as I squeezed into the car but in the proper spot it can be appreciated
as a wonderful evergreen shrub with honey-scented flowers. It provides a wonderful
focal point. The hollies look particularly good at this time of year. Ilex
aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' is self fertile and will bear abundant red berries.
For cheery yellow flowers, the winter flowering climber, Jasminum nudiflorum
can't be beaten although it is hard to keep it looking tidy the rest of the
year.
Don't forget to leave out a 'New Red Intermediate' or a 'Early Nantes' for
Santa's reindeer!