Winter in the garden
Winter in the garden
Winter is the dormant season in the garden but there are still lots to do to prepare for the coming spring season. If you would like to brighten the garden up over the dreary months of Jan/Feb plant some winter bedding such as polyanthus, primroses or cyclamen. These could be planted in containers or shrub beds.
Of course there are also many shrubs which would provide amply interest in winter. Ones to try include Viburnum, Mahonia, Skimmia and many varieties of heathers. If you have a larger garden maybe you would like to try Hamamelis (witch hazel), Garrya (silk tassel bush or Ilex (holly).
Another important task to create a burst of colour for spring is bulb planting. There is a wide selection available from your local garden centre. Bulb planting is a late autumn/early winter task e.g. Daffodils should be planted in late August, September or October and tulips between September and early November. If you forgot to plant bulbs don’t worry as pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of the year provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Plant bare root hedging and trees in late autumn to early spring as it will allow the plants to absorb much needed water supplies to enable the plants to survive any dry spells we might have in summer. Remember not to plant during periods of frost!
Winter is a good time to tackle some pruning in the garden. Plants that flower in late summer should be pruned in winter. Dead or damaged growth should also be removed from all shrubs at this time. Any diseased growth should be discarded off site rather than in the compost heap.
Speaking of compost heaps now is a good time to turn the compost if you have room. This enables all material to spend time at the centre and enables it to rot properly. This compost will be invaluable through spring and summer to add nutrients to shrub beds or veg. plots.
If you have a vegetable plot winter is a good time to dig in manure or well rotted compost in preparation for planting in spring. The veg. plot should also be weeded as should paths and around fruit bushes and trees. Nothing like a bit of weeding to warm you up on a cold winter day!
The current damp and miserable weather will highlight areas in your lawn that are holding water. If so, land drains should be installed during dry weather
Finally make sure you leave feeders out for the birds as they need a helping hand this time of year and bring life to the garden!
