Jobs to do in the garden this January
1) Rake dead leaves out of ponds to prevent water stagnating.
2) Plant winter aconites.
3) Remove dead and dying foliage from hellebores.
4) Plant fruit trees and cane fruits, mulch newly planted trees (do not build compost up around the trunks of trees).
5) If the grass needs cutting due to mild weather, remove mowings as too cold for decomposition.
6) Lift self-sown Cyclamen coum seedlings and replant where most effective for winter display.
7) Cut out reverted stems from variegated evergreens. These will be green only, and appear stronger than variegated stems.
8) Pick up all fallen foliage in the greenhouse to prevent disease establishment.
9) Clean rainwater gutters from all garden related buildings to prevent over-flow.
10) If very hard frosts are anticipated wrap tender plants such as Agapanthus with straw or bubble-wrap and tie securely.
11) Continue to remove fallen leaves and twigs in the shrubbery and lightly fork soil over.
12) Shorten the summer growths of Wisteria (already reduced in September) to 2 buds.
13) Nets draped over the branches are the only reliable way to prevent birds from damaging the buds of flowering cherries.
14) Check all trees and fruit trees to ensure that the root-stock of the tree is not growing in competition with the scion variety.
15) Prune overgrown hedges hard in winter, during frost-free weather. Cut back yew and privet severely to within 15cm of the main stem. For hornbeam and beech cut right back to the main stem to prevent tufty growth. Prune one side one year and the other side the following year.
16) In freezing conditions ensure that the ice on ponds is broken to allow the escape of toxic gases. Do NOT hammer the ice as it may stun the fish. Apply bottles containing hot water.
17) If water remains on the lawn surface for some time after rain, check for blocked drains. If there is no system, make plans to put such work in hand.
18) Take the frosty weather and dark nights to look up the answers to the questions you keep asking yourself whilst you are doing a whole rage of jobs during better gardening conditions!
Posted 1st Jan 11:37am
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Plants to create that ‘Chelsea’ feel
Feeling inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show this week? Here are’s some plants to create that ‘Chelsea’ feel.
1) Digitalis is available in an array of fantastic colours and are sure to impress the neighbours through May – July.They prefer partial shade and will look great in the middle or the back of a border.
2) Get the Chelsea look by using Lupins, known for their bright colours, they are great for that cottage garden feel and will flower from June – September.
3) Another Chelsea favourite is, Geum, we’d recommend using a bright colour like Geum totally tangerine – these are great when used in your Chelsea border alongside Salvia.They prefer full sun and will flower from June – August.
4) Salvia are available in pinks and purples, and Salvia Caradonna is one of our favourites. It would and look great with both Geums and Achillea.
5) Buxus shaped as cones or balls add great formality to a garden with minimum upkeep.They look great at the front of a border or in between plants.
6) Agapanthus make the perfect Chelsea plant, and if you don’t have enough room to create a full Chelsea garden, a few pots filled with Agapanthus will do the trick.
Posted 15th Jan 10:17am
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How to create a bird friendly garden
Want to create a bird friendly garden but not sure how? Check out our guide below.
1) Grasses not only provide cover their seed heads provide food and material for birds’ nests.
2) Providing birds with a feeder encourages them into your garden. Once they know there’s a food source there they will be back again for more.
3) Why not add a bird bath or small pond to your garden to encourage birds. Birds love a good splash and can quench their thirst.
4) Certain shrub varieties provide great cover, nectar, attract insects and some even provide birds with berries.
5) Adding a bird house to your garden will provide birds with additional shelter and more options on when it comes to building their nest.
6) Trees are great as they provide a natural location for birds to build a nest, some provide nectar, berries and trees often attract insects.
7) Ground cover like Ivy provides cover for birds and also attracts insects.
Posted 14th Jan 4:10pm
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