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Brrr Winter's here but there's still plenty to do in your garden!
Here at Grosvenor we know that your garden is a haven at any time of year and what is better than enjoying fresh air on a beautiful winter's day and working hard in the garden?
During December, there will still be a smattering of leaves which need to be cleared from lawns, flower beds and borders to prevent drainage problems. Add them to the compost heap for an easy way to dispose of them whilst at the same time helping the environment.
Herbaceous perennials can be lifted and divided if the weather stays mild and dry. They should also be cut back now and these can also be added to the compost heap. Tubs and containers will benefit from a tidy up so keep checking for debris and cutting back where necessary.
Mulch is important at this time of year as it protects plants and heavy clay soils should be mixed with robust matter - composted bark for example - to increase drainage.
Watch out for stormy weather as this can wreak havoc on tender plants or newly planted shrubs and trees. Always check these areas after a strong wind to ensure they have not loosened and if they have, firmly re-plant. You will also be noticing the return of Jack Frost so don't forget to have plenty of fleece handy for those cold December nights.
Prune grape vines, currants and gooseberries and divide and plant rhubarb. New fruit trees and bushes can be planted now and if you already have young and free standing varieties, these can be pruned now too.
Always check your stored fruits and vegetables regularly - any that are mouldy or rotten can be given to birds or wildlife. This time of year is very important for birds and wildlife as they need extra care, so please do not forget about them this festive season. Bird feeders and certain food scraps will keep them well fed and comfortable and the larger the variety of scraps and foods you are able to provide, the larger the variety of wildlife you will see in your garden. Keep the birdbath topped up with water throughout the winter as this will provide them with much needed water so make sure it does not ice over.
Christmas trees signify the beginning of the festive celebrations and you will want every visitor to admire yours. Choose a Nordman variety for good needle retention and do not let your tree dry out so place it well away from radiators and fires and top up the water regularly. You can ask the horticulturalist to cut off the bottom of your tree so that it is able to retain water, and remember to ask advice on how to plant your pot grown tree in the garden after twelfth night.
Houseplants make a terrific gift at Christmas time so take a look at our Christmas flowering plants including tri-coloured and traditional red Poinsettias, Cyclamen, Azaleas and both Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium Orchids. For a beautiful, naturally scented gift perfect for any room choose from our popular and fragrant citrus houseplants in both lemon and Calamondin orange varieties.
And remember that at this time of year, houseplants do not need as much watering as you may be used to so just make sure they have plenty of light and, like your Christmas tree, are not too close to a radiator. Regularly check all your plants - both in the garden and the home - for faded blooms and deadhead to encourage further growth and keep your plants looking at their best throughout their flowering season.
Merry Christmas from Grosvenor!
Grosvenor Gardening Tips for December
1. Do not let ponds freeze over and keep birdbaths topped up with fresh water.
2. Harvest root crops including winter cabbage, leeks, parsnips and not forgetting sprouts for your Christmas dinner!
3. Plant roses but not in the same spot as you have previously grown them.
4. Clear leaves regularly to avoid drainage and light problems.
5. Keep scraps for birds and wildlife to enjoy.
6. Tie shrubs and climbers back to avoid damage from strong winds.
7. Clear snowfall from branches of young trees.
