TINA WOODHAMS GARDENING NOTES FOR DECEMBER
The glorious colours of autumn make way for the abundance of fruit and berries, Pyracantha, Euonymus europaeus, crab apples and of course the festive hollies and mistletoe. December may be considered a busy month of preparation for the Christmas period and gardening is a natural therapy, so take time away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Use your creativity to plant up some winter pots with a festive sparkle that will continue into the new year. Evergreen skimmias, hellebores and winter-flowering cyclamen have wonderful foliage to enhance their blooms whilst variegated ivies and periwinkles can be used to trail over the planters. Add painted fir cones, bows, stars and even fairy lights to add interest.
During dry periods of weather, even if it is cold and overcast, don’t forget to keep your pots watered as they are prone to drying out particularly if it has been windy.
Continue to plant bare root trees, shrubs, roses and hedging. Evergreen species provide invaluable habitats and food for wildlife as well as adding structure in the winter garden.
There are many winter-flowering shrubs grown for their fragrance and catching the scent of these on a cold winter’s day can really lift the spirit; even several stems placed in a vase indoors can infuse a whole room. Try Viburnum x bodnantense, Hamamelis (witch hazel), Sarcococca (Christmas box) and Lonicera fragrantissima (winter-flowering honeysuckle) to name but a few.
To plant bare roots, dig a square hole twice the width and depth of the root ball, as a circular hole may encourage the roots to circle against the undug soil instead of spreading out. Mix the soil from the hole with an equal amount of compost and add a handful of bonemeal to promote healthy root growth. Then place your plant into the hole and, once in position, backfill the hole and firm in the soil with your foot. If planting a tree, drive a stake in at a 45 degree angle to the south-west side of the main stem (our prevailing wind direction) and use a rubber tree tie to attach the stem to the stake. Protect if necessary from damage by pests using a tree guard.
Between December and February is the time to prune apple and pear trees whilst they are in the period of dormancy. Do not prune stone fruits such as cherry, plum and greengage until springtime!
Prepare empty vegetable beds by weeding and manuring – either dig this in or simply place it on top of the beds for the worms to do their work.
An essential task for early winter is to clean out the greenhouse and wash it down with a suitable greenhouse disinfectant. This will deter fungi and parasitic insects and give you a good start for next year. If you are overwintering plants ventilation is important to keep them in optimum health.
If, like me, you are indulging in mince pies and sweet treats then some exercise and fresh air will turn them from a guilty pleasure into a well-earned reward! And what better time when you are happily munching away to write a wishlist for Santa – seeds for sowing next year, seed organisers, small tools and those much needed gardening gloves.
Wishing Everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Gardening Year!