Christmas is nearly upon us, and although the light is at it's lowest and the weather is often grey, there is nothing nicer than sitting inside cosy and warm, admiring all the plants that take centre stage this season. The flower heads that shimmer in the frost, the vibrant colours from stems and winter flowers glowing in the morning sunshine and the magnificent evergreen structures that have blended in so well all year, suddenly come into focus.
1. Plant up some Christmas and Lenton roses (Hellebores) to place by your front door or on the terrace where you can enjoy them from inside. Try mixing them with evergreen grasses, such as Uncinia everflame or Ophiopogon for great contrasting effects.
2. Ensure all climbers are securely tied to their supports (fence, trellis, pergola), to prevent damage from strong winter winds.
3. Carry out any necessary pruning on Japanese Maples now that they are dormant. If you need to reduce the size, take the long growth back to lower side shoots. Remove any dead or crossing branches for a healthier plant and great shape.
4. Rake up the last of the leaves that have fallen and add them to your compost or store them in hessian sacks out of sight. Large or evergreen leaves will break down much quicker if you are able to shred them.
5. Protect any of your pots that are more vulnerable to frosts with horticultural fleece or hessian. Raise them up onto pot feet to aid drainage and prevent water-logging.
6. During mild spells, you can still plant deciduous shrubs, allowing their roots to establish over winter. Great choices for this season are winter flowering Hamamelis, scented shrubby honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), Viburnum x bodnantense Dawn or Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox).
7. Service mowers, sharpen and clean tools and store them away ready for spring.
8. Feed the birds regularly and keep water baths topped up. Ensure a good selection of foods to encourage an eclectic collection of our feathered friends to your garden. Niger seeds, sunflower seeds and peanuts, fat balls and fruit, such as halved apples (a favourite with blackbirds).
9. Mixed bare-root hedging is now in stock and can be planted in soil that is not frozen or waterlogged. Help provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife in your garden by plugging any gaps or corners that are otherwise wasted space. We have a wide selection that sells fast, so order yours now to avoid disappointment.
10. Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers. It's a simply and cost-free way of propagation plants, such as Cornus, Deutzia, Philadelphus, Viburnum, Lonicera, Salix etc. If you've not tried it before, then all you need is a small piece of sheltered ground where the cuttings can be allowed to root for a year.
11. Help combat climate change and encourage wildlife by planting a new deciduous tree in your garden. If you are not yet part of our Loyalty Scheme, then make sure you sign up this month, as we are offering 10% OFF all trees during December for Loyalty card Holders. We have trees for all size gardens, providing interest through all the seasons. Take a look at TREES FOR THE SMALLER GARDEN and TREES FOR BLOSSOM for inspiration.
12. Prune back grapevines to a good structural framework before sap starts to rise. Pruning too late can weaken the plant.
13. Continue to tidy up beds and borders, adding a layer of mulch to allow the worms to cultivate your soil through winter.
14. Treat your gardening friends and family to some new tools, gloves or accessories. We have a great selection available, including the Flora-Brite range which are simply a must for those of us who have a tendency to mis-place your tools!!
15. Start planning and designing new borders/areas for your garden. Search our Plant Selection page for ideas, or use the filters when browsing plants to refine your search (i.e season, aspect, soil type). Failing that, drop us a line with images and/or sizes and we can come by for a site visit.
16. Get ready for Christmas in a more organic way. Choose a Holly, standard evergreen or small decorative conifer and dress simply with some elegant lights and natural decorations and place by the front door for a fantastic effect.
All of us at Langthorns Plantery wish you a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2020.
