December

With December, and the approach of winter, the garden takes on an air of quietness. After all the activity of summer and autumn, there is now an absence of urgency, a calm response.

Cold but clear wintery days may be used to tackle those jobs which are forgotten during busier times. Trees and shrubs which overhang on obstruct paths may be pruned back to give ease of access. Ditches, gulleys and drains cleaned out and kept clear will prevent a build-up of surface water during periods of heavy rainfall. Apply wood preservative to garden seats and sheds and structures such as pergolas, archways and trellises. Look carefully and critically at the hard landscaping and structure of the garden, noting how it may be improved in the coming year. Indeed, one of the delights of winter is to see the bare bones of the garden, liberated for a short while from the colour and frippery of summer.

Prune overhanging trees and shrubs.

Clean ditches and drains

Apply preservative to exposed wood

Give tender plants some form of protection

Dislodge snow from trees and shrubs

Protect plants from wind

Switch off outside water

Care for wildlife.

Cold Weather Precautions

A little time spent affording some of the plants in the garden protection from the worst of the weather will pay dividends.

Unwanted conifer branches can be used to blank tender climbers which are growing against a wall. In most cases this will ensure plants survival. Perennials of doubtful hardiness will usually come through if the crown is covered either with a mulch of compost or old fern leaves weighted down. Garden fleece is useful for protecting young plants.  If heavy snow falls, try to spare some moments to brush or shake it off trees and shrubs where its weight may cause branches to snap. Hedges too, will be better without a capping of snow. Wind will also be a problem. Check ties and stakes on all vulnerable shrubs. Cut back a third of each stem of tree mallows (Lavatera) to prevent wind rock. If you prune roses in autumn instead of spring  you will lessen the danger of wind rock, but new shoots might suffer frost damage.

Refirm plants that have been lifted by severe frost. Protect newly planted shrubs with rabbit-guards or netting if rabbits are a problem in your garden.

Outside water taps should be switched off ate the main and then left open. To be effective, lagging should itself be waterproof.

Treat these philosophically; they are part of the spirit of gardening.

Caring For Wildlife

In the depths of winter, give some thought to wildlife coping with cold and food shortage. At times when the temperature consistently remains below freezing, melt a small area of ice on the pond to release trapped gases that could be harmful to fish. This may be gently done by holding a container of boiling water on the surface. Birds will be grateful for any scraps put out to them. Do this on regular basis and they will reward by returning to the feeding spot day after day. Ensure a plentiful supply of fresh water.