Linacre Plants

Campsis Tagliabuana. One of the many beautiful and exotic climbers that can be grown in a conservatory or heated greenhouse is campsis

January

For us gardeners these are exciting times. Days may be short and grey, light level is low, the nights are long and cold but outside even in this the bleakest of periods, the garden is far from lacking in interest. Early bulbs push through the cold earth to lighten the dark days. Lovely dwarf irises, crocus, pale snow drops daffodils, are the welcome harbingers of approaching spring. Leaves, retained throughout the winter, are prominent now. Ivies clinging to walls and trees, hollies, laurels each contribute form and pattern to a bare landscape. Trees, hedges and shrubs, already in bud emphasize the framework in the garden.

Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead diseased and untidy branches, firm shrubs that have been loosed by wind; stake if necessary.

Hedges: Though deciduous hedges, such as hawthorn can be hard pruned in mild winter.

Chrysanthemum: Examine stools in frames for grey mould. If necessary spray with a fungicide, ventilate in mild on mild dry days. During frosty spells protect frames with matting or fleece.

Dahlias: Examine stored tubers for sign of mould if necessary spray with a fungicide. If tubers are whitening, soak them in tepid water overnight; allow drying before returning to store.

Annuals: If not already completed, prepare sites for spring sowing. Order seeds: After severe frost, firm biennials planted in autumn.

Bulbs: Bring in the last pots for flowering indoors. Stand bulbs which have finished flowering in a cold frame before planting.

Lilies: Pot lily bulbs for an early display under glass or indoors.

Irises: Cover with cloches if intended for cutting.

Houseplants: Remove faded flowers and leaves; avoid over watering. Give as much light as possible, but move plants from curtained window ledges after dark and during freezing weather.

Fruit: Continue winter pruning trees; burn the prunings. Feed trees and bushes, also strawberries, with sulphate of potash.