Many of us forget about our gardens during the winter months when it is less appealing to go outdoors. It may well be far colder but it is the ideal time to get a great deal of preparation and groundwork out of the way.
There is usually a fair amount of clearing up and tidying to take care of during this time. Rake up the fallen leaves because not only do they look scruffy, you can bag them to make some great quality compost next year. Weed your beds, dig out as many of the roots as you can or you will be seeing them again in no time. Take out all of the dead annual and biannual plants that are now finished with. Whilst you are weeding and tidying the beds, take time to rake and loosen the top layer of soil around all of your perennials as this will improve growth and development.
Neaten and prune your shrubs, hedges and trees prior to spring growth.
The cold winter months are an ideal time to create some new beds. Compost can take a bit of time to break down in the soil so add some as soon as you have finished. Adding compost to the garden soil gives plants a real boost. The same applies to your veggie patch, now is the time to dig it over thoroughly and get the soil ready by mixing some compost into it. You will be glad this is all done when the frosts have passed and you are ready to put your vegetables in the ground. If you still have winter veg growing in your patch, just carefully work around them.
If you want some colour to liven up the look of your garden in winter, then check out your local garden centre for some inspiration. Just because it is winter, there is no need for any outside space to look boring. You will find a vast range of stunning plants to add colour and appeal through the entire winter until spring comes.
The Winter Jasmine and Honeysuckle are attractive shrubs that encourage wildlife and add colour and interest with their delicate display of flowers. Alternatively, Holly with its bright red berry or the stunning Pyracantha are excellent choices. Crocus, Narcissus and Iris are all great for adding an attractive splash of colour. Grouping different types of Heather will also provide an effective display of colour through colder months. For excellent advice and ideas, ask for assistance from a member of staff in a reputable garden centre.
There is usually a fair amount of clearing up and tidying to take care of during this time. Rake up the fallen leaves because not only do they look scruffy, you can bag them to make some great quality compost next year. Weed your beds, dig out as many of the roots as you can or you will be seeing them again in no time. Take out all of the dead annual and biannual plants that are now finished with. Whilst you are weeding and tidying the beds, take time to rake and loosen the top layer of soil around all of your perennials as this will improve growth and development.
Neaten and prune your shrubs, hedges and trees prior to spring growth.
The cold winter months are an ideal time to create some new beds. Compost can take a bit of time to break down in the soil so add some as soon as you have finished. Adding compost to the garden soil gives plants a real boost. The same applies to your veggie patch, now is the time to dig it over thoroughly and get the soil ready by mixing some compost into it. You will be glad this is all done when the frosts have passed and you are ready to put your vegetables in the ground. If you still have winter veg growing in your patch, just carefully work around them.
If you want some colour to liven up the look of your garden in winter, then check out your local garden centre for some inspiration. Just because it is winter, there is no need for any outside space to look boring. You will find a vast range of stunning plants to add colour and appeal through the entire winter until spring comes.
The Winter Jasmine and Honeysuckle are attractive shrubs that encourage wildlife and add colour and interest with their delicate display of flowers. Alternatively, Holly with its bright red berry or the stunning Pyracantha are excellent choices. Crocus, Narcissus and Iris are all great for adding an attractive splash of colour. Grouping different types of Heather will also provide an effective display of colour through colder months. For excellent advice and ideas, ask for assistance from a member of staff in a reputable garden centre.
About the Author:
Laurel Hedge. Greenshutters Evergreen Hedging Tree Nursery, with a Garden Centre based near Taunton, Somerset has been growing trees and evergreen hedges on the nursery, including leylandii, laurel & evergreen shrubs since 1980. Laurel Hedging