For most gardeners, the winter months are the most depressing; shorter days and little active growth can mean that the hobby is all but relegated to the reading of books and studying of catalogues for the coming season. Fortunately, there are still a few tasks to be carried out in the winter garden, which will keep the gardener occupied ahead of the coming season.
Despite the fact that that much of the winter spent in the garden will be dedicated to maintenance tasks, if one looks around there are still some planting opportunities to be had.
Winter Bedding Plants – Consider planting winter annuals to bring a spot of colour to the garden and to help out pollinators during the winter season. Best colour is obtained from Violas and Pansies, which are available in a wide range of colours and provide flowers right through the winter season.
Coloured Barks – Adding winter colour is not all about flowers, a key to creating a winter garden is to use specimens with an attractive bark. Consider dogwoods, silver birch and varieties of Prunus with vibrant barks such as Serrula.
Bulbs – Early flowering bulbs often bring a splash of colour to the end of winter and early into the spring. Consider planting Snowdrops and Crocuses for late winter flowers.
Winter Pruning – Winter is a great time for the pruning of many plants; specimens are generally dormant and the absence of leaves allows the gardener to see the true shape of many specimens. Be sure to avoid pruning specimens which are not suited to winter pruning such as the Prunus family and Lavenders.
Over Wintering – This is the time to prepare plants for over wintering. Non hardy specimens should be brought indoors or put into a green house. If specimens are not mobile in nature, then consider the application of a horticultural fleece and extra mulching to protect roots.
Water Features – Ensure that water features are cleared of the fallen leaves of Autumn, which will prevent the build up of excess levels of nitrates, which will fuel algae growth in the coming season.
Bird Tables – Winter is a key time for the feeding of birds; keep bird feeders well stocked as soon as the cold weather beings to arrive. Well stocked bird feeders will see that the gardener is kept company all season long with attractive guests such as the Robin.
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