Page 45 - ESPC_Dec24

GARDENING
Winter gardening Protect plants Instant winter colour

tips from Dobbies Garden Centres Nigel says that protection is one of the most Refreshing your containers and hanging

important parts of your winter gardening
baskets is a good way to give your winter
checklist to ensure plants and trees survive the
garden a burst of colour and Nigel says
that Skimmia rubella and winter flowering
season. Trees with stakes should be checked
and straps tightened to help give support from
strong winter winds. hellebores will produce a beautiful display
and stand up to cold weather. In addition to
Dobbies unveils what you can do in your garden this winter. these, dwarf conifers, leucothoe and nandina
When colder weather sets in, Nigel advises are great to add structure to winter pots and
using frost protection fleece to shield young and frame your doorway all season long.
delicate plants from snow and ice. Exotic plants
ith winter here, Dobbies Garden Whether you’ve got a small container display on like cordylines will benefit from frost protection Nigel says that sarcococca, commonly known
Centres has outlined its tips on your balcony, a compact but colourful patio, or a but tropical plants like citrus trees should be as Christmas Box, is a great choice to bring
W what you should be doing in your large flower garden, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel brought indoors over the winter months and fragrance to your garden at this time of year
garden this December to prepare it for 2025. Lawton, says there are steps you can take in placed in sunrooms or conservatories until the thanks to its sweet winter perfume. This
winter to protect your plants from harsh weather, risk of frost has passed. evergreen plant is low maintenance and
plus set your plants in good stead for next year. shade tolerant, making it ideal for doorsteps,
Nigel notes that another good way to safeguard and works well in containers.
Find out what gardening jobs you can be doing plants’ roots from frost is to mulch flower beds
now and how to enjoy your garden during the with peat-free compost or bark. This will provide For a vibrant display during warmer spells
colder seasons. a layer of protection and also help keep weeds through winter until early spring, Nigel
at bay over the winter months. advises planting winter-flowering violas and
Tidy up pansies now in pots or flower beds.
To avoid container plants getting waterlogged
Nigel says one of the most important jobs you during heavy rainfall, Nigel says you should raise
can do in your garden in winter is tidying up. these up on pot feet now to promote drainage. Water storage
Regularly raking dead leaves from your lawn When it comes to being more sustainable
will prevent diseases from spreading and will in the garden, Nigel says that winter is a
help you bulk out your compost at this time of Prune plants fantastic time to collect rainfall in water butts
year. Nigel notes keeping your lawn free from An important job in the garden over winter is for use in the summer months. Any shed,
debris is also important to allow for access to pruning roses and other plants to ensure the greenhouse or garage can be used to collect
air and sunlight – two things grass needs to harsh weather doesn’t damage them. Nigel water and conserve it for next summer as
survive. If the weather allows, you can still mow recommends pruning roses and buddleja by long as it has gutters and a down pipe to a
your lawn but avoid walking on your lawn when half in winter to protect from wind-rock and drain at ground level. Doing this will help you
frosty as this could damage the blades of grass then giving them a final prune in spring. Not reduce water usage in the event of a long
and leave yellow footprint marks. only will this take the weight off the plant, but dry spell next summer and Nigel notes that
it will also encourage new growth next summer. rainwater is actually better for your plants as
Nigel says winter is also the perfect time to it is rich in nutrients.
clean up your greenhouse and get it ready While some plants require pruning just now,
for spring planting. Wash the glass and the Nigel advises not to prune early flowering lines
benches with horticultural disinfectant to kill such as forsythia, lilac and flowering currants For more seasonal gardening advice and
any overwintering pests and diseases which flower on previous years’ growth. inspiration visit dobbies.com

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