Page 34 - November 2023
P. 34

INTERIORS INSIDER


       Winter gardening                                                                     “When leaves begin to fall, make sure you

                                                                                            remove them from your lawn as soon as
                                                                                            possible  as  they block  air  and  sunlight.
                                                                                            However, you shouldn’t bin leaves, instead,
                                                                                            make sure you compost them to minimise
                                                                                            garden waste and save money.”
           jobs,                                                                            Instant autumn colour

                                                                                            Marcus notes there’s still time to enjoy
                                                                                            the beauty of your garden, and planting in
                                     with Dobbies
                                                                                            containers is a great way to make the most
                                                                                            of seasonal colours. Marcus says: “The
                                                                                            vibrant cyclamen is great for planting in pots,
                                                                                            containers, and hanging baskets and will
                                                                                            add a splash of pink to your garden in winter.
                                                                                            Winter  flowering  heathers  are  another
                                                                                            fantastic choice for planting in containers
           As temperatures drop and the frost settles in, Dobbies, the UK’s leading         and will help create a welcoming doorway.
           garden centre has listed out the winter jobs we can be doing to get our          Pair with ruby red skimmia and trailing Ivy
                                                                                            for a seasonal look come the festive period.”
             gardens looking their best and prepare them for a blooming 2024.
                                                                                            Grow your own
                                                                                            Marcus notes that those looking to grow
                                                                                            their own can still do so in November. He   time to think about creating a wildlife habitat”,
                    Timber GroZone Cold Frame,     hether you’re looking to introduce       says: “When it comes to herbs, there are   comments Marcus. “You can create a safe
                                  £89.99           colour to containers for the festive     plenty varieties that can be planted in   space by stacking branches or old logs in a
                                            Wperiod, tidy up your garden  for               late autumn like parsley, sage, rosemary   covered spot to help protect small animals from
                                            the new year, grow your own fruit and veg,      and thyme. Herbs can be grown indoors   the elements. When tidying up your garden for
                                            or prepare your outdoor space for spring,       on a windowsill, however, if you’re looking   winter, don’t prune too much as this will give
                                            Dobbies’  Horticultural  Director,  Marcus  Eyles   to grow these outside, a greenhouse,   wildlife another place to take shelter.”
                                            has outlined how to get the most out of your    cold frame or other covered protection
                                            garden this winter.                             is recommended in the colder  months   With regards to treating pests at this time of
                                                                                            to protect your crop from frost damage.   year, Marcus says: “You should avoid using
                                            Find out what gardening jobs you should be      Certain herbs like basil,  coriander, chives   harsh chemicals and weed or pest killers in your
                                            doing now and appreciate the beauty of the      and tarragon should also be grown with   garden as these can be harmful to both wildlife
                                            outdoors regardless of the season.              supplementary lighting and heat indoors   and the environment. Instead, mulch well with
                                                                                            when the days get colder and shorter.”  peat-free compost to keep weeds at bay and
                                            Prepare and protect                                                                 ensure good soil health. If you have a pest
                                            Marcus says: “The month of November is          Welcome wildlife                    problem, consider using an organic pest control
                                            typically when frost sets in so this is the time   Marcus says we should welcome wildlife into   like nematodes – Dobbies has a great range
                                            when gardeners should start to think about      our gardens year-round, but it’s particularly   from Nemasys that’s now available to pick up at
                                            preparing for winter and protecting their plants.   important to be mindful of this during the   your local store and online.”
                                            This is also when typical autumn gardening jobs   colder months. “To make sure insects and
                                            like clearing leaves  off your lawn  and  cutting   small animals have a safe space to shelter   For more seasonal gardening advice and
                                            back shrubs should be done.                     during late autumn and winter, now is the   inspiration visit dobbies.com.

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