Tim's Gardening Tips

December in the Garden

Flower garden

• Apply mulch to protect borderline hardy plants such as Agapanthus and Phygelius.
• Keep pots and containers on pot feet or bricks to ensure good drainage.

Roses, shrubs, hedges & climbers

• Plant deciduous shrubs and hedging plants, but avoid doing when the ground is waterlogged or frozen.
• Prune gooseberries, red currants, white currants and blackcurrants.
• Prune grape vines before Christmas to avoid the sap bleeding.

Trees

• Check tree ties and stakes and adjust if required.
• Plant deciduous trees and stake, but avoid doing when the ground is waterlogged or frozen.
• Prune deciduous trees, such as acers (Japanese maples), birches, walnut and mulberry, before Christmas to avoid the sap bleeding.
• Prune apple and pear trees (but leave Prunus species until in full leaf).

Lawns & meadows

• Mow the lawn in mild weather if required, ensuring the cut is high.
• Regularly rake and clear fallen leaves off lawns.
• Clean and service mower ready for spring.
• If possible, avoid walking on lawns in frosty weather.

Ponds & water features

• Net ponds to prevent leaves falling in.
• Clear excess debris and fading water lily leaves from the water.
• Prevent ponds from freezing over completely by placing a ball or float on the surface.

Wildlife

• Clean out birdbaths and keep free of ice.
• Replenish birdfeeders regularly.

Out and About

• Observe the value of evergreen shrubs, which give structure and add interest to the winter garden.