With Christmas just over 5 weeks away, you may be wondering what needs doing in the garden.  The answer is that there are still plenty of jobs that can be done.

First and foremost is the feeding of birds.  Although there is a supply of hedgerow berries and seeds still available, it doesn’t hurt to put seeds and fat balls out for all the garden birds to be able to feast upon in the colder months.

With this late autumn that we have had, there will still be plenty of leaves (that seem to now be falling in abundance) to clear up and create leaf mulch for next year’s use.  Any mulch prepared from last year or bought in can now be placed over many plants including paeonies and shrubs such as hydrangeas.  This helps to feed these plants so that they are strong and healthy for next year.

Make sure all your borders are cleared and any plants that need cutting back are done so now before the frost season sets in. However, beware; not all plants should be cut back at this time of year but should be pruned in the spring instead. Any spring planting should be done now, especially tulip bulbs of which we still have a few packs remaining and winter and spring colour in pansies, primroses and polyanthus.  Cordylines, phormiums and various palms should be tied up to help protect them from frost

Any tender plants should be protected from the cold and brought into shelter eg your greenhouse, conservatory or porch.  Your greenhouse should now be cleared of any annual plants or vegetables, soil and leaves. Benches and pots should be cleaned and disinfected along with the inside of the glass to prevent any fungal spores spreading.  Outside, the guttering should be cleaned removing any moss and thatch that might have built up over the year.

Whilst there is still some warmth in the ground, this is the ideal time to still be planting shrubs and hedging.  However, with winter around the corner, make sure that when you backfill the hole around the root ball, that you really compact the soil to push any air out.  Any air pockets will let rain water in that will freeze, and in turn, freeze the plant’s roots causing the plant distress.

As previously mentioned at the start of this blog, Christmas is just around the corner and here at Capel Cottage, our Nordmann Christmas trees will be arriving for sale the last week in November. If you would like to place an order for one of these or a bespoke made Christmas Wreath, please do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our friendly team who will be only to happy to help you with your requirements.