Gardening Tips for December
The last of the leaves fall from the trees as our gardens slip into the frosty winter chill, plants with evergreen leaves and any with winter flowers are even more appreciated at this time. Take pleasure in wrapping up warm and spending some wellbeing time in the garden, for some valuable fresh air and in the company of your resident robin
GARDEN ROOM
Bring bowls of forced bulbs inside, such as Hyacinths and Paperwhites, to encourage buds to open for Christmas. Guaranteed to fill the house with their wonderful fragrance, finish the festive look by top dressing with moss, inserting garden twigs to help support the flowers as they grow. If you run out of time to plant your own, visit your local Dobbies for pots of prepared hyacinths full of buds and ‘ready-to-go’ for a fragrant festive display
Plant indoor Cyclamen, three to a bowl, trough or basket, for a delightful festive centre piece perfectly suited to a cooler room, porch or conservatory. Water carefully as too much water can easily kill your plants
Poinsettias are the classic Christmas houseplant, that no home should be without. Originating from the tropics, they love the warmth of our centrally heated homes, being kept well away from the chill of cold draughts. Put into a festive pot cover and decorate with battery lights, they also make great gifts for friends, family (or you can treat yourself!)
TERRACE GARDEN
- Dress the front doorstep to welcome visitors over the festive period. Evergreen Bay trees, Buxus topiary, Blue Spruce and Picea conica lit with lights and a few simple decorations add that classic, seasonal touch
Make your own Christmas wreath for the front door, collecting evergreen foliage, berries, hips and seed heads from the garden and nearby hedgerows. Hand-tie to a plain natural foliage ring or twisted stems of Willow or Hazel and adorn with selective decorations and bows to reflect your own individual style. Alternatively, choose from our extensive range of fresh, hand-made and decorated wreaths available in-store now
Beds & borders
As weather allows, winter is the perfect time to plant new hedges, such as Beech, Hawthorn and Privet. Planted now, they will establish in time for the new spring season. Don’t forget ornamental trees can also be planted now for a great feature next spring
In periods of severe cold and wind, wrap tender evergreen plants in frost protection fleece In the event of heavy snow, check larger evergreens shrubs and conifers, brushing off excess snow to prevent branches breaking under the weight. Don’t worry about low garden plants, which are happy under a blanket of snow.
Continue to cut back and tidy faded cottage garden perennials with secateurs adding them to the compost heap. Leave grasses and seed heads for their structural interest, particularly beautiful on frosty mornings. More importantly they help to support our garden birds and create shelter for overwintering insects.
KITCHEN GARDEN
Apple and pear trees can be pruned up until February, leaving plums until mid-summer. The aim is to create an open goblet shape, around a framework of four or five main branches to allow air to circulate and reduce pest and disease problems
New season ranges of soft fruit, including a wide range of raspberry canes are also available for planting now as weather allows. Shop in-store and online now
Browse seed ranges now in readiness for the coming spring. New season seeds will be in stores during December so get ahead by stocking up and do look out for our new varieties to add to your garden adventure next year
LAWN CARE
Rake up the last of the leaves which, if left on the lawn, risk damaging the grass by blocking out the light. Alternatively use the mower to clear large areas of lawn, with blades on a high setting. Add leaves to the compost heap, or store separately to rot down into leaf mould
Spike your lawn with a garden fork or an aerator to help to increase drainage, therefore reducing moss and wet patches
GARDEN TIDY
Clear fallen leaves from the garden pond and remove fountains and water pumps to prevent damage over the winter
Ensure outside taps are insulated or drained prior to the worst of the winter chill, therefore reducing risk of burst pipes
For the benefit of garden wildlife, leave some areas of the garden untouched as a winter sanctuary for insects, hibernating hedgehogs and other wildlife
GARDEN BIRDS
One of the joys of winter is watching our colourful garden birds. Don’t forget they need our support over this time with constant supply of food and water
Position feeders as close to the house as possible, using a variety of seeds, nuts and suet treats to attract a wide range of birds to your garden. Take care that the birds you attract are kept safe from preying cats and use squirrel-proof feeders as required
Once they find you, they will become daily visitors, sheltering from the worst of the weather in your trees and brightening up the short days with their cheerful chatter
We would love to see what you get up to in the garden this December, take a picture and tag us on socials with @dobbiesgardencentre for your chance to be featured on our social media channels