Gardener's Diary is a regular feature of Age-Net run by our Deputy Editor

Rosemary Martin

 

December 2009

December is a month for giving presents, whether you like to celebrate Christmas or not. The range of gifts is huge for your garden loving relatives and friends. And larger garden centres really put on a splendid display at this time of year, where it is possible to buy all your Christmas presents and cards under one roof.

Gardening books are always welcome presents as are new tools and gardening gadgets, or bird feeders and nest boxes if they’re bird lovers.. Spring bulbs or seed packets make great stocking fillers.

Potted plants also make ideal gifts or decorations for the home. In addition to the traditional poinsettia, most garden centers sell azaleas, cyclamens, Christmas roses, and other colorful plants "programmed" to bloom this month. My personal favourite gift is Amaryllis which are sold together with the ceramic pot and compost, all ready to go.

A final choice for a Christmas gift might be a gift voucher which the recipient will adore spending. (Trust me on this )

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Christmas trees

Christmas trees are on sale now but take care to choose a type of tree that won’t drop its needles. If you don’t plan to put the tree up straight away keep it in a bucket of water in your greenhouse or garage – anywhere cool. Always trim an inch or so off the trunk before you set the tree in its stand, and don’t forget to have a stand that has a water reservoir as the tree still needs to drink.

Forced indoor bulbs

If you potted up bulbs in early autumn for winter forcing, check them periodically to make sure the compost is moist. When signs of growth appear, bring the pots out and place in a cool place with indirect light, such as under greenhouse staging. After about 10 days, move them into brighter light and watch them start to grow. Turn them occasionally so they grow upright without leaning towards the light..

Christmas decorations

It needn’t be expensive buying Christmas decorations, after all we in the UK are still in a recession. Go for a walk in the nearest woodland or forest and collect pine cones from the forest floor. Take them home and put them in a slightly warm oven for about ten minutes to open up. Spray them silver or gold, along with some small twiggy branches from trees in your garden. Arrange the twigs in vases and tie a bow with some bright red Christmassy ribbons and arrange the pine cones in dishes to dot around the house.

Candles, greenery such as holly and ivy from the garden together with pine cones, all arranged in oasis, makes a wonderful centrepiece for the Christmas table.

Enlist your grandchildren to help; children love making things for Christmas..

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Don't forget :-

• Turn outside taps off while there is a danger of frost.
• Insulate your greenhouse with bubblewrap.
• Keep rock salt handy for icy paths and drives.
• Protect tender perennials from frost with twiggy branches and hessian, garden fleece or straw.
• Feed the birds and ensure there is always fresh water for them
• If you have terracotta pots raise them off the ground to protect against frost.
• A ball in your pond will keep a hole open if it ices over.