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

Rosemary Martin

 

December 2010

 

As yet another year draws to a close, and we're in-between gardening seasons, it's as good a time as any to think about your gardening capabilities..

Is your garden getting too much for you to manage, or are some of the chores getting beyond you? Perhaps your garden is just too demanding and now is the time to think about making it more manageable.

I have written a special feature about downsizing which may be worth a read if you are looking for answers to what can be a growing problem for many people.

Gardens that become too much for their owners to manage, quickly become out of control jungles, so keep on top of things by making yours easier to look after.

Gardening can bring tremendous rewards. For example on this cold, damp and dark November (almost December) day, I am looking out into a garden that is a riot of colour. This is no accident, but was all carefully planned to allow for my love of winter cheer in the garden, in these often gloomy and short days.. The plant colour and bright red berries also attract wildlife to the garden and I will be entertained by squirrels, hedgehogs and of course the noisy chattering birds that visit.

 

 

• There is still time during December to plant any tulip bulbs that you haven`t got in the ground yet. Dig them in deeply enough and they can stay in the ground year after year, rather than take them out as the experts recommend.
• If you are planning on planting any bare-root trees, late Autumn or early winter is the best time, while the soil is still fairly warm. Don`t forget to stake them as protection against strong winds.
• Forget about going to the gym, get some exercise by raking all the leaves off your lawn. Leave the ones that have dropped in the borders as they will rot down naturally and help the soil nutrition.
• If you don`t have a compost heap, put the damp leaves in bin liners tied at the top. Make several holes in the bags and leave them in a shed or garage. By next year they will have rotted down to beautiful leaf mould to put on your borders.
• It is all to easy to hibernate in the winter months, but a brisk gardening session, when you are well wrapped up against the elements, will do you the power of good. I try to have at least half an hour most days. Try it...
• If we have bad weather, keep your paths and access routes free of snow and ice. Get rock salt from your DIY store to put on the paths to melt the ice; or even cooking salt will do the trick..
  Keep the food and water topped up for the birds
• Cheer your home up with some potted hyacinths, paper white narcissi and of course the beautiful seasonal poinsettas.
• Don`t forget to ask Santa for some new gardening hand tools, or a gardening book, or a new plant, or.......................
  

 

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all.

See you in the new year.