As One Year Ends, Another Begins, So Look Forward To The Pleasures Your Garden Will Bring

As we approach the end of another year I find myself reflecting on what we have enjoyed in the garden, what I had planned and not achieved and where on earth all the time went? We invariably set ourselves ambitious targets only to be foiled by a lack of time or that regular frustration, the weather. Over the years I have found that one of the keys to success in the garden is to roll with the weather, changing plans or delaying a task rarely affects the outcome and often brings new surprises. It’s amazing how plants sown or planted late will recover and produce the goods, albeit a little later.

As Christmas approaches it’s time for many to celebrate with the decorating of a tree, the big decision being artificial or real? There is the misconception that buying a real Christmas tree is destroying forests and woodlands but the opposite is true. Christmas trees are farmed just like any other crop, and given that they take between five and seven years to reach 7ft (the average size purchased), all that time they are storing carbon and creating wildlife habitat. There are around 7 million trees purchased in the United Kingdom each year, and for each one three seedling trees are replanted, so it’s an industry that is clearly environmentally beneficial. 

Choosing the right tree is generally a personal preference but there are species that tend to keep their needles longer, the most popular of these is the Nordmann Fir (Abies Nordmanniana), if you fancy a more natural look, similar to the Scots Pine with its longer needles and an almost bottle brush appearance then some suppliers offer the Lodgepole Pine (Pinus Contorta). Some suppliers will offer potted trees which can be used in subsequent years but they do require a little care and attention watering, feeding and repotting, so unless you have the time and space it might be best to go for a cut tree. The key is to try use a tree stand that has a water reseviour, which means that the tree will take up water and not drop its needles as quickly. After Christmas, the dilemma is what to do with your tree, if it has no roots it will not regrow so either take it to the recycling centre or if you have space leave it in an area of the garden where it can just drop all its needles, (these will eventually rot down so are good for the garden). With the tree you can either use it as a plant support to grow annual climbers up such as sweet peas or in the vegetable garden for climbing beans. You could trim all the branches off and cut the trunk into sections about 60cm long and make a habitat pile in an out of way part of the garden. If you don’t want all the hassle of a real Christmas tree, then there are some very realistic artificial ones on the market.

Plants are a popular purchase around the festive period with poinsettia’s at the top of the list, but also cyclamen and the bulbous amarylis (Hippeastrum sp.). The key to success is, as with most things, buy from a reputable source. I often see plants sold at Christmas stood outside shops or supermarkets on a trolley, and considering they will have been grown in a greenhouse, it can be quite a shock for them and one that can signal their rapid decline. If you can, purchase from a supplier who keeps the plants indoors and ideally in an area suitable for growing plants. Generally you will easily recognise this as the plants will look happy. If you are gifting the plant then whilst you are looking after it keep it indoors, and in a frost free place, a spare room windowsill or conservatory is fine. Avoid places that are too hot or too cold, placing them in a room which is too warm can shock them too. It’s fine to display them in a warm room for short periods but if you can, move them to a cooler place as this will keep them going longer. Don’t over water or let them dry out, I usually place them in a plant pot saucer that is about 2.5 to 3cm (1 – 1,5 inches) deep, half filled with 10mm gravel, keep this filled with water just level with the gravel. This will provide a humid atmosphere around the plant, and roots can draw from the reservoir.

At this time of year it’s less about planting vegetables and more about harvesting, love them or hate them hardy vegetables like brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, winter cabbage, and parsnips are in season. The best way to enjoy them is to look fro creative recipes which involve adding other elements such as bacon lardons, cheese or herbs, which enhance their otherwise bland flavour. If you have a greenhouse or polytunnel that is frost free then this will open up more opportunities for growing the hardier salads such as radicchio, winter lettuce, endive and chicory, although it is too late to plant them now, something to think about for next year, so start planning what you will grow next year but bear in mind that the weather is in charge.

Seasons greetings, and happy gardening,

Martin

Next month, (to tidy or not to tidy, is your veg garden ready? and being winter wise).

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