Twinkling lights are all around us, signalling the delightful month of December. Despite the festive cheer and family themed activities, us gardeners may worry about this period of the year due to the ever-realistic chance of snow.
The prospect of snow-laden branches, frost-bitten flowers, and the overall starkness, and darkness, of the winter landscape can dampen the spirits.
However, with a bit of planning and care, it is fairly painless to get our gardens ready to not only survive the winter but emerge from it refreshed and ready to bloom once again, come the brighter days of spring.
When pre-planning your garden in the planting stages, consider opting for hardy plants, as these are best suited for surviving sub-zero temperatures. We make this very easy for you, just take a look on any product page and keep an eye out for the snowflake symbol – this indicates a hardy plant.
If you know cold temperatures are on the horizon, consider applying a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, bark chippings, or garden compost, to the base of your plants. This will insulate the soil and roots from the cold, while also helping to retain moisture and reducing the risk of water stress during the winter months.
For plants that are known to be particularly susceptible to frost or snow damage, provide shelter for the winter. This could involve wrapping delicate stems with horticultural fleece or placing a cloche or cold frame over vulnerable plants.
Be Sure To Prune
As the winter progresses, take time to prune your plants. To do this, remove any dead or damaged leaves that appear to be spent.
This will help to prevent fungal diseases and bring a cleaner, and more uniform look to your garden. For deciduous shrubs and trees, consider a light pruning to shape their form and remove any weak or diseased branches.
If we are treated to a heavy downfall of snow, then you may wake up to find snow grasping onto the branches and leaves of your plants. It is crucial to remove this excess snow to avoid the weight from breaking branches and causing overall structural damage.
Winter Care
Many bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and lilies, will fall dormant during the winter. Once the foliage has died back, carefully dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring, then plant them back out for another season of beauty!
It is important to water your plants sparingly through winter. Too much watering can lead to root rot, as the ground is already saturated with moisture from rain, or even snow. Only consider watering when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
But, Just Remember…
While snow and frost may not be the ideal conditions for our flowers and plants, they do still add a unique beauty to the garden that you cannot see at any other time of the year. Take a minute to sit back and embrace your winter landscape, and appreciate the charm that this season brings.
