January 2023

We have not yet finished “putting the garden to bed” and the new seasons growth, impatient to start, is pushing up through the soil!  “ Putting the garden to bed “ might be deemed old fashioned but I find cutting down plants so that they don’t rot back into the bulb, and shrubs so that they don’t get torn and broken off by the winds is not only good for the plant but it gives an order to the chores- so for e.g the New Year is the time for 2 weeks on the nut walk and deciding the correct pruning of the various varieties of Clematis. This might not be everyone’s choice but with limited help and a large garden this works for me.

One of the truly lovely things about gardening is that there are no “rules”. There are guidelines- which you might do well to follow, but, at the end of the day it’s your choice.

The vegetable garden is still producing Parsnips, Carrots, Beetroot and Kale. Carrots and Beetroot should have been lifted and stored but they are just about OK. Sprouting broccoli is almost ready and we have our stored Onions and Potatoes.

The Greenhouse is full of overwintering plants in pots- geraniums, fuchsia etc. and the orchids, which were left out during the summer but have been brought inside for the winter.

The garden in winter is a very attractive place. The bones of the garden can be seen and hedge definition more precise. Hidden by foliage in the summer, Obelisks and Ornaments take on a new role and can be fully appreciated.

This morning the aconites were a delightful surprise We have our first snowdrops, primroses and wonderful white hellebore. The winter flowering cherry is bursting with buds (Subhirtella autumnalis) and how could any gardener not want our high performing winter iris ( I am still going to call it Stylosa!) Put them up against a warm wall, dead head continually and they will provide scented blooms for the house from November to February. What could be nicer?

Lots and lots of moles in the garden, squirrels and rabbits too -but so far not too much trouble. No sign of the swans but Canada Geese and Snipe in the Fishponds.

No sign of bird flu yet- fingers crossed!

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker