DEC-ORATIONS AND TRIMMINGS
(It’s time to prepare for the festive period)
There is still plenty to do during this month including some unusual tasks such as taking hardwood cuttings of shrubs, many of which are suprising easy. There are also some seeds like Cotoneaster which can be sown now but need a winter to break their dormacy ready for germination in spring.
Of course there are the run of the mill jobs, which are also very satisfying - the planting of spring bulbs and keeping the lawn free of leaves and debris. Houseplants play a very important role notably as Christmas gifts for your friends, family or even treating yourself. But there are a few important rules for their care.
Choosing a Christmas tree can be another tough decision at this time of year.
December is full of horticultural issues which need to be addressed...... (Paul Tovey)
Have a tree-mendous Christmas!!!
THERE are a variety of Christmas trees on offer at your local garden centre - either cut specimens or young trees growing in pots - the latter will of course hold their needles longer and with care indefinitely. Those will of course be more expensive.
The most popular variety on sale is the Norway Spruce with its fine deep green needles, though these are more inclined to drop than the pricier Nordman Fir which offers thicker more glaucous foliage. There are also other varieties available which are not strictly Christmas trees such as pines (particularly the silver needled variety) which are extremely attractive, at a price! Another alternative is Cedrus Deodora with its feathery weeping habit. To ensure your tree looks its best for the whole of the festive period, keep it outdoors for as long as possible so it stays cool, moist and fresh. Potted specimens would benefit from a liquid fortnightly feed. Now you have selected your tree(s), have fun decorating it (or them).
Dogwoods and Forsythias are amazingly easy.... All you do is cut end pieces of stem about four to six inches long and shove them into soil previously prepared by mixing in a little sand and bonemeal then just wait to spring to see what happens.
Seeds from Cotoneasters and other berrying shrubs and trees can be sown in trays of gritty compost and subjected to stratification (alternate freezing and thawing which should naturally occur during winter if these are placed in a sheltered corner of the garden). This process is what the seeds require naturally for successful germination when the ground warms up in spring.
Be advent - not absent - minded!
Personal gifts to drive friends and family potty!
Poinsettia - The colourful bracts add a real festive feel to the home - red is the traditional colour but pinks and whites are also available. They need a warm room to thrive with good light and they need to be kept just moist.
Christmas Cactus - The fluorescent pink flowers on the ends of smooth succulent stems are long lasting and will bring much festive joy. They are easy to please but need more moisture than your average desert cactus.
Cyclamen - The fresh spring like charm will add warmth to this cold season. However, these plants prefer a cool room and should be watered from the base.
Hyacinths - These popular bulbs are forced into flower in the warmth of a house, but also need a cool position to last well. Enjoy the rich fragrance that will pervade your rooms. They are normally available in pinks, blues and whites.
Azalea - Given a cool roomand plenty of water, these plants will produce masses of double blooms throughout the winter. They come in shades of white, pink or near red and are also available in bi-colours.
Trillium - These will test your patience as they take up to two-three years to flower, which they do in spring. The name says it all - both leaves and petals are borne in threes. They like shade and rich moist soil and hate to be disturbed.
Penstemon ‘Firebird’ - The fluorescent salmon orange trumpets are daintier than your average Penstemon variety. Displayed in summer and early autumn.
Gunnera ‘Manicata’ - The giant 10ft across leaves are ideal for a large garden where the soil is very wet or even boggy. Protect them with mulch in winter.
Musa (Hardy banana plant) - These will also produce exotic large leaves for your sub-tropical border, but don’t expect any fruit - not in England!!! Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’ - An exciting golden moisture lover for shade.
Why not try the Ace of the pack?
And Finally….Looking forward to seeing you in 2003!!!!!
See you next month!
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