Tis almost the season to be Jolly - So before we start fighting away that one tiny spec of glitter that has moved in to the real estate that is your face... we must decide what to do with our garden! Us here at The Secret Garden Company love love love christmas... So if you see one of our vans driving around London be sure to catch a peak of our gardeners (and their elf hats) and make sure you honk and give them an oi oi). But joking aside lets see what we can tell you about your garden!
Clean your act!
Just like the morning after your christmas party your garden needs a good tidy up! "Put everything to bed" is the power phrase here and we mean in the garden.
✓Clear and tidy all leaves, sticks and other debris
✓Wash and dry used pots, trays and containers to prevent the possibility of harbouring disease pathogens and insect eggs over winter.
✓Cut out any dead growth from trees or shrubs to make sure it doesn't become diseased over the winter.
✓If you have a compost bin make sure to compost the leaves and use as insulation for flower beds
✓Get a compost bin if you don't already have one - contact us for help in composting and its benefits and we will be happy to talk you through it.
✓Clear and tidy all leaves, sticks and other debris
✓Wash and dry used pots, trays and containers to prevent the possibility of harbouring disease pathogens and insect eggs over winter.
✓Cut out any dead growth from trees or shrubs to make sure it doesn't become diseased over the winter.
✓If you have a compost bin make sure to compost the leaves and use as insulation for flower beds
✓Get a compost bin if you don't already have one - contact us for help in composting and its benefits and we will be happy to talk you through it.
This won't be Lawn
In the midst of this wrapping paper that wrapping paper who has the time for their lawn!?!?! Perhaps the thought of next summer's drinks on ice and barbecues will make the perfect case for the "today's actions are tomorrow's result" sentiment. Don't worry this won't take long!
Lawn care is often overlooked during winter however is one of the most important things on the checklist to make sure it looks healthy and lush for next year. So think sunglasses and the smell of melting cheese on your burger and get out there!
✓Aerate lawn by inserting a garden fork at regular intervals and lean it back slightly to let air in. This reduces compaction and makes it easier for fertiliser and water to reach the roots.
✓You still have time to use an autumn lawn fertiliser! These are high in phosphates and potash, and will help strong roots to develop that make for healthy grass.
✓Make sure the lawn is free of fallen leaves as they could smother the lawn and weaken the grass.
✓Avoid walking on the lawn if frosted as this can damage the grass.
Lawn care is often overlooked during winter however is one of the most important things on the checklist to make sure it looks healthy and lush for next year. So think sunglasses and the smell of melting cheese on your burger and get out there!
✓Aerate lawn by inserting a garden fork at regular intervals and lean it back slightly to let air in. This reduces compaction and makes it easier for fertiliser and water to reach the roots.
✓You still have time to use an autumn lawn fertiliser! These are high in phosphates and potash, and will help strong roots to develop that make for healthy grass.
✓Make sure the lawn is free of fallen leaves as they could smother the lawn and weaken the grass.
✓Avoid walking on the lawn if frosted as this can damage the grass.
Year end, our start!
Now any serious gardener will tell you that November isn't the gardening season coming to a close but is actually the start of it! While it may seem that all garden activity stops over this season there is still a lot going on under the soil. Just like the premise of the iceberg in Titanic you don't know what lays below the tip. Autumn makes for the perfect season to do some planning and planting for the seasons ahead. The cooler temperatures slows down top growth but the Summer heat that is still retained within the soil encourages activity below. This combination allows the roots to spread down and out creating a steady foundation; so if you are ever going to plant something that will outlive the tales of the Titanic, best do it in Autumn!
✓Plant spring flowering bulbs for a fantastic bloom next year
✓Plan and plant out spring bedding displays
✓Dig new beds easily as the frost helps condition the ground
✓Cut back dry stems to soil level after the first frost to help prevent rotting in flower beds
✓Best time to transplant trees and shrubs
✓Don't forget to collect Holly stems with berries for a truly christmasy feel
✓Plant spring flowering bulbs for a fantastic bloom next year
✓Plan and plant out spring bedding displays
✓Dig new beds easily as the frost helps condition the ground
✓Cut back dry stems to soil level after the first frost to help prevent rotting in flower beds
✓Best time to transplant trees and shrubs
✓Don't forget to collect Holly stems with berries for a truly christmasy feel
So there you have it our little checklist of things you can do around your garden before winter gets here. So put the slow cooker on and get the whole family outside for your garden to dos!
- The Secret Garden Company
- The Secret Garden Company
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