Colin Evans

Good weather for snowmen

Cold winds and in some places a covering of snow means that winter is well with us now and that working in the garden is very nippy.

As gardening should be a pleasure there is little point making life uncomfortable by being outside when conditions are unfavourable.

If you can settle down with the new seasons gardening catalogues, look out of the window and feel nice and cozy inside then that is all we gardeners can do at the moment.

A Japanese orchid

Exciting

The catalogues and the nursery booklets are always so exciting and at this time of year they are even better because there are brand new varieties ready for next year.

Take for example the introduction of a new miniature outdoor Japanese Orchid.

Previously, these were only available to private collectors however this stunning group of orchids are now available to home gardeners for the first time.

This species was originally a native of the rocky mountains of Japan and often known as the "Butterfly Wings Orchid".

Zero degrees

The plant can thrive in temperatures of below zero degrees celsius and can be planted in borders, patio pots or window boxes. So as time goes on there will be no excuses for not growing exotic flowers in your garden, even when the temperatures prevent you from getting out there.

Mahonia Japonica or 'Charity' is in full bloom now and is brightening many gardens and parks. There are few commercial landscape schemes with do not include this hardy evergreen plant.

Mahonia Japonica or 'Charity'

I always include this wonderful shrub in all my schemes and it it is worth it every time. The great cascades of bright yellow flowers followed by navy blue berries will grace any garden or container.

It is tough and will grow in most condition either on its own as a specimen plant or part of a mixed planting.

Time to buy those rose bushes

TOPICAL TIPS:

Roses are now in great profusion at the garden centres and at very reasonable prices too.

The ground at present is in great condition to plant roses so get the soil well dug over and incorporate some well rotted manure and add a handful of sulphate of potash to each plant when you put them in. Once purchased, soak each plant in a bucket of water overnight and then firm each one well in.

Once in the ground remove and cut back about half the shrub to get the vigour into the stems ready for next seasons growth.

Sparrows

The RSPB is telling us that the sparrow population has declined by 68 per cent since 1977. This is due to lack of insects for their chicks to feed on during the latter part of the summer months. So why not set aside a part of your plot to make a wildlife garden?

House sparrows - on the decline

All the plants you need are readily available and include honeysuckle, wild roses, hawthorne or fruit trees which are all perfect for insects and therefore house sparrows.

Also leave the weeds and grasses to grow to their full height as these will also attract insects and act as good host plants.

By now all old summer bedding should have been removed and winter colour added in the form of pansies, chrysanthemums and polyanthus.

Profusion of flowers

As they grow they will provide a great profusion of flowers and once past their best will need to be removed.

Chrysanthemum

This may seem like a thankless task but removing the old flowers will encourage more to form and it does mean that the borders can be filled with colour throughout winter and into early spring.

If your plants are in hanging baskets of other containers then a feed now and again with a general liquid fertiliser will not go amiss.

Happy Gardening.