December in the Garden

December is an important time in the garden. It is a great opportunity to spot and dig up weeds that are now visible as deciduous leaves reveal them. It is a great time to keep lawns looking fresh as leaves continue to fall and to prune and tidy herbaceous perennials and the dead wood from trees and shrubs. Pruning plants at this time is great for encouraging new growth and flowers next spring and to clear them of any dead or damaged branches.

With frosts coming, now is the time to make sure more tender plants are sheltered, covered or protected from frost.

Jobs we will be completing this month in your gardens:

• Weeding

• Pruning: Dead, damaged, diseased and crossing branches

• Leaf clearance

• Protecting plants from incoming frost and cold weather

Plants to spot in the garden this month:

• Birch | At this time of year the gleaming white bark shines in the low winter sunshine and the leaves are a stunning buttery yellow. Its a really beautiful tree to keep a look out for this month.

• Holly | Perfect for the festive season and for making into wreaths and christmas decorations for your home. At this time of year your holly trees should have lots of berries on it for the birds to enjoy.

• Cotoneaster | At this time of year these ever green shrubs and fillers come into their own, bursting with red autumnal berries, they offer a dash of colour in the garden at a time of year where colour begins to retreat.

We hope you have a lovely December, keep warm and enjoy the festive celebrations.