Check on tender plants outdoors to ensure winter protection is still in place especially after storms. Bracken can be used to protect the crown of tender plants such as penstemon and salvias.
Trees and Shrubs
Pruning and renovation of many deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges can be carried out from now throughout the dormant season.
Exceptions are Prunus species (e.g. ornamental cherries, plums and almonds) as these are vulnerable to silver leaf disease when pruned in Autumn or Winter.
If you live in an area that suffers from harsh winter temeperatures it would be worth wrapping the stems of Yukkas and the trunks and canopies of standard Bay trees with a couple of layers of horticultural fleece to protect from damaging icy winds.
December is the ideal time to prune Silver birch and ornamental and fruiting grapevines also Japanese maples. Prune by Christmas to avoid bleeding stems.
Prune free -standing apple and pear trees also currants and gooseberries.
Shrubs can also be lifted and moved if the weather is kind.
In very harsh areas or particularly cold gardens, Tree ferns require their crowns protecting in winter by covering the crown with straw being careful not to damage any new fronds. Gently gather up all the fronds that have grown this year and tie together with twine. A collar of chicken wire can be placed around the trunk to keep the straw in place.
Climbers
Start to winter prune wisterias, cutting back summer side shoots to two or three buds from the previous year’s growth.
Roses
Renovate overgrown roses by cutting out a third of the old growth to encourage fresh stems.
Ponds
Continue to rake out leaves that have fallen into ponds or shake off those that have gathered on protective netting.
If your pond has frozen over, this can be fatal to fish and other pond life. Make a hole in the ice by holding a saucepan of hot water on the surface until melted through. Do not crack the ice as it is harmful to fish.
Herbaceous
In mild areas and during dry spells, you can still lift and divide herbaceous perennials. This will increase stocks and revive tired or poorly flowering clumps.
Miscellaneous
When putting lawnmowers and hedge trimmers away for winter, ensure they are clean and dry before storing. Drain out any fuel as unleaded petrol doesn’t keep and may cause problems next year when trying to start up machines.
Clean and sharpen secateurs and loppers ready fro pruning deciduous trees and shrubs over winter.
Take action to remove algae from paths if they start to become slippery.
Raise patio containers onto feet or bricks to avoid them sitting in the winter wet.
Rabbits and squirrels can be a nuisance as the weather gets colder, gnawing the bark from shrubs and trees. Guards around new woody plants are advisable.
Make sure all outside taps and stand- pipes are lagged and irrigation lines are drained to avoid damage from freezing.
Regularly fill and clean bird feeders and bird- baths.
Harvest holly with berries for making Christmas garlands and wreaths; stand them in a bucket of water until you’re ready to use them before the birds beat you to it!
Now you can relax! Happy Christmas!