Planning and thinking ahead
As Winter approaches, you may think we will be slowing down – but no such luck! Most of our projects are planned months or even years ahead, and we’ve never been busier – small wonder then that we are about to start a six day a week operation.
At this time of the year, there are a number of things that can be done to give your garden a head start next spring. In fact nothing exemplifies ‘thinking ahead’ more than spring and summer bulbs, such as the stunning Alliums pictured.
We plant thousands of Snowdrops, Aconites and English Bluebells every year from December onward and more unusual Dogs Tooth Violets, which thrive in dappled shade. As for those who love invaders, Wild Garlic promises stunning flowers and smelly leaves for adding to stews and pastas. All these can be planted as ready grown plants in the spring, but planted now as bulbs, is a much more economic option.
Tree planting
Fast asleep from the end of November, field grown trees are the traditional way of sourcing and planting trees. Usually available up to 14 or 16’ in height, trees planted in the winter could be boasting stunning blossom in a matter of months, as with these Prunus Shirofugen planted by us less than four years ago.
Heading as we are into bare root season, it is the ideal time of year to plant, so if you’ve been thinking of purchasing a tree, or a unique Christmas present, now is definitely the time to do it. If you need help selecting a tree our sister company Tree and Garden Gift Company is sure to provide inspiration.
Autumn colour, winter clear up
The Virginia Creeper quietly embraces the yew hedge over the summer months, however hard you cut her back in the spring, and then loudly announces her arrival with the most stunning of firework displays. Few people walk into my garden without exclaiming ‘whats that?’
However, with winter approaching it is once again that time for a winter blitz, and our phone is steadily ringing with requests for a visit to put the garden to bed. Once neat and tidy, the final bulbs can be planted and you can sit back and wait for those snowdrops to appear. With our diary filling up make sure you get in touch as soon as possible if you want to make use of this service.
