Winter In The Garden With Christmas approaching it is easy to
forget about the garden. However, with the colder days on their
way, less hardy plants will need to be protected. Stake trees
and taller shrubs to prevent rocking in the wind and put up
windbreaks. Get pipes and outdoor taps lagged against freezing
and line the glasshouse with bubble plastic to help raise the
temperature. The pond pump will need to be removed and stored
and a good pond heater should help the fish. Make sure there is
food and water for the birds. There will still be leaves to
sweep up, old bedding plants to dig out and prunings to be
collected. All these can be added to the compost heap. Keep on
top of the weeds – mulching will help keep them under control
and protect the roots of plants from damage at the same time. As
long as the weather remains mild planting bulbs, autumn bedding
plants, container-grown shrubs, roses, climbers and conifers can
continue. The best time to sow sweet peas is before Christmas
and exhibition onions sho