December marks the true arrival of winter, bringing the shortest day and often the harshest weather to the English garden. This is not a time for the gardener to hibernate; there are plenty of garden tasks for December. It’s an opportunity to carry out maintenance and plan for the vibrant year ahead, all while enjoying the quiet, crisp beauty of the season.
Essential Winter Protection
The priority this month is protection. Ensure all tender plants are safely tucked away. Move vulnerable potted plants, like citrus or delicate ferns, into a greenhouse, conservatory, or frost-free shed. For plants left outdoors, apply a generous 10-15cm layer of mulch (bark chips, well-rotted manure, or compost) around the base of roses and other semi-tender shrubs. This acts as an insulating blanket for the roots. Use fleece jackets or hessian to wrap pots and vulnerable stems of wall shrubs, especially if prolonged, freezing temperatures are forecast.
The Winter Tidy-Up
This is the perfect time for the maintenance that is difficult when plants are in full leaf.
- Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: With no leaves, it’s easy to see the framework. Tackle routine pruning of apples and pears, removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve shape and air circulation.
- Clean and Sharpen Tools: Hosing down and drying tools after every use should be standard, but December is the time for a thorough overhaul. Sharpen secateurs, clean rust from trowels, and oil wooden handles. Well-maintained tools make spring work a joy.
- Clear Gutters and Water Butts: Remove any fallen leaves and debris to ensure rainwater can run freely and be collected efficiently.
A Focus on Future Colour
December isn’t just about tidying; it’s also about planting for the earliest bursts of spring.
- Plant Bare-Root Roses and Trees: If the ground isn’t frozen, seize the opportunity to plant bare-root stock. These are cheaper, establish quickly, and offer a wider variety.
- Force Hyacinths and Amaryllis: Bring pre-chilled bulbs indoors now to “force” them for fragrant, colourful blooms that will cheer up your windowsill well before the outdoor garden awakens.
Finally, remember to look after the local wildlife. Keep bird feeders topped up with high-energy food and ensure a supply of fresh, unfrozen water. Enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and peruse those seed catalogues—spring is only three months away!
Photo by Diana Kumst on Unsplash