An ethical gift
A gift for the planet is one of the most valuable presents you could donate during the festive season. The government has committed to a 100 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050, compared with emissions during 1990. But how can this be achieved? One of the simplest ways to achieve net zero, as it has become known, is by planting trees and shrubs. They capture carbon, which is what is most needed.
Of course, trees and shrubs do far more than this. The right plants in the right places can stabilise the soil, create wind-filtering, provide shade and shelter, absorb water and help to alleviate flooding, improve biodiversity, create wildlife corridors, and offer food and habitats for invertebrates, insects, small mammals, reptiles and birds. What’s more, some provide food for humans, such as berries and fruit; just as importantly, they are a thing of beauty too.
Bare root season is here
If you are tempted to wait until spring, you’re missing out on a great opportunity! Winter is ‘bare root season’ and dormant, woody plants can be purchased at a much lower price than you’ll see in spring. You can plant a hedge in the garden or add some native shrubs to your borders for the price of a box of Christmas crackers.
Bare-rooted plants have been grown in the ground and dug up, ready for planting during winter and early spring. Pick a period when the soil isn’t too waterlogged and not frosty. Ensure the position is weed-free and consider using mycorrhizal fungi around the roots when you plant. This beneficial substance effectively extends the root capability of the plant and works in harmony to create a more robust and healthier tree.
Consider your local environment if you have no space in your own garden. You don’t need to become a guerrilla gardener by planting on land that you don’t own the legal rights to cultivate. However, you can approach your local council to see what will be permitted.
Jobs in the garden this month
• If you have any free-standing fruit trees, such as apples and pears, this is a great time to prune them. Not only will you be able to control their size and shape, but you will encourage them to be productive. You want an open centre so that a good airflow can be achieved. Try to prune yearly rather than severe pruning when the tree has become a tangled mess. Hard pruning causes the growth of multiple small shoots, known as water shoots, as the tree tries to replace some of its lost growth.
• Protect your pots and tender plants from freezing conditions. Use horticultural fleece as a wrap, or move pots into a sheltered position.
• Mulch around the base of your favourite shrubs and perennials to keep the roots a little warmer. Take care not to allow the mulch to touch the stem, as this can cause rotting.
• Check stakes and ties to ensure they are not too tight but also to ensure that strong winds are less likely to damage your plants.
• Clear leaves from pathways for safety reasons, but allow them to stay on your beds. They provide valuable cover and shelter for many garden creatures and also act as bird larders.
• Consider positioning your bird feeders over your beds and borders, particularly near roses and other plants that might suffer from aphids. The birds will help clear your plants of pests.
• In the kitchen garden, harvest vegetables for the festive season, including parsnips, leeks, Brussels sprouts and cabbages. Pick sprouts from the bottom upwards, allowing the ones at the top to develop. They can be blanched for around three minutes and then frozen if you prefer.
• Keep off your beds as much as possible because it squashes the air out of the soil. If you tread on a board instead of the ground, this helps to spread the load.
• Turn to your garden for Christmas decorations rather than plastic! You can make a door wreath using evergreens like yew and holly and plants with beautiful berries.
