December Gardening Guide
When I asked on Instagram whether you did much in the way of gardening over the Christmas period, the resounding answer was definitely that ‘no serious gardening goes on around here’. I totally get it. I admit I went into the garden earlier with Wini and realised I am still yet to tidy away the remnants of the tomato plants from the end of October. I’m hoping that doesn’t get me on the naughty list this year.
I’d lost steam by mid autumn to be honest. It was a trying year in the garden and I found myself feeling disappointed with the results as it hadn’t reached the position I’d expected by now. That was my first mistake. Having a specific level of expectation for any outdoor living space when it’s governed by a whole manner of external conditions is an error. All you really can do is analyse, plan, place and then carefully manage the garden as it gradually develops in it’s own way. Something I, of course, know all too well yet I think my ego got in the way of that reckoning. Silly old me!
Looking back at the photos I took this year (of which there are many…you don’t reach 50,736 images on your phone’s camera roll by slacking you know) I realised I was being hard on myself and my garden. It’s been a wonderful year of ups and downs and learning and growing. Yes, as I sit here writing this, I can still see a bald patch of fence glaring at me where the Choisya Ternata is growing too slowly to cover the area however I also notice that the Rosemary has now quickly grown big enough to need it’s first cut.
Heuchera ‘Green Spice’
Your garden in winter is a really good time to take note of how your evergreen structure is doing. During the blousy summer days filled with bright colours and enough blooms to knock your socks off, the key structural planting can be easily looked past. In the winter, however, that structure is the most essential and getting that right will mean you truly have a year round garden.
You will gather from my writings that the winter garden is as important to me as the spring, summer or autumn. Whilst I don’t necessarily get out there doing hard work in the winter (sorry tomatoes) I do enjoy the views looking out, the experience walking in my front door and the feeling while I sit out with a coffee and a cat on my knee. It entirely lifts my spirits in these darkest of months.
Winter solstice has now been and gone and the days will be getting longer from here on out. In the meantime to keep me going, I can enjoy my Sarcococca Confusa (aka Christmas Box) flowering soon, which will fill my front garden with a sweet vanilla scent to greet me as I get home. I’m loving seeing the various Hellebore flowering starting to emerge and show off their beautiful colours and the fluffy dry seed heads of the Miscanthus swaying in the wind keep catching my eye too.
Sarcococca Confusa
I make sure to place such key winter-interest plants near doors and in the view from windows so that I can enjoy them for those fleeting hours of sunlight that we get on these December days. These are the kind of easy wins that you can bring into your garden space over the festive period when you are feeling inspired to have a little time in your garden. Whether it’s popping out to buy a new hellebore or simply moving your planters round a little so you can see them from your kitchen window, it’ll be well worth your time.
This week, you may find yourself feeling drawn to your garden space as refuge from your in-laws or because you need a little fresh air after eating too many Celebrations (anyone else still not over them getting rid of the Galaxy Truffle?). If you do feel the urge to have a little potter around your garden, here’s a few tasks you can complete while you enjoy a little wander…
Gather last minute decorations
Is your Christmas table in need of a little extra? Some taper candles and a jar of winter berried stems can be a lovely addition. If you haven’t got any plants in your garden that you can harvest from, perhaps that’s a good one to note down for future-you to buy next time you’re in the garden centre so that you can use stems in years to come.
Keep hellebores healthy
To ensure there’s plenty of air flow circulating around your hellebore, it can be a good idea to trim a few leaves around the bottom if it’s looking a little crowded. Hellebore leaf spot loves a crowded plant so keeping an eye out is a good idea.
Provide water for wildlife
It’s not looking like we’re going to be getting a white Christmas this year, but it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of water out for your local wildlife. A shallow bowl weighted down so that it doesn’t tip over means that most of your visitors will be able to access it. Be sure to keep an eye out for when it is freezing outside to see if it needs fresh, unfrozen water.
Pick brussels sprouts
If you’ve been successful with your sprouts this year, make sure you get picking them! Start at the bottom of the plant and pick off what you need. Gradually over time work your way up the plant so that you get fresh vegetables each time rather than picking them all at the same time. I aim to have a harvest of sprouts next year for myself. After a few failed attempts, I’m determined that 2025 will be the year of the successful sprout for me! Look out for the sprout tips during next year’s gardening guides so that you can follow along and we can share in the glory of a sprouty-Christmas.
All that’s left to say for this year is that I hope you have a wonderful festive period in the coming week. Don’t be too hard on yourself or expect perfection. Definitely eat lots, be merry and reminisce about the good times you had with Galaxy Truffles. Be good to yourself and those around you and enjoy.