December Gardening Blog

The UK summers are sometimes a bit hit and miss so it?s essential to try and prepare for all weathers during the summer!

NOT WEEDING REGULARLY

Weeds can quickly get out of hand, and they love the extra sunshine which promotes growth. Weeding regularly can provide your plants with the nutrients and sunlight that they need in order to grow healthy. If your plants are having to compete with nutrients, water and sunlight from weeds, they may not be growing at their optimal health. Weeds also harbour pests and diseases, so it is best to remove the weeds little and often.

NOT MEETING PLANT SUNLIGHT REQUIREMENTS

It is important during planting that you research what your new plants require if they grow well in partial shade or need access to sunlight as much as they can. It is then important to consider where in your garden the plant?s needs can be met. Find out how much light your plant requires by reading the label or doing some research. Pick a spot in your garden that has the right amount of sun or shade for your plant. If you like a low-maintenance garden, opting for drought-friendly plants may be a good idea to ensure your garden space will bloom beautifully! ?A good way to identify a drought-tolerant plant is the colour of its leaves, the majority have silver or grey-green as these light colours, as it reflects the harsh rays of the sun.?

• Cordyline Australis ?Red Star? (when planted in the ground)
• Hebe
• Lavender
• Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow (Perennial)
• Heuchera
• Geum

Containers and border plants:

• Gazania
• Osteospermum
• Verbena

Is it really December already? The temperatures are finally starting to feel like Winter, the shops are packed with tinsel and mince pies, plus the kids have already got quite a few ideas on what Santa will bring them this year. December is a super busy time for us all, but it?s also a time when we can bring all the family together, have a few days rest and not feel too guilty for eating one more slice of fruit cake.Thankfully in quite a busy month there are only a few things you need to do in the Garden to ensure it is protected against the frosts! ? Any terracotta pots that you have, bring them inside to stop any cracking from happening ? Add some Winter colour with pansies, violas, bellis and hellebores ? Tidy up any fallen leaves as they could be sheltering slugs and other pests ? As it is getting colder birds will find it hard to find food, so make sure you purchase some bird feeders filled with food, we have loads to choose from on our website! ? Move plants into a sheltered spot as conditions get colder and frosty ? If you have climbing roses, prune them from now until FebruaryFruit and Veg

• ? If you are wanting to plant fruit trees, plant thornless blackberries, this will give you easy pickings of lovely fruits

? Clear out any old crops and compost any healthy debris ? If you are growing Brussel Sprouts for the festive period, make sure they are secure and do not fall over in the winds Greenhouse

• ? Monitor the heat of your greenhouse so temperatures don?t get too low or too high

 

• ? Take your hyacinths indoors to flower and place these in a cool, bright spot

 

• ? To prevent any diseases from breading, make sure to keep your greenhouse as dry as possible and do not overwater your plants

 

• ? Move any houseplants to a sunny windowsills

 

? If you have planted cyclamen, water them from below and regularly deadhead them to allow more growth

OUR TOP OFFERS THIS MONTH

CHRISTMAS:

• Glass Baubles, buy 3 for £5!
• Black Friday savings continue in store and online
• We have an extra 20% off all Artificial trees, ends Sunday 4th December. Offer only valid in store.

CUT CHRISTMAS TREES We are pleased to tell you, our cut Christmas Trees have been price locked from last year. Our netting is also biodegradable, so you can be safe in the knowledge you are doing your bit for the environment too! TOYS & GIFTS

• Yankee Candle reed diffusers are now £14.99 reduced from the RRP: £21.99. Available in Clean Cotton, Fluffy Towels and Midnight Jasmine.
• Lego Harry Potter offers, the perfect gifts for Christmas! The Ministry of Magic, now only £65.99 or Dumbledores Office now only £54.99!

PET DEPARTMENT

• Our Christmas toys for your furry friends are now in stock!