Gardeners’ Diary

“The sweeping blast, the sky o’ercast, the joyless winter day;” - Robert Burns Happy New Year to all you gardeners! I hope you are all keeping warm and well, safely tucked up in the safety of home. Will 2022 bring us be er weather and respite from the pandemic I wonder? My thoughts are firmly set on looking forward to a proper Spring, plants growing well and warm summer days to really get the most out of the gardening season. Let’s face it, last year was a write off, barely anything grew; far too much rain and cloud hampered our efforts. As I look out of the window, it’s hard to imagine long summer days, a garden burs ng with life and colour; however, you can’t stop me and, with a bit of luck, we will soon be outside enjoying our gardens once again. Planning is a fun way to pass the me this month. Jot down your ideas and designs in a li le notebook, think about new things you’d like to try, browse the seed catalogues for inspira on. How about crea ng a Spring woodland garden in a shady unloved area, a wildlife meadow, or transforming a south facing pa o or balcony into a tropical paradise with terraco a pots filled with palms and strelitza (bird of paradise) for a change of scenery. Holidays abroad may be difficult, so why not bring the sunshine to your garden instead. ¯ Get the holiday vibe with new garden sea ng, a water feature, fairy lights to make the most of your outside space, no ma er how small. ¯ A conservatory, balcony or window can also be transformed with plants to create a relaxing space to sit and watch the sun go down. ¯ In the mean me, on dry days, check your winter protec on, stakes, es and supports are s ll working a er any severe weather. Also put out food for birds and leave some garden areas uncut a li le longer, to provide shelter for wildlife in your garden. ¯ Press mistletoe berries into the bark of apple trees to establish your own mistletoe plants ¯ Check that small alpines don't become smothered by fallen leaves and other windblown debris and deadhead winter pansies and other bedding regularly. Remove any foliage affected by downy mildew. Move dormant plants that are in the wrong place to more suitable sites. ¯ Give the greenhouse and pots a clean as this helps to control pests and diseases. ¯ Use sowing trays indoors in a light area to give seeds a good start – not too warm, as this leads to weak seedlings and damping off, a fungal disease caused by overcrowding, poor ven la on and overly wet compost. ¯ 15 to 18 degrees seems to work best for most seeds to germinate successfully. Whatever you decide to do this month, take it easy and enjoy! Tracey @ The Old Nursery