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● This is a great time of year to install a water butt or two. It's a shame to let all this rain go to waste, plus rainwater is better for all plants, particularly acid-loving ones such as camellias, magnolias, azaleas and heathers. Think of the money you'll save on your water bill too! ● Gather natural Christmas decorations for use in your home. Holly, ivy, bay, rosehips, pine branches or even eucalyptus can look stunning. Or why not gather some rosemary, sage and thyme from your garden, tie into small posies with ribbon and use as table decorations? ● Keep hellebores healthy by removing any leaves affected by black leaf spot. Also tidy up your outside pots and baskets by deadheading faded flowers. ● Look after your garden birds by cleaning feeders regularly with hot, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. Remember to feed your birds high-energy foods such as peanuts, sunflower seeds and fat balls. They need all the help they can get at this time of year. Plus, please be sure to replace bird bath water frequently in freezing weather and leave a shallow saucer of fresh, clean water on the ground for other wildlife. ● January is a good time of year to plant bare-root or container grown fruit bushes, rhubarb, trees and raspberry canes. Just make sure the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. ● Don't forget to harvest your brussels, leeks, kale and chard ● Start getting excited about seed sowing! Buy some new varieties to try. This is also a great time of year to clean pots and seed trays with soapy water to avoid disease. ● Winter is a good time to prune apple and pear trees. Cut out dead, diseased or crossing branches, but remember to prune no more than 20% of the canopy.
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