Gardener's Calendar

December Gardening Advice

Garden work can be difficult in December, but there is no reason why it should be a completely bleak and colourless month in the garden. There is a wonderful selection of winter flowering plants to choose from, and all are worthy garden plants. Hamamelis (or Witch Hazel) and camellias should be at the top of everyone’s list but don’t overlook Mahonia, Skimmia, Sarcococca, Winter Jasmine, Cornus mas, Viburnum tinus, Viburnum bodnantense and Ornamental Quince (Chaenomeles). Many hellebores will also produce some early flowers in December, especially Helleborus niger (The Christmas Rose), while winter-flowering heathers are perfect companions and guaranteed to bloom for many months.

Remember that evergreen shrubs and conifers form the structural background in the garden in every season but come into their own in winter, while berries not only provide a welcome colour in winter but will bring your garden to life by attracting a wide range of birds. Don’t overlook the trees and shrubs with interesting bark or stems that will provide colour in the winter garden and a variety of textures that are irresistibly tactile. Some of the most vividly coloured stems come from the dogwoods (Cornus) and some of the willows (Salix), which will provide a variety of yellow, orange, red, or purple-black stems.

Grasses and sedges will billow and sparkle in the winter garden, adding form, texture and movement on even the dullest days. A mix of varieties will provide shades of palest straw, cinnamon, bronze, mahogany, and silver. Don’t forget to retain any seed heads to catch the hoar frosts and glisten in the winter sun.

When the weather prevents outdoor work, enjoy sitting by the fire reading through the seed catalogues. It’s a time to note the past season’s failures and mistakes, especially when planning for the next season.