Latest Interiors: Winter gardens
Latest Interiors talks about your gardening options, now the winter months are upon us
Baby, it’s cold outside. But that’s no reason to give up on your garden – now is the perfect time to tidy up and get ready for spring. This week, Latest Interiors puts on some wellies and a warm coat and heads outdoors.
Clean & tidy
If you haven’t already, use late October and early November for a good tidy up. Pull any remaining weeds, remove all dead annuals, put furniture and BBQs away for the winter that won’t survive the rainier season out of doors. Late autumn is a good time to move trees, shrubs and perennials while they lie dormant – and prune all those that are staying in place.
Protect any tender plants now against the cold nights – bring them under cover, or insulate them against the weather with cladding or a plastic dome. And while you’re outside, you might as well make sure that your gutters and drains are cleared of leaves and other debris, and that external paint and plasterwork looks watertight for the coming rains and snow. When everything is clean and ready for winter, take a look around and plan what you need to do next year.
Enjoying a winter garden
Winter shouldn’t mean you’re stuck indoors – a brisk, sunny afternoon (or even a cloudy one) can still be enjoyed al fresco if you get the planning just right.
Make sure your garden or patio has some winter colour, in evergreen shrubs, berries and winter flowering plants. The glossy green of a potted bay tree or laurel, bright holly berries and Christmas roses (not really roses, but simple perennials ‘helleborus niger’) will liven up a winter garden. Add outdoor lights (all year round – why save them for Christmas?) on a wall or tree, a simple log-burner and somewhere comfy to sit – you’ll still be able to make the most of any sunshine.
Sowing the seeds (or bulbs)
It’s not too late to put some last-minute bulbs in for next season – late tulips, anemones or alliums will bring some much needed cheer in the spring. You should also take the opportunity to sit down with a cup of tea and some well-thumbed plant catalogues, and daydream – sorry, plan – for warmer days ahead.
