Prepare for Frosty Weather Ahead

As the days get shorter there’s definitely more than a slight chill in the air. As much of the garden goes into hibernation it’s time to think about which plants you need to protect from the oncoming frosts.

Although there are some plants and vegetables that laugh in the face of frost; more on those later, there are many that can’t withstand even the slightest sprinkling. Understanding the types of plants in your garden, and indeed understanding the lay of your garden can really help protect your blooms against winter devastation.

Understanding Your Garden and What’s in It

There will be some parts of your garden that are more sheltered and shady than others. Take some time to learn where these are, particularly where frost pockets hit. Plant hardy plants here and choose the more sheltered areas for your delicate plants. If you’re not sure which plants go where then read on:

Plant Categories

Tender: Tender perennials definitely don’t like frost, they can survive for years if they’re not frost bitten. Move them inside or protect against frost if you want to see them again next year.
Half Hardy: Half hardy plants are usually annuals and are a little, well, hardier, but they can’t take freezing temperatures either.

Frost Hardy: As you might imagine these plants can withstand frost and temperatures of approximately -5C.

Fully Hardy: Nature’s survivors. These tough plants can survive temperatures of around -15C.

Protecting Your Plants

There are many ways in which you can protect your plants from the frost.

Surround the stems of your herbaceous perennials with grit to help stop the plant’s roots becoming sodden and waterlogged. Surround the beds with mulch and bark compost too to help the soil’s drainage. The mulch will break down over the winter too and add some nutrients into the soil.

Move your tender plants inside a greenhouse or indoors and protect others with garden fleece, straw and even bubble wrap!

If you don’t have a cloche or cold frame cover plants such as alpines with a sheet of glass or plastic propped up on logs or large stones. Make sure you keep the sides open to allow air circulation to your plants.

Frost Lovers

Not all plants suffer in the frost; some positively love it! In the vegetable plot cabbages and Brussels sprouts improve with a bit of frost. Kale, parsnips and leeks thrive in this season too and provide a bit of much needed greenery and variety to our seasonal winter plates.

In the flower beds chrysanthemums, passiflora, red hot pokers and hardy fuscias are just some of the plants that seem undeterred by a visit from Jack Frost himself!

Winter proofing your garden is not as difficult as you might think and a little preparation for frost goes a long way to safeguarding your spring blooms.

Professional Landscape Gardeners Can Save You Money

‘How much will it cost?’ That is the first question most people ask when considering whether or not to hire a landscape gardener. If you want to create a new garden or re-design an existing one, wouldn’t it be much cheaper to do the job yourself?

The answer is: not always. When you add it all up, using an expert can actually save you money. Here are some reasons why:

No hidden extras
A good landscape gardener will give you a free, detailed written quotation so you know exactly what the final bill will be. It’s not so easy to estimate the total cost of a DIY project. When buying materials (fencing, paving slabs, turf etc.) be sure to read the price lists carefully. Some suppliers add VAT on as a separate item, which can come as a nasty surprise if you’ve forgotten to include it in your calculations. If you are not able to collect heavy or bulky materials you will also have to pay delivery charges. And what about tools? Unless you already have all the tools you need, you will have to buy or hire them.

No costly mistakes
A professional gardener has years of experience and knows what works – and what doesn’t. After spending time with you to understand your needs, and doing a survey of your garden, he will formulate a plan to create the garden you want in the quickest and most efficient way. He will do his best to incorporate your ideas, but will also point out potential problems you might not have noticed, and suggest solutions you hadn’t thought of.

Lasting value
A reputable landscape gardener takes pride in his work. He knows that a satisfied client is likely to recommend him to other people, and the quickest way to lose business is by charging exorbitant prices for shoddy work. Skimping on materials or labour is always false economy. For example, a fence made from good-quality timber and properly fixed to firm posts will retain its strength and good looks for many years. A cheaper alternative will soon be damaged by wind and rain and need to be replaced.

An asset for the future
A well-designed, easy to manage garden will provide you, your family and guests with an attractive place where you can relax, play and enjoy all the benefits of outdoor living for years to come. It will also add value to your home, and make it easier to sell, should you ever decide to move elsewhere.

Garden Landscaping Tips: Two for Today

Here are two garden landscaping tips for today:

Tip One: How does the garden look from inside the house?

If you are considering landscaping your garden, take some time to think about how your plans will look when viewed from the inside of your house looking out, as well as how the garden will look when you are outside. Try to achieve a design that will enhance both views.

Tip Two: Think before you plant!

When planting, think about the special conditions of your area. In certain areas you will need to choose plants according to the soil type. If your garden tends to be quite boggy, opt for plants that thrive in lots of water. If you are in a clay soil area, don’t choose plants that need good drainage; and if you are in an area where wildlife is abundant and your garden is regularly visited by deer, choose plants that are known to be deer-resistant such as Geraniums or Lily of the Valley.