I had the privilege of visiting some plant suppliers in the summer: what was clear was how much the plant palette was changing – and probably for the better.
There were fewer hard work, high maintenance plants such as Delphiniums being grown and more (yes, you’ve guessed it) climate change resistant varieties available. Among the winners were more grasses – a huge range of them.
Increasingly, grasses are being incorporated into contemporary designs, including my own. The options are impressive: from tall feathery types that have plumes and sway in the wind (e.g., Miscanthus) to low evergreens that will survive the harshest conditions (e.g., Carex).
Correct maintenance is the key to having successful grasses: some need a spring chop back; some need thinning out with a rake each year and others can be just left alone to do their own thing. It is best to check the best method when buying the plant.
The rewards are obvious – winter interest, spring colour, summer shows and autumn colours are all available from different varieties at different times of year.
And generally, very little faffing about!
Jobs to do this month include:
• Birches, vines and Japanese maples are best pruned at this time of year. Vines are less likely to bleed sap.
• Renovation of climbing roses is best done between now and February by thinning and reducing stems by approximately one third and taking out dead and diseased stems. Look up the RHS site for more details.
• Bare root trees and shrubs can be planted now. This is a very economical way of establishing hedges, especially as wildlife boundaries.
• With the chances of high winds growing more likely, it is sensible to ensure that all trees are properly tethered and climbers and cut back and tied in.
• Protect your outdoor taps from frost by covering them with hessian or bubble wrap: it is the expansion of the water when it turns to ice that bursts a pipe.
• A log or a football in a pond will prevent the total coverage of ice during a frozen spell. Ensure the log or football can be reached and removed!
• Be careful when you are tidying up a shed or having a bonfire: all sorts of creatures may be making their homes for the winter there.
• A stack of logs building materials (especially clay tiles and pipes) offer overwintering bugs a hotel for the cold months!
Wishing you a very good and restful Christmas and a bountiful New Year!