It can all seem rather dismal in January: energy is low, bills are high, not much sunlight and apparently, not much to entice anybody outside on the gloomy days either!
On further inspection, there are however, a whole range of treats to enjoy. Because there are fewer flowers at this time of year, many plants attract pollinators through scent. These Latin names may not mean much but keep an eye (and nose) out for the following:
- Sarcococca (“winter box” - small white flowers on evergreen stems)
- Mahonia (yellow flowers ranging from the small “Soft Caress” to the largest Japonica)
- Viburnum fragrans (the clue is in there somewhere: pink flowers on a tall, erect bush)
- Chimonanthus praecox (“wintersweet”, small yellow flowers)
- Hamamelis (“witch hazel”, wild looking, spidery flowers, highly fragrant)
You don’t need mind altering drugs at this time of year: just stick your honker into one of the above. It is a lot cheaper too. Both the Sarcococca and the Mahonia are ok in deep shade too – another good reason to include them even in the smallest of spaces.
So when you are not getting heaven scent, there are very earthly jobs to do:
• Brush and spread worm casts that appear on the lawn.
• Prune Wisteria: cut back summer-pruned shoots to 2 or 3 buds from their base. This encourages short branches (flowering spurs). Best to avoid pruning older, thicker wood unless you have to.
• Tie in any climbing roses that have become loose and unruly. To do this, shorten flowering side shoots by two thirds and remove about a third old branches at the base.
• Cut new edges to the lawn where needed: the soil will be damp and therefore easier to slice.
• Keep your lawn as free from old leaves and debris as possible: these can inhibit light and cause mould.
• Mole activity is most obvious in January and February due to mating and nest making. Remove the earth mounds and sow grass seed in spring.
• Spike areas of the lawn that are prone to water logging using a fork
• Be careful not to tread on areas where bulb shoots are emerging.
• Check tree ties and stakes. The cold winter winds can knock newly established plants all over the place. Give plants added protection if necessary.
• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and fruit.
• Make the most of the lack of vegetation on most plants to get into shrubberies to remove brambles and self-seeded saplings.
And when you head back indoors…why not pick a few sprigs off a scented bush and put them in a vase on the table? Why not spread the joy?