Happy New Year to all our of gardening friends – we’re looking forward to spending a little more time with you all this year and sharing some of our experiences with you.

Working off my seasonal excesses, with some time in the garden.

Christmas seems like a long time ago now, then I look at my waistline and realise that the old adage of “a minute on the lips, forever on the hips” could be true!  Well my garden took a battering as 2010 drew to a close; early snows that I wasn’t really prepared for knocked me a little off course and sapped my enthusiasm for the great outdoors for a little while. There’s nothing better than a little gentle labour in the garden to get some fresh air in the lungs and burn off a few excess calories in the process – the garden really needs it.  So it’s on with my boots and to some tasks.

What needs doing in the garden in January.

Coffee in hand I took a stroll around my garden and soon found I had list as long as my arm of things that need attending to, here’s a snippet of things you’ll probably have to be thinking about as well;

• Gently rake your lawn, careful not to rip up the turf too much which can be delicate at this time of year, you want to get some of that leaf fall off the lawn and minimise the chance of bald patches starting, get the leaves in the composter.
• I’ve had a tidy up of the borders and forked between some of the plants, which is good for the earth.
• I’ve had to clear my pathways of some winter berries from a neighbour’s tree that overhangs my fence, took a while, but they were starting to turn rotten and unsightly, this little garden bin is a handy thing for that.
• I need to get my lawnmower serviced, since I value my fingers and am no expert I am taking this to my local repairman for a once over.
• The pond needs a little clearing out too. There’s still a good chance of some cold weather to come, so I’m leaving a soft ball floating in there for the moment as this helps to keep the pond aerated when it’s icy and it also means the ice has something to expand against, rather than fracturing the lining.
• I checked the little greenhouses and had a think about the plants in there – some of them need more ventilation than others, so a little re-arranging can be required.
• I’m thinking about my plans for the patio this Spring so I’ve had a look at a selection of planters.
• I’ve also made a note to replace a couple of brackets for my hanging baskets.
• I’ve tidied up the greenhouse and cleaned my pots now, some varieties will want sowing now if we’re going to get some early flowers.

That kept me busy for a while!

Winter precautions are still in place.

It’s definitely still winter, and there’s still some frost on the odd nights, so it’s worth considering frost proof jackets and small greenhouses for some of your plants, indoor planters for the less hardy.
Don’t forget the birds, it’s been a long and harsh winter for them so far, I’m sure it’s not over yet either, they love a free feed and keep your garden colourful, so do look at our selection of food – they will appreciate it.

Until next month, happy gardening!