Garden Answers 01.2022

CUT FLOWER 4PACKS £9.16 WIN!
COLLECTION
10 bags of
JANUARY 2022 £4.95 pcoematp-foreset

worth

£129!

MAKING BEAUTIFUL GARDENS Real life
inspiration
MAKEA

START 3ways to
Stylish ways to plant up
reduce, reuse & a wooden
recycle pallet

BUYERS’ GUIDE BEAUTIFUL
GARDENS
POWER
PRUNERS ✿Enchanting woodland plot full of flowers
✿Topiary, snowdrops & statues catch the eye
✿ Fairytale mill garden has bags of character

HOW TO... Wcolionuterr

DO YOUR BIT FOR WILDLIFE KEEP WILLOWS IN CHECK ENJOY A TASTE OF THE MED JANUARY ISSUE 8 DEC–6 JAN 2022

Make a pledge forthe yearahead Pruning tips for must-have stems Plants for colour, texture & scent



WINTER SHOWCASE A pretty parterre and clipped topiary at Dipley Mill, p54; an old kettle makes a cute container for sedum, p16

PHOTOS: ANDREA JONES; SHUTTERSTOCK CoMntreibet uthteors Welcome
“This month in the
garden I’ll be...” Midwinter is a tough time of year. Anyone
who’s at all sensitive to the prolonged hours of
“…sorting through my darkness, grey skies and icy temperatures can find
stash of seeds before a British winter unrelentingly miserable. The secret
I order any more!” I think is to take things easy, be kind to yourself
Louise Curley writes and plant yourself happy. Fill the garden with
about Wakehurst colourful winter treats – dainty snowdrops, vibrant
Place, p60 stems, fragrant flowering shrubs – and revel in the
joy they bring. We need our gardens to be full of life,
“…pruning my in winter more than ever.
summer-pruned
wisteria shoots back Once the sun is finally up (about 9am!), I like to
to 2-3 buds.” Sue take myself outdoors with a cup of industrial-strength coffee
Fisher celebrates to get a buzz from the surprises in store. It might be a solitary
willow stems, p24 rose still in bloom – a crazy latecomer – or a dew-laden cobweb
shining in the sunlight. (Not sure if the buzz is from the
“…planning my veg caffeine though; must try to cut down in 2022.)
garden layout and
picking fresh winter New Year is the ideal time to turn over a new leaf, so in this
veg.” Caro Shrives issue we’ve set out some resolutions to Reduce, Reuse and
shares her Life on the Recycle (p16). Out with the peat and plastics, in with the, um,
Veg Patch, p71 recycled plastics. We’re not asking anyone to fill their gardens
with ice cream tubs retrieved from the wheelie bin, but maybe
“…getting some tree to consider the amount of wastage that goes on, and perhaps
surgery done on a find new ways to garden that don’t create a massive carbon
dying red maple – and footprint. Gardening, is after all, a hobby that promotes the
saving the logs for my environment. We gardeners are custodians of the planet
stag beetles.” and all the squawking, scurrying wildlife
Adrian Thomas, p65 upon it. It’s a very important role:
let’s not muck it up.
“…excavating my
new wildlife pond.” Liz Potter
Rupert Paul writes Editor
our new Green View
column, p106

“…on the hunt for
the right snowdrop
cultivars to restore
my depleted patch.”
Art Editor Gill Lockhart
designs the magazine

CONTACT US By post: Garden Answers, Bauer Media, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gardenanswersmagazine.co.uk Social media: Find us on Facebook as Garden Answers Twitter @GardenAnswers Instagram @gardenanswers

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 3

TODAY 16

Enjoy a year’s worth REDUCE,
REUSE,
of garden inspiration RECYCLE

for just £4.10 per 11 WINCOSY SOCKS

month – see p40

READER 101
OFFER
WIN
98
PEAT-FREE
SAVE £££ ON COMPOST
HELLEBORES!

36

BORDER
PLANNER

88

BUYERS’ GUIDE
TO POWER
PRUNERS

Helleborus niger IN OUR

January issue...‘Maximus’

CELEBRATE EASY GARDENING

6 Celebrate a focal point Turn a 26 What to do this month Revive
containers, plant bareroot roses
quiet corner into a dramatic vista
with a statue, pots and topiary and winter-prune wisteria

8 Be inspired by… Serenity in a pot, 32 Perk up houseplants Boost indoor
ideas to spruce up your shed, new
On the cover plants before they start regrowing

16 Make a fresh start wishlist plants, socks to win, diary 34 Plant a snowdrop heart
22 3 ways to plant up a pallet Use galanthus bulbs to create a
24 Keep willows in check dates and gardener’s bookshelf
42 Enchanting woodland
48 Topiary, snowdrops & statues 16 Reduce, reuse, recycle Get the heart feature in your lawn
54 Fairytale mill garden New Year off to a flying start with a
65 Do your bit for wildlife COVER greener approach to the garden 36 A nod to winter Frost-dusted
71 Life on the veg patch STORY hellebores catch the eye in this
COVER: GAP PHOTOS/JS SIRA 84 Enjoy a taste of the Med Plant up a pallet Line one with
88 Buyers’ guide to power pruners 22 hessian and paint the front to delicate winter border
98 Save £££ on Hellebores make stylish statement
101 Win 10 bags of peat-free compost COVER SUBSCRIBE
STORY Spark joy with willow stems
Ornamental willows set the winter 40 Subscribe to Garden Answers
24 garden alight with their vibrant
orange, gold and purple stems Save more than £15 when you
COVER subscribe. Pay just £4.10 a month to
STORY get 13 issues delivered to your door

4 Garden Answers

54 84

FROSTED DESIGN
TOPIARY SOLUTIONS

71

LIFE ON THE
VEG PATCH

22 42

PLANT UP WOODLAND
A PALLET FLOWERS

65

MAKE A
FRESH
START

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS WILDLIFE GARDEN BUYS

42 “There’s so much colour in 65 Make a fresh start New Year is 88 Buyers’ guide to power saws
January” This enchanting the perfect time to turn over a Make light work of tree and shrub
COVER woodland garden is packed with COVER new leaf. Here are 10 easy pledges COVER pruning by investing in a decent
STORY bright flowers to surprise and STORY for a wildlife-friendly plot STORY power tool. Here’s what to look for
delight at every turn
96 Six free* raspberry canes and
48 “We didn’t want to spoil our GROW & EAT other soft fruit offers – *pay p&p
fabulous views” Topiary, 98
COVER snowdrops and assorted eye- 71 Life on the Veg Patch There’s a Hellebores for just £4 a pot when
STORY catchers lead both eye and feet quiet excitement about the start of COVER you buy six double cultivars for £24
around this stylish country garden NEW a new growing season. Caro Shrives STORY plus postage
SERIES! is making a willow basket to earth
up potatoes, and sorting seeds
54 “We’ve created the garden we’ve YOUR GARDEN LIFE
always dreamed of” This fairytale Easy veg, step by step Here’s
COVER flour mill has bags of character 74 how to start off early garlic 93 Over to you Readers share stories
STORY and romance, with ‘good bones’
even in the depths of winter and photos to win RSPB bird food
ASK THE EXPERTS or Gardena Pro secateurs

60 Get the look: Wakehurst Place 77 Ask Garden Answers Our experts 101 Puzzles and prizes Enter our
The winter garden at Wakehurst answer your gardening queries puzzles this month to win peat-
COVER free compost, plants and vouchers
evokes the tundra, with eruptions STORY

of red cornus stems. Head 84 Design Solutions Drought- 106 Green view New columnist Rupert
tolerant Mediterranean plants Paul wants his small wildlife garden
Gardener Francis Annette reveals COVER offer easy colour, scent & texture to make a difference
STORY
its secrets

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FOCAL POINT
Turn a quiet corner into a dramatic
vista with a statue, pots and topiary

SLENDER TREES Tall, slim
prunus vars surround the
pond, making this a dappled
shady glade in summer. In
winter they add height and
drama, privacy and a sense of
natural seclusion.

GAP PHOTOS/SARAH CUTTLE POTTED EVERGREENS Simple
terracotta pots have a timeless
quality, shown here with a mix
of topiary shapes that lead the
eye toward the statue. Rhythm
and repetition create pleasing
calm and harmony.

6 Garden Answers

STATUARY Roman emperors
and characters from ancient
mythology make a handsome
addition to any garden. Raise a
reproduction bust on a plinth,
set against a stone wall or a
backdrop of glossy evergreens.
Encourage lichens to form with
a few daubs of yoghurt.

FORMAL POND Neat
geometrical shapes – circles
and squares – are best for a
formal effect. Here the
symmetry is emphasised
with a low box hedge and
four box cones.

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Plants, books, events & buys for the month ahead

Hippeastrum
‘Picotee’

Aglaonema Phlebodium
aureum
House
Pilea
SERENITY IN A POT glaucophylla

GAP PHOTOS/FRIEDRICH STRAUSS Gather together a selection of fabulous foliage houseplants and
winter-flowering bulbs to make this dramatic mid-winter
windowsill display. Hippeastrum ‘Picotee’ provides a sparkling white
centrepiece, with its large trumpet blooms (H60cm/2ft, S20cm/8in)
while the trailing stems of Pilea glaucophylla are covered in tiny
leaves that trail over the edge of the pot (H10cm/4in, S1m/3ft 3in).
Pink-edged aglaonema has attractive lush foliage (H and S50cm/
20in) that contrasts with the the blue-green fronds of tropical fern
Phlebodium aureum (H1m/3ft 3in, S50cm/20in).

It looks delightful on a corner table, or on a broad windowsill,
backlit by winter sunshine.

8 Garden Answers

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Spruce up theGETTHELOOK shed GaQrUOdTAeBnLEers

our shed to a proper makeover with “A garden is a grand teacher.
se accessories and storage ideas It teaches patience and
watchfulness; it teaches
Twine and Highland
scissors £22 Green Exterior industry and thrift; above all it
Wood Paint teaches entire trust”
Greige 020
3141 9030; £26/750ml tin Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932)
www.greige. Little Knights
co.uk 01604 781009; KEEP FIT, STAY FIT
www.little-knights.
Aldsworth eight co.uk Watch your back!
drawer storage unit
LOUGHBOROUGH University has
£380 Garden Trading found that mowing, digging and
01993 845559; www. planting for three hours can compare
to an hour-long intensive session in
ntrading.co.uk the gym. But just like in a gym, it’s
important to avoid poor posture.
strial shelf “Gardening works many different
muscles and puts strain through core
£79.95 joints, such as your back, knees and
Worm elbows,” says HSL’s independent
Turned occupational therapist Julie Jennings.
“It demands a lot of standing, leaning,
605 2505; crouching, squatting and lifting, so it’s
.worm.co.uk important to maintain a good level of
flexibility and core muscle strength
Hang It Low adjustable to reduce the risk of back pain or
organiser shelving unit long-term damage.
pegboard
£149.99 Crocus “Try to stay in tune with how you’re
£19.95 The 01344 578000; holding yourself and keep your back as
www.crocus.co.uk straight as possible. When you slouch,
Worm That your spine goes against its natural
Garland curves. If poor posture is sustained for
Turned garden tool an extended period, you’re likely to
tidy £14.99 develop poor circulation, fatigue, aches
0345 605 2505; and pains.
VonHaus
www.worm.co.uk 0161 833 5442; “Using wheelbarrows, raised beds
www.von and cushioned kneelers with handles
haus.com will help take the strain off your body
if you struggle with chronic pain;
Seed garden stools are really helpful for
storage tin planting and weeding, and ergonomic
tools can be really helpful if you suffer
£23.99 Burgon arthritis or sprains.
& Ball 0114 233
8262; www. “Also take a good look at your sofa,
burgonandball. chairs and mattress to ensure you’re
com getting all the physical support you
need indoors, too.”
Galvanised soil sieve £13.99 RHS

Shop 01483 211320; www.shop.rhs.org.uk

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B by...e inspired Wish list
These blushing pink and purple plants are new in catalogues

SALVIA
MICROPHYLLA
‘ANDUUS’

Frost-hardy salvia
with delicate pale
pink and white
flowers in summer.
✿ H and S80cm
(32in). £8.75/
9cm pot,
Middleton Nurseries
01379 852294;
www.middleton
nurseries.co.uk

LIMONIUM ‘DAZZLE ROCKS’ HYLOTELEPHIUM (SEDUM)
‘SUNSPARKLER DREAM
Hardy sea lavender with DAZZLER’ Low-growing succulent
masses of bee-friendly blooms
in shades of pink and purple with purple-green leaves edged in
June-Sept. ✿ H and S40cm shocking pink. ✿ H15cm (6in) S45cm
(16in). £9.99/9cm pot, (18in). £8.99/jumbo plug, Suttons
Suttons 0844 736 4208; 0844 736 4208; www.suttons.co.uk
www.suttons.co.uk

TIARELLA ‘SUGAR AND SPICE’ CAMELLIA ‘1001 DIANTHUS ‘BERRY BLUSH’ GLANDULARIA
SUMMER NIGHTS ‘MARGARET’S MEMORY’
New shade-loving relative of the JASMINE’ Compact Perennial with grey-green
heuchera, with starry pink to white foliage and highly-scented, Short-lived perennial that
camellia ideal for pots two-tone pink flowers with produces a profusion of
blooms in spring. ✿ H and S50cm with ruffled, pinky-red berry-coloured centres. deep pink flowers that fade
blooms throughout ✿ H10cm (4in) S20cm (8in). through lilac to white.
(20in). £12/9cm pot, Hayloft Plants summer. ✿ H and S2.5m £2.10/standard plug plant, ✿ H45cm (18in) S50cm
01386 562999; www.hayloft.co.uk (8ft). £19.99/10.5cm pot, Whetman Garden Plants (20in). £6.50/1L pot, Hardy’s
(20% off – see p102!) Suttons 0844 736 4208; 01626 863328; www. Plants 01256 896533;
www.suttons.co.uk whetmangardenplants.co.uk www.hardysplants.co.uk
10 Garden Answers

❤❤ CELEBRATE

FREE FOR YOU

WIN TWO TWIN PACKS
OF FLUFFY SOCKS
WORTH £8.50 EACH

Enter our Free for you competition Blue and Dusty Pink. We have ANOTHER RECORD
this month and you could win two three prizes to win so that’s a YEAR FOR
Fluffy Twin Packs of socks from HJ whopping 12 pairs of socks worth a
Halls. Cosy and stylish, these total of £102, with free p&p. The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (BGBW)
loungewear essentials are perfect for ● To enter, visit www.garden takes place on 30-31 January, with more
colder months and guaranteed to answersmagazine.co.uk/ than a million ‘twitchers’ expected to take
keep feet warm while gardening freeforyou before the closing date
outdoors. The socks are soft and fluffy on 5 Jan 2022 part. Last year 17 million birds were counted,
for all-day comfort, made from with robins, blackbirds and song thrushes all
polyamide, a textile renowned for its up compared with 2020. “Last year we
softness and elasticity. recorded the highest robin numbers since
2017,” says Anna Feeney of the RSPB. “The
Our prize is two twin packs (four house sparrow was the most commonly
pairs of socks per winner) so you can ighted bird for the 18th year in a row, at
have one pair in all the available
colourways: Cream and Denim, Light 6 million sightings, but their numbers have
llen 58% since the first BGBW in 1979,” says
30-minmutae kes nna. “It’s a similar story for the starling,
hose numbers have gone down 83% over
We love these ceramic herb markers by he same period.
Italian artist Monica Bispo. To achieve a “The species that have done really well
similar effect without requiring a kiln to ver the past decade are coal tit, wren,
fire them, use white air-drying clay. ng-tailed tit, woodpigeon, magpie and
oldfinch. Many have benefitted from milder
1Lay a sheet of baking parchment inters and an increase in the number of
on your worktop to create a non-stic eople putting out feeders.”
surface. Roll out a sheet of air-drying
Find details of how to tak
white modelling clay (approx t www.rspb.org.uk
£5/1kg from craft suppliers)
using a rolling pin. PEST WAT

2Cut the clay into measured C Nn A
squares (approx 10x10cm/
4x4in) and decorate them by A new stink bug has been
pressing leaves and stems firmly caught in pheromone tra
into the surface. RHS Garden Wisley in Su

3Score in the herb names with marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha
a sharp modelling knife or halys) has only been caught twice before –
pencil. Paint the design if in London and Essex in 2020. Scientists
required, and bend each label don’t yet know whether these lone beetles
so it’s slightly convex. Add a loop are imported stowaways or residents
at the back so you can hook the breeding in this country.
label on a stick.
They’re not to be confused with our
4Protect your labels by native shield bugs, which release a smelly
spraying them with an acrylic odour when threatened, but pose no threat
varnish or sealant to make a to plant health. The brown marmorated
non-porous transparent layer. stink bug, native to East Asia, damages fruit
This will stop the labels and vegetables.
absorbing moisture outdoors.
Gardeners in the south east of England
in particular should keep an eye out for
them, and notify the RHS if you find one.

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CONSUMER What’s on...

PEAT-FREE “TOO HARD TO FIND” SNOWDROP FESTIVAL
14 Jan-27 Feb (Fri–Sun),
Our precious 10.30am-3.30pm
peat bogs are The Garden House,
Buckland Monachorum,
under threat Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LQ.
Beautiful Devon garden opens
PHOTOS: RSPB; ALAMY its gates to visitors as its
collection of more than 350
Compost retailers and manufacturers were not aware snowdrop cultivars come
you could purchase into bloom. Adults £12.80
must keep pace with customer demand peat-free plants too, so wouldn’t know to look ● 01822 854769; www.
for them or check labels in stores. thegardenhouse.org.uk
for peat-free products, says horticultural
“Gardeners all over the country INDOOR GARDENING
charity Garden Organic. A growing number understand the importance of going peat 26 Jan, 9am-5pm
of gardeners are turning their back on free, but there are still too many barriers in West Dean, Nr Chichester,
harmful peat-based composts but are being their way,” says Fiona Taylor, chief executive West Sussex PO18 0QZ.
let down by retailers and manufacturers at Garden Organic, which spearheads the For Tutor Alys Dobbie takes you
who are making peat-free alternatives too Peat’s Sake campaign. “If your local garden through the process of
difficult to find. centre doesn’t stock peat-free compost, write creating three houseplant
to them and ask them to. They won’t want to projects: making kokedama,
New research has revealed that almost lose your custom. We have a real opportunity planting a terrarium and
three quarters (73%) of people said they to make a collective change now, which could making a living wreath.
were aware of the environmental risks of last for generations to come.” Adults £203
using peat, but were finding it hard to find ● 01243 818300;
alternatives owing to lack of availability, The Department for Environment, Food www.westdean.org.uk
poor labelling, premium pricing and and Rural Affairs is proposing to ban peat
inconsistent quality. in bagged composts by the end of 2024. WINTER TREE
IDENTIFICATION
More than 4 in 10 (44%) respondents said ● For more information visit 22 Jan, 10.30am-1pm
peat-free products weren’t available at their Harcourt Arboretum,
local retailer, while a quarter (25%) said that www.forpeatssake.org.uk Oxford Lodge, Peacock Gate,
they were too expensive. Nearly a third (31%) Oxford OX44 9PX.
A practical workshop led by
Recognise these houseplants? Ben Jones, curator of the
arboretum, where you will use
Can you correctly ID these houseplants – bonus twigs, bark, growth habits and
points for the botanical name! Answers p14 form to identify tree species.
Adults £25
● 01865 610300;
www.obga.ox.ac.uk

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK,
TWITTER & INSTAGRAM
@gardenanswers

A Especially B Houseplant C Popular tropical D Air-purifying plant E Low-maintenance F Slender, arching
popular with with a retro vibe, plant that’s with glossy green succulent plant with leaves are
Victorians, it’s it’s named after named after a leaves and white fleshy green leaves accompanied by
also known as a dairy product night-flying insect flowers, said to that forms a long, trailing stems
the cast iron from an Alpine thanks to its resemble white miniature tree-like on which baby plants
plant because country, noted colourful, flags, hence its structure as it form, dangling below
it’s hard to kill. for its holes. wing-like petals. common name. matures. the parent plant.

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GARDEN TO VISIT Gardeners’

FROM ‘CAPABILITY’ BROWN TO BOOKSHELF

Chatsworth House in an order of 40,000 plants machinery, again to reduce By Any Other Name: A Cultural
in peat-free compost, 90% emissions, but History of the Rose by Simon
Derbyshire is doing its of those plants in also to provide a better Morley (£25, Oneworld) The rose is
non-plastic pots.” environment for our staff one of the oldest flowers in
bit to help beat climate and visitors. And we have cultivation with enduring
Chatsworth’s famous moved to reduce the use symbolism in culture and
change. “Our garden bedding displays are of pesticides, fungicides religion. This fascinating
team moved away from changing too. “Our general and herbicides to a story takes the reader
peat-based composts a planting is moving away minimum in all areas. from the rose’s origins
number of years ago,” says from bedding or short- in the Middle East to
Steve Porter, Chatsworth term bulbs to longer- “We’re using integrated the trade in rose oil,
Head of Gardens and season, more permanent pest management within Shakespeare’s sonnets
Landscape. “We now use a planting that ideally our glasshouses, organic and the Belle Epoque,
range of composts based requires no watering, but washes and plant
on other raw materials, provides lots of interest invigorators. Elsewhere France. ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
including wool. Our for visitors, birds and we only use chemicals to
on-site plant sales are all insects,” says Steve. deal with specific pest The Hidden
potted up without peat, attacks, helping us to Histories of
and our main plant Visitors to the gardens keep on top of more than Houseplants by
supplier has just delivered will also spot changes 100 acres.” Maddie & Alice
uch as neatly mown Bailey (£12.99,
rass replaced with longer ● Chatsworth House Hardie Grant)
rass and meadows. “This Houseplants are
provides habitat and food and Gardens are open much-loved parts
ources for pollinators and of our homes, but how much do we
also reduces our use of daily 6 Nov-9 Jan 2022, know about where they’ve come
fossil fuels for machinery,” from and their history? This book
ays Steve. “We’ll continue 10am-5.30pm, but showcases the fascinating tales
to switch to using battery behind some of the most popular
rather the petrol-powered closed Christmas and
ones. ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
Boxing Day, and New
The Vegan Gardener by
Year’s Day. Contact John Walker (£15, Lorenz
Books) Veganism has
01246 565300; become increasingly
popular in the face of
www.chatsworth.org climate change. Here the
author guides us through
GARDEN ART vegan gardening

THERE’S STILL choices. ✿ ✿ ✿
TIME TO SEE...
The Weather
Blackfield by Zadok Ben-David ...this stunning botanical art Almanac:
exhibition at the Shirley A Guide to
Sherwood Gallery at the 2022 by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Storm Dunlop
Internationally acclaimed Israeli (£9.99, Collins)
artist Zadok Ben-David’s work This month-by-
highlights the relationship month guide is
between Man and the natural an entertaining
world, with a stunning way to learn more about weather,
360-degree floor installation through stats and notable events.
‘Blackfield’, comprising 17,000
steel-etched and hand-painted ✿✿✿✿
flowers derived from 19th-century
Victorian encyclopaedias. QUIZ ANSWERS
● The exhibition runs
until 27 March. For tickets Haonusswepelrasnt
call 020 8332 5655;
or visit www.kew.org A Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
B Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
C Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis)
D Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
E Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
F Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

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POTTY ABOUT
RECYCLING Tin
cans and enamel
bowls and buckets
make a sustainable
home for chives,
chard, sage, lovage

and tomatoes

16 Garden Answers

❤❤ CELEBRATE

LEFT Raid
salvage yards,
car boot fairs
and skips for a
treasure trove
of planting and
seating ideas,
as shown by
Elaine Portch at
RHS Malvern
Spring Festival

reuseREDUCE

recycleGet the new year off to a flying
start with a new greener approach
to the garden, says Naomi Slade

PHOTOS: GAP PHOTOS; ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK Concern for the To limit our footprint on the planet, Peat bogs are biodiverse habitats
environment is high on the we need to reduce our consumption that sequester a huge amount of
agenda at the moment and, and waste. In many ways this is a carbon and they regenerate painfully
from air and water state of mind, a case of breaking bad slowly when damaged – there’s no
pollution to overconsumption and habits and also being aware of sneaky such thing as sustainable peat
degradation of habitat, there seems sales tactics to get us to buy more. extraction. Producers have been
to be no part of our world that is safe tardy in reducing and eliminating
from human activities. New and shiny things are lovely, peat from composts, so scrutinise
but are they really necessary? Do we packaging for peat content and look
Despite this, the challenges of the need new pruning tools, or is a few for peat-free products, such as those
past two years have inspired people minutes spent sharpening, oiling and from Melcourt and Dalefoot (we have
to spend more time tending their changing the old blades equally as 10 bags of compost to win on p101!).
plot and encouraging wildlife. effective and a lot more sustainable? Asking nurseries to stock peat-free
Gardeners are often already inclined And maybe we should be honest in composts can help effect change.
towards greener living, and evide the face of temptation: buying just
suggests many of us are changing one pack of bedding plants – despite Try to find plastic-free options for
our habits for the better. the special offer – when, deep down, pots and containers. Buy bareroot
we know we don’t have space and trees and shrubs in winter when
With sustainability tipped to b they’re doomed to languish and die. they’re dormant, while wallflowers,
big trend for Christmas and beyon bulbs and perennials for autumn
we all need to do our bit for the The two largest, most conspicuous planting often arrive wrapped in
planet, and where better for green areas of consumption in the garden paper and recyclable packaging. ➤
living to begin than at home? are peat and plastic.

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 17

Sharpening
lengthens the life
of a treasured pair

of secateurs

SHARPEN THOSE
BLADES! Antique
shears and other
hand-me-down tools

are the most
sustainable option.

Look after cutting
blades to keep them

sharper for longer

18 Garden Answers

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LEFT Collecting
plant seeds is a
free way to
replenish
stocks; a shiny
washing
machine drum
makes a chic
urban planter

2Minimise waste the old-fashioned way, one as a temporary cloche, keeping
by reusing things over and over again. temperatures high and pests at bay.
From tools to containers to compost, we The lids of larger bottles make useful
can extend the functional life of an item cane-toppers, too.
by refreshing and caring for it, and
Sow seeds in biodegradable pots made
hanging onto it for as long as possible. from toilet roll inners, cartons or
newspaper, or punch holes in the bottom
Plastic pots, especially black ones, can of plastic tubs and fill them with herbs
and salad leaves for the season.
be hard to recycle so use and reuse them
Pursue the cult of the repurposed
as many times as you can. It’s not always container to discover lots of striking and
characterful new features. Tin cans are
necessary to wash them, but if disease is versatile and durable, either allowed to
rust or touched up with a dab of paint.
a concern, scrub in a bucket of water A stack of car tyres will make a deep
bed, good for growing vegetables or
with a dash of biodegradable washing up small trees, even on concrete. Washing
machine drums, dustbins or welly boots
liquid. As sunlight will degrade the can all live again as cheerful planters, or
go quirky with a disused bath or toilet
plastic and hasten their demise, stack full of beans and blooms, or a bedding
display in hanging handbags! ➤
them in a dark place until needed.

If you have more pots that you can

use, give them away to a good home;

approach resource-poor school

gardening clubs, which may take surplus

plants or seeds as well, or ask your local

nursery or garden centre if it has a

drop-off point.

Plastic bottles are ubiquitous but cut

in half, can be employed in a number of

ways in the garden. Cut the bottom off ABOVE (from top)
Bottomless plastic bottles
and push the neck make perfect mini
cloches; transform a pair
into the soil to of old boots into cheeky
planters; a salvaged hip
deliver water bath overflows with sweet
peas LEFT Use acrylic
Sow seeds in biodegradable directly to the roots paint to colour old tyres
– ideal for containers for a utilitarian look
pots made from toilet roll and thirsty crops

inners or newspaper such as courgettes
and squash.

Alternatively, use

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 19

❤❤ CELEBRATE

LEFT Create a
‘vertical garden’
with assorted
plastic bottles
and trays – paint
them for a tribal
look; chipped
teacups filled with
a mix of nyjer
seed and melted
suet make striking
bird feeders in
winter

3 Recycling is key to a greener way of cutlery. Even recycling leaves and green
gardening and this is the process by waste into compost helps!
which items are not just reused, but
become the raw materials for something The fact we are all recycling more is a
good thing, and there’s a much greater
new. And while it may take energy – or at awareness of the lifecycle of raw
materials. But it’s important to consider
least time – to take an old item, craft it the process in context. Recycling, or
making new products from pre-used
into something fresh and give it a new materials is only part of the story. There
also has to be a market for recycled
lease of life, it’s infinitely preferable to products to keep the cycle moving in a
positive way. So when buying new, look
throwing things away. out for items that have been made from
recycled materials – metal, glass, paper,
With a little creativity, it’s easy to plastic, even reclaimed wood. Buying
these, rather than items that have been
recycle all sorts into the garden. made from virgin resources, also
strengthens the economic argument
Scrumpers and skip-divers can go large, for recycling, and is another small act
of care for the planet we live on. ✿
foraging materials like old windows,

floorboards and pallets (ask first!), to

make everything from plant-theatre

shelving to coldframes, raised beds and

furniture, bug hotels and bird boxes.

But it’s just as possible for smaller,

everyday items to live again. A string of

old CDs as a bird scarer is tried and

tested, but creating a sparkling windmill ABOVE (from top)
Spring onions will
from a drinks can or pop bottle is just as thrive in plastic
bottles; a recycled
effective and arguably more attractive. pigeon-scarer; old
pans and kettles can
Get crafty and fashion ornaments and be transformed into
fun plant pots LEFT
art from repurposed rubbish. Bespoke An antique wooden
dressing table and
paving can be made briefcase provide
planters for
from glass beads, miniature daffs

buttons or broken

Get crafty and fashion ceramics; bird
feeders can be
ornaments and art from made from pretty,

repurposed rubbish chipped teacups;
windchimes can be

made from old

20 Garden Answers

ARTS & CRAFTS
Vintage garden tools
make an eye-
catching gate;
a path of broken
ceramics; seal
recycled mirror
edges with silicon
for longevity

✿ See p63 for our feature on how to garden with nature in mind, and read our new column, Green View on p106

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 21

EASY GARDENING

pa
Line one with hessian and
paint the front for a stylish
garden statement

TIN CAN HEART PLANTER

This chic idea requires a ● Paint on the loveheart
steady hand to paint the
heart, plus eight identical tin Mark out the heart in pencil,
cans and wire to hang them. measuring out the key points
of its outline first.

● Sand the pallet Create ● Add the cans Punch out

a clean, snag-free surface two holes near each can rim
using a power sander or for a loop of strong wire.
sheet of sandpaper. Wipe Hammer nails into the pallet
down with a damp cloth. to hang them from. Plant up.

22 Garden Answers

HESSIAN SHELF PLANTER EASY!

Use sheets of hessian to create planting pockets in
each of the pallet’s cross struts. Here, additional
wood supports have been nailed on too.

● Nail on the wood supports Take apart a second

pallet, or cut wood boards to size, to turn the
pallet’s three existing cross supports into water-
resistant planting troughs.

● Paint the

pallet white
Use a
waterproof
outdoor paint
that won’t run in
the rain.

● Make the

planting
pockets
Attach the
hessian with
tacks.

● Plant it up

Add multipurpose compost into the
planting pockets. Here we’ve used
heathers, ivies and easy grasses that
won’t need a lot of watering.

SUCCULENT THEATRE

Here the hessian planting pockets fill the interior of the
pallet, allowing you to plant a mix of succulents through
the fabric.

● Attach

hessian sacks
Line the pallet
with hessian
sheets and secure
in place with nails
or tacks.

● Board over the

back of the planter

For support, add extra

planks of wood to cover

over the empty slats at

the back of the pallet. PHOTOS: GAP PHOTOS

Now fill it with multipurpose

● Plant it up compost.

Snip holes into the hessian and poke through

sedums, sempervivums and echeverias. They all

need watering but can cope with some neglect.

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 23

MUST

HplAaVnEts

SPARK JOY
WITH

Ornamental GOLDEN GLORY
willows set the Salix alba ‘Hutchinson’s
winter garden
alight with vibrant Yellow Bark’ with
orange, gold and snowdrops
purple stems.
Sue Fisher picks
her favourites

24 Garden Answers

❤❤ CELEBRATE

Of all the garden’s winter stalwarts,
colourful willow stems shine out
the brightest. Shedding their
leaves with an almost audible
‘Ta-Dah!’ they reveal glowing bark that looks

fabulous right through to spring. Tough, hardy

and super-easy to grow, these salix cultivars

cheer the dullest of days, and when caught in

the low slanting rays of winter sunlight, glow

as though lantern-lit from within.

Cultivars of Salix alba are most widely

grown and colourful, wit

gleaming gold, mustard y Cut stems take root
and orange-red, while oth easily for living
species offer more subtle willow features
colours, including

S. koriyanagi (green), Coppiced purple-white
Salix irrorata with
S. irrorata (purplish-
snowdrops, gold carex
white) and S. fragilis and bergenia

(olive-brown). Pollarded stems glow
against a yew backdrop
Willows are
cut (if not, soak in water for a couple of days)
particularly amenable, they’re ideal for weaving into free-standing
supports such as wigwams for climbers;
thriving in moist, even domes for grow-through perennial supports;
hurdles for garden screens; or low-woven
boggy ground as well as a border edging. Allow them to dry out for a few
months before inserting in the ground,
reasonable garden soil. T though, as willows root with incredible ease.
Thoroughly dried, willow also makes fantastic
caveat is that these willo Coppicing is done close to fire kindling. Few other plants offer such a
vigorous and must be hard pruned annually great combination of beauty and utility. ✿

or biennially to be kept at shrub-size, or you’ll the ground to form a stump;
soon have a massive tree on your hands! pollarding creates a short

Hard pruning is the way to achieve

lots of young growth, which has the trunk with a head of stems
most vivid colours. It’s also the route to

a more upright shrub to around H1.5-2m

(5-6½ft). This method of pruning is

known as coppicing when done close continuity. Plant them next to a pond, if

to the ground to form a stump, or you have one, as the colourful stems

pollarding to create a short trunk with create marvellous winter reflections.

a head of stems. This latter method has They make wonderful combinations with

the bonus of giving more room for other plants too, including winter-

underplanting where space is limited. flowering heathers, hardy cyclamen, carpets

Willows look gorgeous in groups of variegated ivy, bergenias and drifts of

where space permits, or you can create dwarf spring bulbs such as snowdrops and

a similar effect by planting singly in a crocuses (see Border planner, p36).

border but repeated several times for A side benefit of pruning is the usefulness

of all those cut stems. Flexible when freshly

Our pick of the best Success with willows

SALIX ALBA S. A S. DAPHNOIDES This Autumn and winter are ideal times to plant, PHOTOS: ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK; BAUER; WIKICOMMONS
‘GOLDEN NESS’ ‘BRITZENSIS’ The medium spreading either buying pot-grown or bareroot plants,
In autumn this hardy bright red and tree, known as violet or begging a few stems from a friend and just
and vigorous willow orangey-red new willow, is coppiced pushing them into the ground.
produces a double stems glow all for its young dark ● Plant in any good garden soil that isn’t
dose of golden- through winter on purple stems overlaid drought-prone, or too waterlogged.
yellow leaves and this medium-sized with a dusty white ● Willows aren’t fussy about position, but look
stems. Uncoppiced willow. Uncoppiced ‘bloom’. Uncoppiced
H10m (33ft) H4.5-21m (15-70ft) H20m (66ft) best when they catch
the winter sun.
● Prune in late winter
just before plants leaf
up. Cut to within
2.5-5cm (1-2in) of the
previous year’s
growth. Prune the
whole plant in one go,
or remove half the
stems, then half (ie
the two-year-old
stems) the next year.

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 25

GAP PHOTOS/NICOLA STOCKEN Revive containers,
planting bareroot roses
and winter-prune
wisteria. Plus it’s the
perfect time to spruce
up your houseplants

PLANT A JANUARY BASKET

Line a basket with moss collected from your lawn then fill
with compost. Plant trailing variegated ivy around the
edge of the basket then add sprouting crocus bulbs in the
centre, gently teasing away any pot-bound roots. Plant
hardy herbaceous plants such as Vinca major or Brunnera
macrophylla ouside the crocus bulbs. Fill the gaps with
long-lasting winter-flowering violas and Eranthis hyemalis
(winter aconites).
26 Garden Answers

EASY GARDENING

RECYCLE YOUR
CHRISTMAS TREE

If you had a real tree for Christmas,
now’s the time to recycle it. Your
local council refuse department
might take away trees for shredding
– or you can repurpose it yourself.

Help early bulbs to shine 1 MAKE A MULCH Cut off
branches and shred them
Leaving a cover of leaves on borders provides places for little creatures to hole up or snip into small lengths
for winter. It also helps protect soil from erosion caused by heavy rain. However, as and place in a black bin liner or old
bulbs start to emerge over the coming weeks, it’s worth clearing away leaves and dustbin. Leave them to rot down in
cutting back some old growth so the dainty flowers of snowdrops, winter aconites a shady, damp corner as you would
and crocus can be appreciated, and prevent damage from slugs. with leafmould. In six months to a
year you’ll have a lovely mulch for
Cut back the scruffiest top growth and put it on the compost heap or tuck away garden plants.
in a spot where creatures inside them can continue their hibernation.

Weatherwatch Boost winter pots 2 BUILD A WILDLIFE
HABITAT Cut large
Snow, frost and ice are likely Keep winter bedding such as violas branches into smaller
this month, but looking good for as long as possible, sections to make a bug hotel. Or,
unseasonable mild spells by giving them a quick spruce up. gather a pile of them together
accompanied by rain ✿ Deadhead dying flowers and in a shady corner, or by a pond, to
and gales are also possible. Be remove any yellowing leaves. create a log pile for wildlife.
prepared to protect vulnerable ✿ Water the pots if the compost feels
dry – plants near the house are often 3 CREATE NATURAL ➤
plants against whatever the caught in the rain shadow of the EDGING Reuse the
weather throws at the garden. Make the building, so even if it’s branchless trunk as a fence
been wet they post or saw it into sections to use
most of any dry days by getting out on the as path edging. This works
outdoors and tackling rainwater. particularly well under trees to
some easy, fun winter ✿ Feed them. create a woodland look – as
projects. A dilute liquid Margot Grice has done at
seaweed Dragons garden on p42.
Mulch borders feed will give
plants a
Once herbaceous plants have died boost and
back it’s an excellent time to boost help prolong
their display.
moist soil with a mulch.
m (4in)-thick layer
ganic matter,
ch as leafmould,
ompost or bark
hippings, helps
o protect the soil
urface from rain
amage. As it rots
own into the soil,
ill improve its
ture and help it
o the right

amount of moisture.

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 27

What EASY GARDENING
to do this
PLANTA NEW
month BAREROOT ROSE

BLOOMING LOVELY From
climbers to standards, bush
and patio types, there’s a rose

to suit every garden

Repeat-flowering roses are
hard to beat for reliable
blooms and wafts of scent

Now’s the time to plant bareroot roses, ‘Lady of Shalott’ Double ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ Deep ‘The Generous Gardener’
so treat yourself to a beautiful new apricot English rose. Grow pink flowers and old rose Fragrant, repeat-flowering
cultivar or two for flowers next summer. and prune as a shrub (H fragrance. Shrub (H and H4.5m/15ft climber with
It’s best to plant them in soil, but you can and S1.5m/5ft) or climber. S90cm/3ft) or climber. soft pink scented flowers.
also grow them in large containers filled
with John Innes No3 compost. ‘For Your Eyes Only’ ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ ‘Lovestruck’ Compact
Floribunda with dark-eyed Floribunda with yellow, floribunda with rich red
You can buy bareroot roses from any pink salmon and apricot liquorice scented flowers. velvety lightly scented
good mail order supplier. The supplier will flowers. H and S90cm (3ft) H and S80cm (32in) petals. H and S1m (3ft 3in)
lift them to order so that they spend a
minimum of time out of the ground before
they get to you. This reduces plant stress
caused by the roots drying out. When they
arrive, soak the roots in a bucket of water
for an hour then remove any broken roots
or stems.

Prepare a large, square planting hole to
accommodate the roots. Square holes are
said to help them break out into the
surrounding soil more easily. Position the
‘graft’ union (the swollen section of stem
where it meets the roots) at ground level.
Hold in place as you backfill the soil around
the roots, firming as you go. Water and
mulch around the plant with well-rotted
manure, keeping it away from the stems. ➤

28 Garden Answers



EASY GARDENING

Sow seeds with heat COMBAT FROSTAND SNOW

To grow plants such as chillies SHARP FROSTS, to melt a hole and let light and can damage the
successfully, they need to be sown snowfalls and sub-zero oxygen into the water. structure.
early and given plenty of warmth. This temperatures are more ● Brush off snow A light ● Detach the hose Water
is difficult in January in the UK, so it’s likely in January, so take covering of snow also acts trapped in a hosepipe can
worth investing in a heated measures to protect ponds, as an insulator, protecting cause it to split as it
propagator or heat mat to maintain a plants and equipment. plants from the cold. freezes, so move the hose
temperature of 15-21C (59-70F) day ● Melt pond ice A thin However, heavy snowfalls (on its reel) into a shed or
and night. layer of ice can insulate a can snap branches, so garage in very cold
pond without harming brush or shake it from weather. It’s also worth
1Sow into trays of compost underwater wildlife. weak branches, shrubs and lagging the tap with a
Scatter small seeds on the surface However, after a couple of hedges. Also remove it padded ‘tap jacket’ or
and add a thin layer of vermiculite. days it’s best to place a pan from greenhouses and cold bubble wrap to prevent it
Press larger seeds into the compost. of hot water on the surface frames because it blocks freezing in a cold snap.

2Label and cover
Place the propagator lid on top or
cover with a clear plastic bag. Place in

a light position and wipe off
s moisture.

3Prick them out
When seedlings
ave developed two
ets of leaves (seed
aves and true leaves),
ick out into individual
ts and grow them on.

Winter “Avoid walking on your lawn when
prune the grass is frosted. The frozen leaf
wisteria stem cells will rupture, leaving
footprint-shaped marks”
It’s best to prune wisterias twice a year – once in summer (to
remove long, whippy new growth) and again in January or Check on tubers
February while the plant is dormant. This helps to restrict
vigorous leafy growth and promote It’s a fine balancing act to overwinter tender tubers and
✿ Cut out dead stems Using sharp s
prune out dead or overcrowded ste rhizomes such as dahlias and cannas. They need to be stored
back to the old wood.
✿ Deal with excess growth Prune of ool but frost-free place, and while you don’t want them to
any growth that extends beyond the
supports and cut the summer- ut, they’ll rot if they
pruned sideshoots back to within
2.5-5cm (1-2in) of old wood or by oo wet. Store them
2-3 buds. Cut just above a bud to
prevent flowers being hidden by lea s or trays of damp

30 Garden Answers ost. Check them

month and if the

ost is dry, sprinkle

water to keep it

amp enough.

ve any rotten

s quickly. ➤



EASY GARDENING

Take hardwood cuttings HEALTHY PLANTS

Late winter is the last chance to take HOUSEPLANTS
hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs.
Cornus, roses, flowering currants, many Give them a boost before they start back into growth
woody climbers and fruit bushes can all
be propagated in this way. Long dark days, central heating, dry air, draughty windowsills and
✿ Select healthy new stems. Choose fluctuating temperatures can have an adverse effect on houseplants.
those from last summer and cut off a Now’s a good time to give them a helping hand, ready for when they start
long section down to its point of origin. back into growth as the days start to lengthen.
Remove the soft and flexible growing tip.
✿ Cut the stem. Snip them into 15-30cm 1. 2. Make sure
(6-12in) sections with a bud at each tip, Feed & water: they’re well lit:
using a sloping cut across the top to help Keep the compost Stand them in a bright
rainwater run off. This also reminds you just moist and use a spot out of direct light,
which way is ‘up’. Plant them in some houseplant feed to or on a windowsill if you
bare soil or a large pot of gritty compost encourage new growth. have double glazing.
and leave outdoors. Pour away surplus water Keep the glass clean for
from trays or decorative maximum light
pot holders to stop the
roots standing levels.

water and
rotting.

Don’t forget... 3. 4.
Look after Wipe dust
PLAN YOUR GARDENING YEAR Christmas off the leaves:
Plan out key gardening jobs month hyacinths & narcissi: Use a damp
by month for the year ahead. Clear Cut off spent flowers and sponge or cloth
out old seed packets and file the feed with houseplant
remainder by their sowing month fertiliser to build up bulb to clean
too – you’ll be well prepared! reserves. Move to a cool but them.
frost-free place and let the
CLEAN AND SHARPEN YOUR leaves die down naturally 5.
TOOLS Clean the blades of shears, before planting out in Increase
secateurs, loppers and pruning your garden. humidity: Mist the
knives with soapy water then wipe foliage with water a
with an oily rag. Use a sharpening . Tend to couple of times a week,
stone to keep them in prime order. ppeastrum: especially if the room is
ut back fading centrally heated. This
TURN COMPOST Use a fork to wer stems but prevents leaf
turn over the contents of your e foliage intact.
compost bin. This will incorporate Start feeding once a week PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK; ALAM
more air, helping organic matter to with a balanced liquid
break down faster. Insulate the bin fertiliser to allow the
with old cardboard to keep heat in. bulb to build up its
reserves.
CARE FOR SWEET PEAS You can
sow sweet peas into early May, but

it’s best to start them now if
you want early pickings.
Pinch out the
growing tips to
keep plants
bushy and
compact.



EASY
PROJECT
Snowdrop

heart

SNOWDROP

Use galanthus bulbs
to create a heart

feature in your lawn

34 Garden Answers

YOU WILL NEED

● Large bag of snowdrop bulbs (available in autumn) ● Rope ● Spade

STEP BY STEP

1MARK OUT THE HEART 2DIG OUT THE TRENCH
Use stout rope to mark Using a spade, dig around
out a double heart shape as the shape, taking care to keep
shown. Choose a spot in the removed turves intact.
sunshine and remove any The trench needs to be approx
large lawn weeds with a knife. 10-15cm (4-6in) deep.

3SELECT THE BULBS 4PLANT THE BULBS
You’ll need about 70-80 fresh bulbs to create Space the bulbs close together for best
a 1m (3ft 3in) heart shape, spacing them about effect, at around 8-10cm (3-4in) apart. In time
8-10cm (3-4in) apart. Galanthus nivalis they’ll bulk up and become congested, so you’ll
snowdrops cost approx £30 for 100 bulbs. need to lift and divide them at that point.

5COVER WITH THE TURVES 6WAIT UNTIL NEXT SPRING PHOTOS: GAP PHOTOS
Repace the grass turves you removed while Your snowdrops will start to appear in the
digging the trench in step 2. Try to ensure a snug grass from early January, depending on which
fit and water in if the soil seems dry. The bulbs cultivar you use. Allow them to flower and die
will easily nose up through the grass in spring. back naturally before mowing the lawn.

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 35

YEAR

JANUARY

WINTER GREENS
A dusting of frost
highlights the contrasting
texture of hellebores,
grasses and lime-green
cornus stems,
interspersed with
dainty snowdrops
36 Garden Answers

EASY GARDENING

YEAR-ROUND COLOUR

A NOD TO WINTER

Frost-dusted hellebores catch the eye in this delicate winter
border, filled with nodding flowers, lime green stems and sedges

Greenery takes on a talismanic role in STEP 2
January – a glowing reassurance that
life will return from the dark. Here the CHOOSE
apple-green stems of cornus ‘Flaviramea’ THE RIGHT
PLANTS
bring a bright acid zing to the winter borders
CORNUS SERICEA
at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. ‘FLAVIRAMEA’
Deciduous shrub
Beneath the dogwood, a carpet of dark green whose young
lime-green stems
snowdrop leaves flecked with white flowers Colour palette light up the winter
ensure the stems stand out all the clearer – garden with good
autumn leaf colour.
though a backdrop of yew or euonymus would Zingy lime, dark H and S2.4m (8ft)
green, russet and
be equally effective. sparkling white
In the foreground the flowers of Corsican

hellebore, Helleborus argutifolius pick up the

pale green rhythm and appear even brighter 3steepassy
next to the frosted mounds of carex.

STEP 1 DESIGN YOUR BORDER HELLEBORUS
ARGUTIFOLIUS
Cornus sericea Evergreen hellebore
‘Flaviramea’ with dark, shiny,
spiky-edged leaves
Galanthus and lots of nodding
nivalis apple-green flowers
Jan–Apr.
Euonymus H and S90cm (3ft)
fortunei
‘Silver Queen’ CAREX
FLAGELLIFERA
PHOTOS: GAP PHOTOS/HOWARD RICE; ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK ILLUSTRATION: GILL LOCKHART Perennial sedge
with dense
evergreen tussocks
of hair-like russet
brown leaves. Ideal
for repetition in a
neat grid. H and
S60cm (2ft)

GALANTHUS
NIVALIS
Species snowdrop
ideal for naturalising
under shrubs and
trees. Nodding
white flowers
Jan-Feb.
H and S10cm (4in)

EUONYMUS

FORTUNEI

‘SILVER QUEEN’

Evergreen shrub

Carex with dark green
flagellifera
leaves and white

splashed margins;

Helleborus tolerates most
argutifolius
conditions. H1m (3ft

3in) S1.5m (5ft) ➤

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 37

EASY GARDENING

STEP 3 2 Add the MAKE THE DISPLAY LAST
hellebores
PLANT YOUR and carex SPRING: EUPHORBIA
BORDER CHARACIAS WULFENII
Establish new plants of H. Spurge with acid-green bracts
Mar–Jun, likes well-drained soil.
This is a long-term planting argutifolius from autumn H1.2m (4ft) S90cm (3ft)

scheme, so break up to spring when the weather SUMMER: DIGITALIS
FERRUGINEA
compacted soil and add is mild and the ground Unusual foxglove with spires of
rusty copper flowers May–July,
plenty of well-rotted workable. Look out for best grown as a biennial.
H1.2m (4ft) S45cm (18in)
organic matter to help healthy container-grown
AUTUMN: ANEMONE HYBRIDA
create a fertile, moist but specimens and aim for at ‘HONORINE JOBERT’
Elegant single white flowers
well-drained soil. For least three plants if your Aug-Nov. Vigorous self spreader.
H and S1.2m (4ft)
perennial weeds, smother wallet can stretch to it.
WINTER: LONICERA PURPUSII
everything with compost This hellebore does best with ‘WINTER BEAUTY’
Fragrant winter honeysuckle that
and tarpaulin to keep out the moist but well-drained soil in a makes a deciduous, if slightly
scruffy shrub. H and S1.8m (6ft)
light. Or, add thick layers of cardboard sheltered spot where it won’t get

and a compost mulch, regularly knocked about by winter storms. You could

removing by hand anything that add a stake or two if snow is forecast. Plants

manages to break through. self-sow readily and it’s worth nurturing a

1 Start with the cornus rolling stock of replacements because they
Plant bareroot dogwoods Nov-Mar. tend to decline after four or five years. Always
move seedlings when they’re young; mature

Once ‘Flaviramea’ is established and growing plants resent disturbance.

strongly it makes a large shrub, so give each In spring, intersperse the hellebores with

plant enough elbow room to show off its clumps of tussocky Carex flagellifera. This

lime-green winter stems. A thicket would be sedge doesn’t like prolonged winter wet, so

spectacular, but just a single dogwood makes a establish new plants once the ground begins

handsome focal point. to warm. Its arching wiry foliage is a brilliant

When your bareroot shrub arrives, soak contrast for the dark, leathery hellebore leaves.

its roots in a bucket of water for an hour Keep plants looking good by combing through

before planting. Add plenty of compost in the clumps in spring, teasing out any dead

and around the planting hole and try to keep stems and old leaves. By summer it will send

the plant at the same level it was previously up tall spikes of light brown flowers. Large

growing. Firm back the soil, water deeply clumps can be divided in spring; or pot up and

and finish with a mulch of weed-free grow on seedlings.

organic matter. Give plants an occasional 3 Plant the snowdrops
deep soak in dry periods. The best time to establish snowdrops

After two to three years you can start

hard pruning annually, cutting the plant is ‘in the green’, when they’re still in leaf in

back to a low framework of shoots just February and March. Order from specialist

before the buds break in spring. The nurseries and they’ll be delivered tightly

resulting young growth will carry the wrapped in the post. Plant them promptly in

brightest colour next winter. Use the pruned small clusters 15cm (6in) apart beneath the

shoots as hardwood cuttings. Prune expected stretch of the cornus branches,

strong-growing plants annually or every placing them at the same depth as they were

other year, helping them along with a previously growing.

scattering of balanced fertiliser in spring. Allow the foliage to die back naturally.

‘Flaviramea’ spreads slowly by suckers. Once your plants begin to clump up, start a

rotation of lifting and dividing to

...otrhtirsy spread the snowdrops still further.

4 Finish with the
euonymus

The spreading evergreen foliage

of euonymus adds a flicker of

green and white right through

winter. It’s best established in

spring or autumn and makes a

hard-working background shrub

for reliable interest.

It will establish faster in soil

that has been generously

improved. Be sure to soak the

rootball well beforehand. You can

encourage it to bush out or spread

in the direction you’re after with a

little judicious pruning in spring.

Cut out any plain green shoots

Weave in scarlet stems of Cornus sibirica ‘Sibirica’ that appear. ✿

38 Garden Answers



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BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

This enchanting woodland garden is packed
with bright flowers even in the depths of winter.

Owner Margot Grice shares its secrets

42 Garden Answers

TRAIL BLAZING Meandering
paths lead through the

burgeoning collections of
snowdrops and early bulbs
artisitically placed beneath a
medley of shrubs and trees in
this magical woodland garden

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 43

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

Galanthus Galanthus
plicatus ‘Wasp’

‘Diggory’

a IN THE This pretty woodland garden is full development.
GARDEN of flowers even in the depths of “My favourite cultivars are ‘Diggory’,
WITH… January. “The front garden is my
spring garden,” says owner Margot ‘South Hayes’, ‘Wasp’ and ‘Wol Staines’
Margot Grice. “January and February can be such a named after my wonderful friend who is a
Grice boring, quiet time in the garden, and it’s great snowdrop breeder and sells the bulbs
dark at three o’clock. But when your garden from a list. I’m a member of the Hardy Plant
AT Dragons, Boyton Cross, Chelmsford, is full of snowdrops and colourful winter Society Galanthus special interest group,
bulbs, it’s a much more exciting place to be. and I go to their snowdrop study days,
Essex CM1 4LS meetings, talks and plant sales at RHS
“I’ve gardened here for 40 years,” says Garden Hyde Hall in search of new
GARDEN SIZE Two-thirds of an acre Margot. “When I came there were just one cultivars. The yellow ones are very popular
or two clumps of Galanthus nivalis, but at the moment, but I prefer the white and
SITE South-west-facing back garden I’ve since divided them and bulk-planted green ones.
more, to help them spread. Then about 20
FEATURE: LIZ POTTER; PHOTOS: MMGI/MARIANNE MAJERUS SOIL Heavy clay years ago I caught the bug and became a “It’s easy to get hooked on particular
cultivars and now my collection extends to
FEATURES Woodland-style front full-on galanthophile.” both front and back gardens. They don’t
hus ‘Benhall Beauty’ take long to spread into a colony if you lift
garden; extensive snowdrop collection; and divide the clumps when they look too
Margot’s ‘gateway’
spring-flowering bulbs; summer wdrop. “I bought it for Snowdrops don’t take long
0, which was a lot of to spread into a colony if you
clematis; trees; shrubs; pon money back then. I
never could have lift and divide the clumps
seating imagined that people
would pay £1,500 for
VISIT Open for NGS 16-17 a snowdrop bulb, but
the rare ones do take
Feb 2022, 11am-3pm; and ears of breeding and

by appointment for grups Galanthus
of 10+. Adults £5 ‘South

CONTACT Email Hayes’

margot@snowdragons.

co.uk; 01245 248651

44 Garden Answers

Galanthus
‘Walter Fish’

Galanthus ‘Sprite’

SNOWDROP SHOW (clockwise from top
left) Beneath the fiery Cornus sanguinea
‘Anny’s Winter Orange’ stems, clumps of
snowdrops and early bulbs follow the
contours of the snaking log-edged path;
hellebores encircle a favourite Acer
griseum; deciduous shrubs are mixed with
conifers in the front garden to give the
snowdrops sufficient light

crowded. Some of them multiply quite well
– ‘South Hayes’ and ‘Wasp’ are both good
doers. I plant them in plastic mesh baskets
so I can keep them separate, otherwise
animals move them around. I have a
planting plan of where they all are as I don’t
like to use those little white labels; they
make the borders look like a miniature
graveyard!”

The Roxwell brook runs along one edge of
Margot’s garden and occasionally it floods,
but fortunately the snowdrops don’t seem to
mind.

“I collect hellebores and anemones too,”
she says. “I love John Massey’s Ashwood
Garden Hybrid hellebores. We take a

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 45

A mulch in December
makes the white flowers
stand out so much better

trip there once a year to buy one or two new ‘Amy Doncaster’ and fragrant Viburnum WINTER FLOWERS (clockwise from
ones in different colours. I have a collection bodnantense ‘Dawn’. “One of the best above) Swirls of snowdrops surround the
of clematis for summer too.” shrubs for January colour is Prunus mume birch tree; dainty crocuses; snowdrops by
‘Beni-chidori’,” she says. “Early pollinators the path; Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s
When Margot and her late husband love it and it glows in the sunshine.” Winter Orange’ and magnolia with
Michael came here in 1982, they were hellebore and cyclamen; Prunus mume
drawn by a big birch tree in the back garden. There are lots of little places to sit in the ‘Beni-chidori’ on the patio with Iris
“The front garden was shaded by a line of garden but Margot is not one to sit still. “I reticulata ‘Blue Note’ and ‘Painted Lady’
tall conifers with a big border beside the love watching the wildlife and feeding the INSET Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’
lawn and a straight path to the front door. birds. There’s a robin that always seems to
Back then I was heavily influenced by be around; gold finches love the sunflower to the windowsill for some grated cheese.
Adrian Bloom’s garden at Bressingham, so seeds and sometimes long-tailed tits come “I saw a toad in the small pond in the
I filled the garden with conifers and
heathers. Later these changed to deciduous back garden this year, but I’m afraid our
trees and shrubs so I could grow grass snake has eaten all the frogs. A mole
snowdrops under them.” lives under one of the compost bins and
eats the worms – another good reason to
Besides Margot’s snowdrop collection, keep snowdrops in plastic mesh baskets.
other bulbs include winter aconites. “I have Slugs have been a nightmare this year and
‘Andenken an Johannes Raschke’, ‘Lady nothing seems to eat the big ones. I tend
Lamortagne’ and ‘Orange Pips’,” she says. to pick them up with a gloved hand and
“Cyclamen coum flower Jan to Feb and throw them over the stream, assuming
their leaves are just as beautiful as the they can’t swim!
flowers. Erythroniums are good for ground
cover but they prefer a moist well-drained “I’ve got four lovely big compost heaps
soil, so it’s not easy keeping them going in and I keep leafmould separate for
my heavy clay.” mulching. I tend to use composted
municipal waste as a soil improver too – it’s
Margot’s favourite tree is her Acer lovely dark black stuff. Around November-
griseum, with its cinnamon-coloured December I’ll trim back the hellebore
peeling bark. There’s also liquidambar and leaves and mulch before the snowdrops
ginkgo, sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ and an start to emerge. It makes their white
enormous fastigiate yew. Shrubs include flowers stand out so much better.” ✿
Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ and
‘Anny’s Winter Orange’, Ribes laurifolium

46 Garden Answers

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 47

READER

WINTRY WONDERS
Spreading mats of
Helleborus hybridus, primroses
and snowdrops surround a
plinth ‘eyecatcher’ on a sunny
bank OPPOSITE Elizabeth’s
box birds have taken years to
shape; Cyclamen coum with
purple ‘Tommy’ crocuses
48 Garden Answers

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

FEATURE: LIZ POTTER; PHOTOS: MMGI/MARIANNE MAJERUS and Topiary, snowdrops and assorted ‘eye-
catchers’ lead both eye and feet around
IN THE this stylish country garden in winter.
GARDEN Owner Elizabeth Cairns gives us a tour
WITH…
Even in midwinter this elegant
Elizabeth & country garden gladdens the heart
Andrew Cairns with its shining flowers, glossy
green hedges and topiary. The open
AT Knowle Hill Farm, Ulcombe, views overlooking the Weald of Kent are
Maidstone, Kent ME17 1ES second to none – cherished in spite of the
GARDEN SIZE Two acres wind that whistles through them. “We’ve
SITE Exposed to south-west done our best to shelter the garden from
SOIL Light and loamy sand the south-westerly winds,” says owner
over ragstone; alkaline and very Elizabeth Cairns, who gardens here with her
free draining husband Andrew. “But we didn’t want to
FEATURES 15th-century farmhouse plant anything that would spoil the views.”
(not open); formal terraces; box, yew The couple have gardened here for
and hornbeam hedges; views of the almost 40 years. “There was no garden to
Kentish Weald; copse of shelter belt speak of when we first arrived,” she says.
trees; pond and fountain; mixed “There was an enclosure round the house,
shrubs; snowdrop collection but it was just grass, shrubs, flower beds
VISIT Open for NGS 5-7 February and a nettle-filled paddock at the top.
(11am-3pm); adults £6. Also September “The west side of the garden is very
3-5 (12noon-4pm); adults £6. Teas and exposed because we’re so high – 400ft
homemade cakes above sea level – so the south westerly
CONTACT See www.knowlehillfarm
garden.co.uk; 01622 850240;
[email protected]

Subscribe at www.greatmagazines.co.uk 49

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

gales hit us quite badly. A lot of our trees IN THE FRAME (clockwise from top left) A
came down in the great storm of 1987, but flight of steps flanked by topiary leads to a
since then we’ve planted a small copse of bench; the David Harber Hydra sculpture;
native trees as a shelter belt to the west of hamamelis, hellebores and snowdrops;
the garden and created a carpet of Crocus tommasinianus by wooden gate;
naturalised Galanthus nivalis snowdrops copse with naturalised snowdrops; box
underneath. Now, trees include fruiting topiary with phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ and
cherries (Prunus avium), hornbeam, obelisk; Galanthus plicatus ‘Augustus’;
hazels, alder, field maples, oaks and clipped box pyramids
ornamental cherries too.”
“We got interested in snowdrops
Gardening is a shared love for Andrew because we both need cheering up in the
and Elizabeth. “I’m a hands-on gardener middle of winter – I think we suffer a bit
but he’s better at the bigger picture – from Seasonally Affected Disorder. To see
caring for the lawn in particular,” she says. all those brave little flowers emerging in
“He spends a lot of time keeping it green late January-February can really lift the
and weed-free, and mole-free! But the spirits. We’re avid collectors now, with
design, management and planting are all 100 named cultivars planted in flower
down to me. beds closer to the house. They’re special
ones, so we keep them mapped and
To see all those brave little marked to keep track of them.
flowers emerging can
really lift the spirits “My favourite snowdrops are the ones
looking their best at that time! But I do
love G. elwesii ‘Fly Fishing’, which is very
elegant, with flowers dangling from a rod-
like pedicel; G. plicatus ‘Wendy’s Gold’ is

50 Garden Answers