In my winter garden
The arrival of winter does not mean a break for gardeners. It is not enough for them to make plans for the coming spring. The garden needs even more attention at this time. The absence of leaves and flowers does not mean that there is no more work to be done. On the contrary, it must be well maintained and well laid out to welcome the next season. Trees and plants must also be protected from the effects of the cold. Follow these tips for winter gardening.
During the winter, keep up the leaf collection and mulch!
Trees start to lose their leaves in the autumn. Keep your garden clean by collecting them all. You can either compost them or use them as mulch. The latter is ideal for soil maintenance, as it protects and nourishes the soil. This system is natural in the forest, as the soil is always covered. To do this, you should select the driest leaves. However, you can also use straw or bark, slate, gravel or pozzolan. Woven tarpaulin can even do the trick as long as it lets water through. So there is plenty of choice.
Wintering very fragile plants
The characteristics of your plants differ from one another. Some may be more fragile than others. The most fragile plants and exotic plants require special attention in winter. They should be placed in greenhouses or, failing that, inside the house. The more resistant ones, on the other hand, can be left outside provided that the weather is good. However, care should be taken if the temperature drops. In this case, make sure to winterise them with a special sail. It is important to protect them by covering them.
Winter gardening: to prune or not to prune?
Pruning also depends on the plant. However, it should be done when it is not freezing. Sturdier plants can be pruned towards the beginning of winter. These include climbers, perennials and roses.
Plants that only flower in summer, on the other hand, need their "little jumper" to cope with the cold. Pruning should therefore be scheduled before the end of autumn. After that, you should not touch them. This applies to hydrangeas or grasses and shrubs.
As for fruit trees, pruning of stone trees is done when they still have their leaves. Pome trees, on the other hand, are pruned when they are bare.
Design your garden!
In order to make the most of your garden when spring arrives, some landscaping work needs to be done during the winter. Depending on your space and time, you can renovate your driveway, prepare your lawn or hedge.
If your garden is home to birds or other small animals, you should also look after them. Make a small shelter for them to take refuge at night and in colder weather. Offer them water and food. This way, they will never leave your side. They are part of your garden's décor all year round!
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