Maggies Blog December 2010
As I write this month's blog, the country is in the grip of freezing weather, with a lot of snow around. This is not the weather to be in the garden! Now is a good time to stay indoors where it's warm. All the seed companies have released next years catalogues so curl up in front of the fire and dream of next years riot of colour you will create in your back garden.
As we look forward to Christmas, you might be looking for a present for a child to promote an early interest in gardening. If you are, then can I suggest packs from the Secret Seed Society. They are aimed at children ages 3-7 and contain a story book, a packet of seeds, growing instructions and recipes to use the veg when it's ready to eat, together with a chance to join the online seed agent club.
As in previous years, the only crop left in my garden by now is the leeks. (You can grow winter cabbage and brussels, but as we are not particularly fond of them I don't). Whilst it is so cold and frosty it is impossible to dig up the leeks but once the cold snap has passed and the weather warms up you will be able to harvest them, and they will be fine.
The flower borders tend to look a bit sorry for themselves at this time of year. There are, however, lots of plants and shrubs which either flower during the winter or have interesting leaves, so with a bit of plannig the borders can look good all year round. I have a winter flowering Jasmine whose yellow blooms are a picture at the moment. I also have some varigated holly which, as well as brightening up the borders, is excellent foliage to bring into the house as part of the Christmas decorations.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!!
Happy Gardening!
As I write this month's blog, the country is in the grip of freezing weather, with a lot of snow around. This is not the weather to be in the garden! Now is a good time to stay indoors where it's warm. All the seed companies have released next years catalogues so curl up in front of the fire and dream of next years riot of colour you will create in your back garden.
As we look forward to Christmas, you might be looking for a present for a child to promote an early interest in gardening. If you are, then can I suggest packs from the Secret Seed Society. They are aimed at children ages 3-7 and contain a story book, a packet of seeds, growing instructions and recipes to use the veg when it's ready to eat, together with a chance to join the online seed agent club.
As in previous years, the only crop left in my garden by now is the leeks. (You can grow winter cabbage and brussels, but as we are not particularly fond of them I don't). Whilst it is so cold and frosty it is impossible to dig up the leeks but once the cold snap has passed and the weather warms up you will be able to harvest them, and they will be fine.
The flower borders tend to look a bit sorry for themselves at this time of year. There are, however, lots of plants and shrubs which either flower during the winter or have interesting leaves, so with a bit of plannig the borders can look good all year round. I have a winter flowering Jasmine whose yellow blooms are a picture at the moment. I also have some varigated holly which, as well as brightening up the borders, is excellent foliage to bring into the house as part of the Christmas decorations.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!!
Happy Gardening!
