EVERGREENS Evergreens have long been used at Christmas in many forms including wreaths, garlands and, of course, trees. The Christmas tree is a staple of the holidays. Lights and ornaments provide an atmosphere of joy and happiness. Evergreen trees were seen as a symbol of hope of spring returning in the barren European winter by [...]
There are many plants associated with the Christmas holidays. Most of the plants bought to celebrate the holiday season have little meaning to us other than nostalgia or aesthetic beauty. Many of the plants used around the holiday season are not just pretty, they have deeper meaning if you look at symbolism from early uses [...]
There are always things to do in the garden in December. These simple gardening tasks will offer some calm and relief amid the busyness of the festive season. They are also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise to burn off those Christmas calories! Things to do in the garden in December [...]
1. November is the traditional time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs. 2. Prune and/or train deciduous trees to keep them growing in the desired direction. 3. Mulch bare vegetable areas to prevent winter rain from washing nutrients out of the soil. You should also mulch over dormant perennials to protect them from winter cold. [...]
Three flowers, three ways of remembering the Great War: the French Bleuet, the British Poppy and the German Vergissmeinnicht. Each of these flowers became the symbol of a nation’s remembrance towards its veterans. The cornflower: Nickname of the French soldiers coming back from the trenches of the Great War wearing their new uniform bleu horizon, [...]
Ash dieback affects ash trees and is caused by fungus. It blocks the water transport systems in trees causing leaf loss, lesions in the wood and on the bark and ultimately the dieback of the crown of the tree. This disease was first described in Poland in 1992 and has since swept westwards throughout Europe. It [...]
Before pumpkins were popular for Halloween, kids carved turnips and the large, orange roots of mangold. So, when you are choosing Halloween garden plants to include in your festivities, pick those as well. In yesteryear, Halloween traditions had more to do with divining the future than they do today. Garden plants and fruits used for [...]
§ Continue to clear leaves from lawns to avoid brown patches; collect up the leaves in leaf mould bags or pile them onto the compost to create lovely mulch for next year’s borders. Rake them up, then mow over to chop, then gather them up – this will make their conversion to leaf [...]
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Create a new lawn from turf or seed - autumn weather is favourable for good lawn establishment. Raise the height of your mower blades as grass growth slows down. Now is a good time to carry out essential lawn maintenance to avoid waterlogging and compaction. Try aerating your lawn with a garden fork, removing thatch from the surface with a rake and [...]
