BBC Gardeners' World 2020'12

50 ideas for gardening now
December 2020 THE UK’S NO.1 GARDENING MAGAZINE
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Christmas dinner now
Happy house plants Mother Earth What I’ve learnt

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More from Welco e A s we count down the last days of
Learn... this extraordinary year, I know we’ll
Get into the festive all have reasons, positive or painful,
spirit with our online
to remember 2020. In nature, new life
Christmas Wreath
Making Masterclass. so often comes from adversity – and
Starts noon on Friday as gardeners, we’ve seen this in
4 December and is action and connected with others
just £12.50. Visit gardenersworld.com/
wreath-masterclass to read more or book
through shared experiences. While
shortages of plants, compost and
Visit… seeds couldn’t stop us growing, we
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welcomed millions of new gardeners
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with our 2 for 1 Entry to the pleasures of nurturing a patch
Card & Guide, valid until of ground, however small. And, as
April 2021. Pay just Monty observes in his review of 2020,
£6.99 incl. p&p,
our gardens have nurtured us as
at magsdirect.co.uk/
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from entrants to our Gardens of the Year competition. Each reveals
Win… how gardening in 2020 has restored a vital balance in turbulent times.
Don’t miss our January It’s becoming clearer by the day how even the smallest act of
issue for the chance to gardening contributes to our wellbeing and the environment. Sowing
win a Corsican cruise
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December 2020 gardenersworld.com 3
Contents
We December
On the cover…
101
80
60
50
We love... Offers for you 115

6 We love December 97
12 Expert’s choice: hippeastrum 90 32
17 Full Monty: appreciation in dark times offers 26
18 Have your say: readers’ letters 42
20 Clippings: news for gardeners
A garden-foraged wreath created by Worm.
Be inspired Photographed by Jason Ingram
26 Monty reflects on a life-changing year

39 A to Z of house plants: hoya
42 Adam’s guide to healthy house plants
65 Our green and good gift guide
69 2 for 1 gardens: boxing day walks
70 Gardens of the Year People’s Choice
14
Allium moly adds
115 On test: gloves a vibrant pop of
colour to your borders
Do it now
32 Carol reveals the secrets of our soil
50 Make elegant, natural festive wreaths FREE
60 Fun projects for all the family 14 200 free summer bulbs worth
80 Winter pruning advice from Alan £15 with every dahlia order
Subscribe today!
86
Grow & Eat Rekha shares
86From plot to plate on Rekha’s allotment 24 Get 12 issues for £44.99 plus a jobs for your
veg plot
90 Grow your own Christmas dinner reward bundle including pruners
128 Treat friends to a subscription
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/DRONG; JASON INGRAM
97 Nutritious crops to start in December

and save 39% on our shop price
Wildlife
78 What to spot in December
Q&A
121 Busting honey fungus myths
122 Gardeners’ Question Time
Last words
130 Christmas puzzles
144 Coming up next month
146 Tales from Titchmarsh
89
Four colours of
80
Alan shows the
standard roses – right cuts when
perfect for patios winter pruning
Plants ON TEST
47 SAVE over £20 when you buy a
gladioli collection, plus other offers
115
65
63 Buy a winter-flowering shrubs
Put your hands
collection for half price together as we
Our choice of 89 Save £12 on four standard roses reveal the best
Christmas gifts of our gloves trial
for gardeners
4 gardenersworld.com December 2020

50
Glamorous
homemade
decorations for
doors, walls
and tables
Your 10-page
December planner
90 26
Monty examines
How to harvest how the ups and
delicious veg for downs of 2020 have
Christmas dinner affected gardening
32
Carol reveals how
our soil works and
what we can do
to improve it
50 things to do
this month
Monty’s month 101
Flowers 104
Greenhouse 107
Fruit & veg 109
Around the garden 113
gardenersworld.com 5
We December
We love
December
It is a different sort of December this
year. I fear that we will all need to work
a bit harder on the Peace on Earth
and Goodwill to All Men bit. Gardeners,
however, are stoic creatures: we have
all lost seedlings to ravaging slugs.
Our prized plants have, at some point,
been flattened by footballs or chewed
by marauding squirrels. Do we retire to
sob and whinge? We do not, we learn
and move on and look to the future.
Our gardens have got us through a
pretty dire year and our 2021 gardens
look full of promise and excitement.
Onwards. WORDS JAMES ALEXANDER-SINCLAIR
STAR OF THE MONTH

Hedera helix
At Christmas I no more For much of the year ivy gets a bad press: there is
desire a rose, than grumbling about ivy throttling trees, ivy pulling the
pointing out of walls and ivy generally being a bit of an
irritation. Until December, when everybody suddenly
wish a snow in May’s sees the good things: we have Christmas carols (although
admittedly it is second string to holly, which of course
new-fangled mirth bears the crown) and festive wreaths, and suddenly we all
love ivy. Seems a bit unfair, as this is a plant that provides
William Shakespeare a lot, such as insulating buildings and being amazing
groundcover in tricky places. Its berries, which are a winter
bounty for birds, are seen here with a frost-laced hebe.
PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE
Easy to grow. Works both as a climber and groundcover. Propagate

by taking summer cuttings or digging up a bit and potting on in a
mix of sand and compost. Height x Spread 10m x 6m

ONE FOR THE BIRDS
I have a curiosity about plants: not just
about what they can bring to the garden,
but also their names. Who, I ask myself,
was Mrs or Mr Cheal, after whom this fine
and dashing berberis is named? This
curiosity means that I then descend into an
internet wormhole trying to find the answer,
when I should be doing something more
sensible instead. On this occasion, after
wasting half an hour, I still have no idea!
Berberis thunbergii ’Cheal’s Scarlet’

Happy on any soil. Dark leaves with good autumn
colour. The berries are very attractive to birds.
H x S 1.5m x 1.5m

We December
HERBY GOODNESS
What would we do without fennel? This
truly is a plant for all seasons. From fluffy
foliaged beginnings in spring, it emerges
as a statuesque and forthright herbaceous
perennial in summer, with architectural
umbelliferous flowers. It then fades
elegantly into October and giving us a last
hurrah as a frost-rimed skeleton in the
depths of winter. All this and the ability
to lend a good deal of zip to our cooking.
Foeniculum vulgare
Easy to grow, although has a tendency to
self-seed expansively if happy. Either deadhead
(leaving a few seedheads for winter) or prepare
for some weeding. H x S 2m x 30cm
GOOD GOLLY, IT’S HOLLY

We have touched, briefly, on holly already
on these pages, as it is the more lauded
part of the double act with ivy. This is a
plant laden with symbolism: to the Druids
it was a symbol of fertility, in Christian lore,
the spiny leaves came to represent the
Crown of Thorns. To gardeners it is a really
useful native evergreen and to the birds,
its berries are an invaluable food source.
Everyone’s a winner.
Ilex x meserveae ’Blue Princess’

A compact variety suited to smaller gardens.
Seed from the berries will germinate, but it can
take two or three years. H x S 2.5m x 2m
PHOTOS: JASON INGRAM
We December
A LACY LOVELY
Another plant that has a late-season
afterlife. Once the flamboyant colour
joof summer has faded and the rains and
winds of autumn have battered her poor
exhausted branches, this hydrangea picks
herself up, dusts herself down and puts on
a winter show of peerless elegance. As an
extra bonus not only do you get beauty but,
by keeping the flowers through winter, you
are protecting the plant from hard frosts.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Zorro’

Depending on your soil, the flowers can be
either blue (acidic soil) or pink (alkaline soil).
H x S 1.2m x 1.2m
CHRISTMAS BAUBLES
There is not a lot of flower around right now
(we are all hanging on for a wave of aconites
and snowdrops), but we are pretty good for
ornamental fruits. These bring the garden
dashes of colour and much-needed food for
wildlife. If you only have room for one tree in
your plot, then a crab apple is an excellent
choice: blossom in spring, shade in summer and
shining fruit all the way through to Christmas.
Malus ’Winter Gold’

A round headed tree. Best in full sun, but will cope
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM
with a bit of seasonal shade. H x S 6m x 6m

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‘Red Lion’ ‘Fairytale’
A well-established variety with large, Bright-white flowers, veined in red, bar
bright-red, velvety flowers darker in the the centre of each petal, creating a white
throat. Height x Spread 60cm x 20cm star shape. H x S 50cm x 20cm
‘Mont Blanc’ ‘Orange Rascal’

Large overlapping bright-white petals, Orange flared flowers feature a pale
lime green in the throat, with chocolate- lime-green throat. Almost hardy outside
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; TIM SANDALL
coloured anthers. H x S 55cm x 25cm in a sheltered place. H x S 45cm x 20cm
Hippeastrum
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant
Flowering
Resting 8 weeks

We December
E x pe rt ’s
c h oic e
Hippeastrum
So, in what way exactly is an
amaryllis like a geranium? Let
me explain, says Graham Rice
When botanist Carl Linnaeus established the
genus geranium back in 1753, he included a wide
range of plants. Later, some of them were seen to
be so different that they were split off and given
a genus of their own, pelargonium, but we carried
on calling them geranium anyway.
It’s the same with amaryllis. Again, Linnaeus
originally coined the name to include a wide range
of plants. Some of them were later split off and
called hippeastrum, but we continue to call them
amaryllis. However, at this time of year we could
only be referring to one group – the flamboyant
and oh-so-easy-to-grow windowsill hippeastrum.
Once seen mainly as an emergency last-minute
Christmas gift, hippeastrums are available
everywhere from garden centres to mail-order
firms to garage minimarkets, but here’s the thing
– you may think that there are only two or three
colours, but there were 68 varieties included in
a Royal Horticultural Society trial a few years ago,
including singles, doubles, stripes and picotees,
ten of which received an Award of Garden Merit.
So, whether you plant this month for flowering
in spring, or you’re already enjoying flowers from
bulbs planted earlier, look beyond just the red
and the white – whatever you call them. But take
care as all parts of the plant are toxic to cats.
M Position Plant in a pot at least 5cm wider

than the bulb, with two thirds of the bulb
above the compost, and keep in a bright
spot at a temperature of 21°C.
M Care Larger bulbs usually produce more flowers,
sometimes as many as four stems. Expect flowers
six to ten weeks after planting. Support flowering
stems discreetly as they develop and keep cooler,
about 15°C. Water often and feed with tomato
food fortnightly until the resting period.
M Where to buy jacquesamandintl.com,
020 8420 7110; jparkers.co.uk, 0161 848 1100;
pheasantacreplants.co.uk, 01656 664086
‘Emerald’ PLANT DIRECTORY Have a browse

Slightly spidery flowers with wavy- through the wonderful range of hippeastrums
edged petals in pale lime and white, all available by using our plant fnder at
streaked in rich red. H x S 50cm x 35cm gardenersworld.com/search/plants

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We December
Winter can be bleak, says Monty, but spending more time in our gardens has
enhanced our appreciation of the small, sweet changes the seasons bring
The days are short and the weather grim. of virtue, you are onto a winner every time. But
As I walk up through the garden to open the it never lasts. However circuitous and dramatic
greenhouses and let out the chickens, I have the route you choose, you always find yourself
the choice of slipping on the paths or squelching back where you started.
on the grass. The Jewel Garden is hunched But I really think that this year has changed all
and humiliated into submission. No words will that, in our gardens at least. This is because we
salvage anything from the Writing Garden and have all had to stay put and accept what we
the Paradise Garden is anything but heavenly at have, and all the evidence is that as a result
this time of year. This is not entirely unexpected people are finding delight in the small things
– in fact, the bright, cold, crisp days are the that have always been there. The opening of
unexpected treat that all too rarely lights up the leaves, the birdsong at dawn, the way that
midwinter. The less-heralded curse of climate raindrops gently fall from the ivy on the wall, the
change, aside from drought, flood, storm, colour of wet bark on the tree trunks. Having the
melting ice caps, dying coral reefs and time and patience to watch things alter slowly,
a thousand other catastrophes, are the at their own appropriate pace, often without
succession of mild, grey, wet days strung fanfare or drama, can be empowering, even
like malevolent beads on winter’s thread. if that change is not of growth or improvement
You get the picture. I am not such a fan of but one of falling leaves and shorter days.
winter. But there is a redeeming ‘but’. Because People who are dying often say the same
one of the many things we have learnt from thing: hold all things dear, because this – here,
living through this, the strangest year of our now – is life. All of life, all of love, all dreams are
lives, is the accumulating beauty of the ordinary; in this moment. The everyday and the ordinary
the accretion of the mundane into something don’t need any contrived transformation –
the possibility of delight is there in the most
Mild, grey, wet days are ordinary and humble of moments.
strung like malevolent beads Now, I am the first to celebrate the fact that
every aspect of gardening is about creating
on winter’s thread change and growth, not least through the
inevitable transformation of time and season.
like fascination. This is at odds with our culture’s But the slow observance of things, the
celebration of transformation that is as quick undramatic, unhurried and inconsequential
and dramatic as possible. awareness of what is there right now, does not
Over the past few years, our concept of contradict that. In fact, it is an essential part
change has become increasingly binary. An of making real and meaningful change. The
example of this being a couple with their eyes pace and rhythm of the seasons drives this,
closed being led into a room; they open their and although we all long for the stunning
eyes and exclaim in delighted disbelief at the transformations of spring – and spring 2020
dramatic transformation of their home. It implies was as glorious as any I can remember – the
changing your living room decor and furnishings reduction and limitations of late autumn and
might just transform your troubles into bright, early winter are part of that flow.
shiny joys. It rarely works, but it’s fun and when So, although December seems to me to be the
the effect wears off you can set about changing month when the year sinks to the bottom of the
PHOTO: MARSHA ARNOLD
some other aspect of your life. well, I try to draw from it the acceptance of what
In gardening, the makeover serves this is actually there, and see the glory in life as it is
purpose. I am as guilty of doing makeovers as today. I confess I often fail – there are dark times
anyone else, so I throw no stones at anyone – but tomorrow is another day and perhaps that
for this, given I do so from inside a glass house. is as much transformation as we ever need.
Garden makeovers make brilliant telly and
provide much pleasure for lots of people.
Humankind has always loved conjuring tricks
and if you can do magic combined with a dose
MONTY ON TV Monty and the rest of the Gardeners’ World team will return with a new series next spring. Until then, you can
catch up on this year’s series on iPlayer, and follow him on Twitter at @The MontyDon and Instagram at @themontydon

Have our say
The view from ur side of the fence
HOT TOPIC
Saving the planet with peat-free potting

The danger for the environment with After reading Monty’s comment on garden
Monty’s approach [to ban peat] (The Full centres being more responsible about the
Monty, November issue) is that it will make sale of peat-free compost, we went to a
gardening less accessible for the new and garden centre to purchase some for
inexperienced gardener. That will have the repotting. Outside the store were pallets of
effect of them stopping mpost containing peat,
gardening to find an easier ut tucked away in a
Growing a sense of purpose
hobby. The result is that orner inside, we found I loved Carol’s tips on propagating (Propagation
gardens will be paved over e peat-free version of made easy, November issue) as this is a cheap,
(look at the reduction in the e same product. easy hobby that’s kept me busy during a tough
number of front gardens ustomers were picking time when I’ve mostly been housebound. As a
over the last 10 years) and p the ones outside the young gardener it’s ignited a love for gardening
those with just a balcony or re, and then not and given me a sense of purpose. Thanks to
windowsill just won’t fill othering to look once GW, I now have enough plants to share with
them up with plants. ey were inside. neighbours and we do regular plant/seed
That has a detrimental We find that using a swaps, which bring a sense of community.
effect on the environment. 0/50 mix of peat-free Rebecca Davies, Nottingham
If newcomers get into nd our own home-made
gardening it becomes ompost works very well
addictive – people start to r both seed sowing
grow their own crops and nd repotting.
experiment with growing Tony Wood, by email
systems and all the things Monty advocates.
But don’t take away the simple route in and As a secondary school geography teacher,
make gardening an exclusive hobby. it pleases me greatly whenever I see Monty
We all have to reduce the use of peat in raising awareness of environmental issues
gardening and many growers are now using and promoting sustainability. The climate
peat-free composts. The majority of garden crisis is very much the biggest challenge
centre operators I speak to are committed facing our planet and we must all consider
to reducing the use of peat. However, people the part we play. Whether it be growing our
need to be weaned off slowly but surely to own veg, raising plants from seed or The Schofields’ seaside success
keep them gardening successfully. creating a haven for wildlife, our choices can I enjoyed seeing the Judges’ Choice seaside
The more gardeners we have, the more have a positive impact on the world around garden (Gardens Of The Year, November issue).
people who are aware of what is happening us. Keep banging the drum GW! I, too, live by the coast and, like the Schofields,
to the environment and the sooner we will Tom Hanson, Leeds have had failures trying to find plants that can
make a difference to the changing climate. take salt and strong winds. I would love to read
Mike Burks, Chairman of the  Discover more about peat, its impact and more articles in GW Magazine with planting
Garden Centre Association uses, in our January issue. suggestions for coastal gardeners.
Marian Stafford, East Sussex
Write to us at
Have your say, Gardeners’ World Magazine, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT or email letters@gardenersworld.com
CHRISTMAS QUIZ ANSWERS WORD WHEEL 1 Suggested words (not comprehensive): finer, frank, infer, infra, knife, oaken, reran 2 Korean Fir
WORD SEARCH Brodie, Almond, Hedera, Norway, Raisin, Ginger WINTER WONDERS Helleborus niger, Nandina domestica, Clematis cirrhosa, Daphne odora
STEP BY STEP There are several possible solutions, including: star sear fear feat feet fret free tree SPOT THE DIFFERENCE The right-hand picture lacks the
following: pattern on the shoulder of Arit’s jumper; wall basket; metal on horizontal fence strut; yellow flower in near container; red flower in far container;

we December
Seeds of hope
I wanted to thank GW
Magazine for the
rudbeckia seeds that
came with the April
issue. I’ve never had so
many beautiful flowers
growing in my
borders. The colours
range from a bright yellow to a dar d
some of them are striped. I’ve had cut flowers
for many months and it’s been a pleasure to
share them with friends and family to brighten
Pot feet can deter up their homes during this difficult year. Thank
slugs from climbing you for bringing such brightness/pleasure into
up containers many gardens and homes across the UK.
Jane, by email
We say: See p145 for our Six Months of Seeds

Say goodbye to slugs and chemicals subscriber reward.
Not before time does the ban on I’m a relatively new gardener and my veg
metaldehyde slug pellets come into force and flowers are mainly in a raised trough or
(Clippings, November issue). Much better pots. I was amazed to see how well a
Pittosporum
to enable the balance of nature in constant supply of chopped up oranges kept snow patrol
our gardens to keep snails and the slugs off the plants! I’d come out In the November edition
slugs in check. The reward? The daily and find the oranges of Gardeners’ World
thrill of finding a family of song completely munched dry Magazine there was
thrushes nesting in the hedge of and a trail of slime a short article on
our suburban garden, occasional leading away from pittosporum (Expert’s
sightings of a hedgehog and pots of them. I regularly choice). I would like to
healthy hostas taking over the shady corner replaced them and offer a tip on looking
of our patio with not a nibble on any leaves swear it’s worked after these shrubs
all summer long. I just have to ensure that wonders. They even enjoyed during the winter period.
as the hostas grow, no leaves touch the the ones that had been soaked in gin :) I have a few of these
other pots or the walls to prevent slugs Louise Hunter, Perthshire shrubs and in the past I have found that
abseiling for their supper. I also raise the although they are resistant frost, if you allow
pots off the ground using pot feet and cover We say: Do you have tips for tackling slugs snow to lie on the leaves for a few days it can
the surface of the soil with a layer of to pass on to fellow gardeners? Let us know kill the plant. If you use a broom and remove
horticultural grit. No need for chemicals, by writing to us at the addresses below or the bulk of the snow, the shrub seems to be
I just need a larger patio! sharing on social media, using the tag able to handle the cold better and since I’ve
Sophie Boxall, by email #mygardenersworld been doing this, I’ve not had any die on me! It’s
a bit of a chore in winter but worth the effort!
Nigel Oram, by email
In tune with nature’s song

PHOTOS: RAY COX; SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM
I can’t agree more with Alan how much nature

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Clippings Our roundup of the
month’s latest gardening
news and views
Petrol tools more

Compost supplies hit polluting than cars
as peat extraction stops Petrol garden tools produce more
pollution than an average hatchback,
with some exceeding maximum
emissions allowed for cars.
Leaf blowers performed worst in
emissions tests carried out by vehicle
testing facility, Millwood, for battery-
powered tool manufacturer EGO –
giving off more particulate pollution
than regulations permit for cars.
Hedgetrimmers and brushcutters also
exceeded car emissions for carbon
monoxide and nitrous oxide.
Almost 80 per cent of home mowers
and half of power tools use petrol, with
the recent shift to battery power. Yet,
lithium-ion batteries are hard to recycle
and have environmental impacts, too.
Peat extraction can release greenhouse gases and destroy fragile peatland habitats How can gardeners reduce power tool
use? “Cut hedges every other year and
Peat-based composts could disappear Multinational fertiliser company ICL, which leave areas of lawn longer,” says Wesley
from garden centre shelves sooner than extracts peat from bogs in Scotland, recently Olliffe, gardens manager at RHS Wisley.
expected after a High Court ruling halted all peat lost its planning application to extend peat
extraction in the Republic of Ireland, cutting off extraction at Lochwood Moss in Dumfries
around two-thirds of the UK’s peat supplies. and Galloway. It has now announced its
Compost manufacturers are now relying on Humax range of composts will be totally
peat reserves, expected to run out in Ireland in peat-free from January.
2023, while demand for compost is at an all-time But a sudden rush to peat-free could bring
high due to the coronavirus gardening boom. its own problems, warns Catherine Dawson
Compost prices are likely to rise, faced with the of peat-free compost producer Melcourt. “The
“double whammy” of greater demand and peat infrastructure to supply the sheer quantity of
shortages, says Neil Bragg of the ingredients simply isn’t there,”
Growing Media Association. Demand for she says. Compost companies
The situation in Ireland is
compost is at an are also having to compete Charity saved by
forcing compost manufacturers
to speed up the switch to peat all-time high
against a subsidised biofuel
industry for supplies of woodchip
‘amazing’ generosity
alternatives. The average – one of the main substitutes Gardening charity Greenfingers, which
amount of peat in compost for amateur for peat. “It’s pushing prices up,” says Dawson. builds gardens for children’s hospices,
gardeners dropped from 53 per cent in 2015 The UK Government says it will not renew any has praised the “amazing” generosity
to 41.5 per cent in 2019, and all major companies of the 24 peat extraction licences now operating of online gardening companies who
now offer a peat-free range. Retailer B&Q in England, further reducing peat supplies. “Until have donated profits resulting from the
and garden centre chain Dobbies has also now, compost prices have been dominated by a lockdown spike in orders – one company
pledged to go peat-free. material that’s valued too cheaply,” says Bragg. gave £50,000. But the charity, along with
Ireland’s largely state-owned compost Friends of the Earth’s senior nature campaigner others such as Perennial and Horatio’s
manufacturer Bord na Móna expects to be peat- Paul de Zylva agrees: “The price of peat-based Garden, still faces huge shortfalls after
free within about five years. “Peat isn’t part of multi-purpose compost does not reflect the the cancellation of fundraising events.
our future,” says communications manager Pat harm caused by digging it up. Making prices  Can you help? Find fundraising
Sammon. The company launched a peat-free reflect the true cost would help level things up.” ideas at: greenfingerscharity.org.uk,
range, called Happy Composts, last year.  Tell us what you think at the addresses on p18 perennial.org.uk, horatiosgarden.org.uk

We December
Monty is promoting plant health to help combat global hunger
Monty in new United Nations

role fighting hunger
Monty is promoting plant health as a vital tool in the fight
against global hunger, in his new role as Special Goodwill
Ambassador for the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation
(FAO). “Most of our diet is based on plants. For sustainability
of supply and best nutrition it is vital that we protect, develop
and value healthy plants,” Monty tells us. He also urges a
move to a more plant-based diet, saying this is something
Vicarious garden visiting “we all know we need to be adopting.” But he says this alone
Be an armchair traveller this winter, to over 200 of the world’s most is not enough, and that we all need to pay more attention to
spectacular gardens – from English cottage gardens to Japanese Zen where our food is coming from and how it is grown. “It is
landscapes – including the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic possible to have junk plants as well as junk food,” he says.
Gardens (pictured). The Garden: Elements and Styles by Toby The FAO is a division of the United Nations that works to
Musgrave is published by Phaidon, £49.95 (phaidon.com) eliminate hunger and improve food security.
Green your front garden to reduce stress

Brightening up bare front gardens with plants relieves stress as much as eight mindfulness sessions,
says the Royal Horticultural Society. Residents in Salford, Manchester, reported lower stress levels
after researchers planted shrubs, climbers and bedding outside their front doors. “Planting even a
small part of your front garden can help,” said RHS Wellbeing Fellow Dr Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Pui.
Playing outdoors
keeps kids healthy
WORDS: SALLY NEX; MIRANDA JANATKA; CATHERINE MANSLEY
PHOTOS: CLAIRE TAKACS PHOTOGRAPHY; GETTY/FEIFEI CUI-
Scientists in Finland have proved what

PAOLUZZO, FRANCONIAPHOTO, RABBITTI; JASON INGRAM
many parents have known for years:

playing outdoors and getting mucky
makes kids healthier. Children whose
nursery playgrounds were transformed
into mini-forests had significantly
boosted immune systems, potentially
protecting them from diseases such
as eczema, asthma and diabetes.
“I’ve never known a child afraid of
getting dirty,” says former Blue Peter
gardener Chris Collins. “It’s in their
Letting children get hands-on in the garden can give their immune system a boost souls to be near nature.”

We December
News in brief
My gardening world
1
Jo Brand
Jo Brand is a comedian, writer and actor.
She’s a regular guest on the BBC’s QI and
Have I Got News For You and presents
Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off:
An Extra Slice. Jo lives in London and is an
ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society.
ALLOT OF ENERGY
Why do you enjoy gardening? Rajinder Singh, 73, has been
I get to have a bit of time to myself, I’m so anti- Jo enjoys time to herself in the garden and awarded an MBE after raising
social really and don’t get much time off. With grew veg for the first time during lockdown over £14,000 for the NHS
my family constantly around and my job talking through exercise videos filmed
to people, I can get fed up, so it’s a big plus to time outside. It stimulates neurons in your on his allotment. Donate at
be in the garden thinking rather than speaking. brain. Sadly, you can’t grow doughnuts. bit.ly/skippingsikh
You started growing veg this year, why? Are your family gardeners? 2
We got given some kits to grow veg from My dad was a decent gardener and spent
seed for the kids. I couldn’t interest the girls, a lot of time doing it when we were young. TREE-MENDOUS CITIES
obviously – they had their heads buried in He rented a field with woodland to grow Some cities have more tree cover
social media – so I decided to grow them myself. Christmas trees on, thinking of selling them, than rural areas, according to
It was nice to do, as normally I’m too busy. But but our neighbour’s donkeys broke in and an aerial survey of England and
I probably could have looked after them better! ate them all. That was the end of his career Wales. Urban tree cover is
as a Christmas tree producer. boosted by gardens, while
Biggest disaster in the garden? farmland has relatively fewer
I’ve had plenty of big disasters in The Guardian, What’s your Christmas like? trees. bit.ly/gardentreecover
I can tell you! In the garden, I tend to be a bit of We go on a massively long walk with my
a bull in a china shop, pulling up things without brother’s family to deserve the 18,000 calories
3
properly looking at them. But I’ve got an app we are about to eat. In reality we only burn off GARDENS GALORE IN GLOS
now that helps me know what plants are 200, but no one thinks that – instead they think: Gloucestershire has the most
– just don’t test me on names! I can have an extra 17 roast potatoes now. gardens open to the public in
Mum is a way away in Shropshire, but it’s nice the UK – 29 in total – while
Tell us about your garden to see her waving at us on Zoom, rarely hearing Merseyside and Peterborough
It’s a decent size, but totally bog standard. anything. She always presses the wrong button have the fewest.
I have a rose that does well, even though it’s and disappears for 10 minutes down some bit.ly/colourfularea
so neglected. It’s called ‘Cherie Blair’ and was electronic rabbit hole.
gifted to me, perhaps because it’s left wing. 4
 Jo will be dressing up as an elf
How do gardens benefit people to help raise funds for people
with dementia? affected by dementia on Elf
My dad had dementia, and there can be far Day, 4 Dec. Sign up for your
too much sitting down. Gardens are great for free kit to host you own Elf
natural memory, moving around and spending Day: alzheimers.org.uk/ElfDay
RISE IN ROAD DEATHS

There has been a 300 per cent
Chelsea Flower Show returns in 2021 rise in hedgehogs killed on UK
roads since 2016, with up to
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is set to go PHOTOS: PIERS ALLARDYCE; SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; SIAN TYRRELL
335,000 dying each year. New
ahead in 2021, with the majority of gardens and
research is looking at ways to
designers planned for 2020 due to return. The
reduce the death toll.*
show will run for six days rather than five, and
bit.ly/hedgehogsonroads
visitor numbers will be reduced from 168,500
to 140,000. There will be a new category of
*NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS
5
‘Sanctuary’ show gardens, to reflect the impact of
gardens on wellbeing, plus an NHS tribute garden. WATCH YOUR WILDLIFE
Safety precautions will include layout changes Twenty times as many people
to spread out popular areas, extra car parking, joined the BTO’s Garden BirdWatch
increased cleaning, and masks in indoor areas. scheme this year than in the
“We believe we can safely run the show, although previous five years. Newcomers
we will react to any Government advice and, if we rose from a few hundred to nearly
sadly need to, will offer anyone who has booked 9,000. Subscribe now for free at
a ticket a full refund,” says RHS Director General bit.ly/joinBTObirdwatch
Sue Biggs. Tickets went on sale on 30 October.

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2020
vision
As a year like no other draws to a close,
Monty Don reflects on how our gardens
have made a remarkable impact
on our nation’s wellbeing
Changing times
It’s been a year of highs
and lows for Monty, who has
spent more time than ever
before in his garden, adapted
to news ways of filming,
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
bid farewell to his beloved

golden retriever Nigel and
welcomed Yorkshire terrier
Patti to the family

monty’s year
I have learned a
lot from this strange
year. It has rekindled
my awareness of
how important our
gardens are to our
wellbeing, physical
and mental, and
to our wildlife

W hen I look back over the
past year, the lens is
clouded by Covid-19,
which has obviously dominated all else.
But if there had been no pandemic, this
would still have been a remarkable and
unusual year. It began here at Longmeadow,
as the old year ended, with floods. These
lasted till the beginning of March and were
bigger and more sustained than anything
in living memory and clearly one of the
manifestations of climate change.
For all the horrors and crises of Covid-19
and political upheaval around the world,
climate change remains a bigger story than
everything else put together. It has oft been
said, but is worth endlessly repeating, that
gardeners are right at the cutting edge of
climate change. All you need is a windowbox
or a scrap of garden to notice the effects on
weather, wildlife and the timing of plants,
as well as the associated effects on fungi,
insects, birds and a hundred other clues and
signs apparent every day in every garden.
Filming in lockdown
But then came the virus. We filmed the first
programme of Gardeners’ World here at Off to a soggy start
Longmeadow on 10 March with jokey and In most winters, areas of
nervous waves, rather than the handshakes Longmeadow flood, but in
and hugs the team normally greet each other early 2020 the water was
with after the winter lay-off, and wondered more widespread and longer
how this was going to affect our filming lasting than ever before
procedure. As it turned out, that was the last
day a film crew visited the garden and within
two weeks the country was in lockdown. For the first time in years, I had day after day in my
For the next month we cobbled the
programme together, with my wife Sarah
garden – it was the loveliest spring I can remember
and I filming and talking to directors on our
phones. That is how the Chelsea programmes
were made too, with the addition of a
second phone linked to Joe, filming in
his garden with his wife Kath.
Then the cabling was installed – miles
of it was laid all around the garden at
Longmeadow and Portakabins were set
up in our driveway. For the rest of the year,
all filming was done via fixed cameras
controlled from these huts. I had a walkie-
talkie linked to the director, who was in one
hut, and he or she had radio communication
with the cameraman and sound recordist,
who were socially distanced in another. They
could see me on their screens, but I never
saw them and was never in the garden at the
same time they were. It was a strange and
rather limiting experience – I increasingly
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; JASON INGRAM
missed the companionship and creative Remote working

energy of working with a real live crew – Socially distant filming enabled
but it did mean that the programmes got Gardeners’ World to stay on air,
made when most other scheduled filming with director Kathryn Williams
across every genre was closed down. running the show from a cabin.
However, life – outrageous as it might be RIGHT Monty filming at the RHS
to say – consists of more than Gardeners’ Chelsea Flower Show in 2019. This
World. Lockdown meant that I could not year he filmed segments for the
begin the series on European gardens that virtual show from his own garden.

monty’s year
Wild wonders
The tranquillity of
lockdown provided
a unique opportunity
to discover wildlife
Spring boost we planned to film over spring and summer,

The blossom and other spring the RHS flower shows were cancelled and
flowers were particularly all the various other talks and appearances
glorious and uplifting, and I had been booked to do disappeared into a
for once Monty was at home Covid puff of smoke.
full time to enjoy them For the first time in years, I had time –
day after day – in my garden. I was hard at
work finishing my book, My Garden World,
but April and May proved to be the loveliest
I can remember, with blossom-filled
sunshine accompanied by a silence that
had not existed in living memory. No cars
buzzing and humming on the main road
across the fields and no planes in the sky.
The birds sang long and loud, and the hum
of the bees gorging on nectar was often the
loudest sound in the garden.
Time in the garden

All this fed into my natural reclusiveness
and I do not think I have ever enjoyed this
garden more. It seems I was not alone in
this. A great swathe of the population also
discovered the joys of the natural world via
their gardens – and Gardeners’ World took
on at least an extra million viewers. For
many people, the garden is usually a place
of jobs completed in snatched moments
between work, children, friends and all the
other external activities that crowd modern
life, but the enforced containment in a
glorious spring meant that people could
The more the merrier take their time. There was a lot of pottering
During lockdown, many people and gently tootling about. New delight was
took up gardening for the first discovered in the ordinary and local.
time, and over a million new While we have become a culture that
viewers tuned in for a weekly associates ‘wildlife’ and ‘nature’ with the
visit to Longmeadow remote and rare, mostly through the
astonishing output of the BBC’s Natural

monty’s year
History Unit, it seems that more and more

people are realising that their gardens are
filled with fascinating wildlife – some of
which is mercifully common, but others,
such as hedgehogs, tortoiseshell butterflies
and mistle thrushes, are becoming
dangerously low in number. As well as the
pleasure that this is giving, I sincerely hope
it has made all garden owners aware of the
importance that their gardens – and they
as gardeners – have on conserving and
protecting our wildlife. Gardens are not
just at the cutting edge of climate change,
but at the front line of the natural world too.
Learning from the past

In May, prompted by the explosion of
protest and awareness of the Black Lives
Matter movement, the question of plant
colonialism arose. It is something I have
long written about and feel we gloss over,
as though gardening is too nice a subject to
deal with such contentious issues. The truth
is that many of our most beloved garden
plants were gathered from all over the
world as a result of colonialism. The western Star of the show
world’s grotesque assumption was that, as In early May, Nigel –
conquerers taking over distant countries Monty’s family pet and
whose populations neither looked like nor faithful companion, both
were educated like us, we had an absolute on-screen and off – passed
right to act as we wanted. away at the age of 12
But, whether or not you agree with
toppling statues or defacing buildings
whose money came from practices now Nigel was a one-off, and loved filming almost
(though not quite) as much as a squeaky yellow ball
regarded as repugnant, we cannot change
our history. And we should beware judging
our history solely by the morals and
practices of the present. We can, however, character and presence. She and Nellie make the hurly-burly and glamour of Chelsea
learn from it and acknowledge aspects of it an unlikely pair, but are inseparable. Life and the other shows, and I even miss the
that should not be celebrated. Anything that moves on. You do not forget, but the dead rather limited social life that we had.
teaches us to treat all people with respect are best honoured by relishing the living. But I have learned a lot from this strange
and dignity, regardless of race, nationality, As I write this, Covid is still the major year. It has rekindled my awareness of how
colour or creed, must be a good thing – threat to our daily lives. I have not visited desperately important our gardens are to
and gardening should be as open to this another house nor had a visitor inside my our wellbeing, physical and mental, and
as sport and commerce has become. own, outside my immediate family, since to our wildlife. It has made me even more
May had its sorrow, because one beautiful February. It has been a very hermetic aware of how necessary it is to share our
spring day Nigel died. It was entirely existence, albeit a very busy one. While experiences, even if that is through little
unexpected and a great shock, but he was I have not filmed nearly as much as usual, films rather than real life. And in a world
a good age and I am glad he did not have a I have written three books – two of which that is at best topsy-turvy, if not downright
long debilitating illness and undignified were published within days of each other crazy, it confirms the truth that gardens look
demise. To the very end he was our lovely in September and the third will come out after us as much as we look after them. l
Mr Bear, adored by millions all around the next spring. I have also been able to garden
world. He is buried in the coppice, in this and walk the dogs every day, whereas for
garden for ever, his grave planted with the past 10 years or so I was away for up to Monty on iPlayer
flowers that will surely blossom next spring. three months of the year. Watch Gardeners’ World programmes you
I now think of him only with fondness and I suspect that things will never go back missed and re-watch your favourites – the
gratitude for giving us all so much pleasure. to exactly as they were, but a version of it whole 2020 series is
Nigel was a one-off, able to work the would be very welcome. I miss the caravan available on iPlayer.
camera better than most skilled presenters of the crew descending on us for the two
and loved filming almost (though not quite) intense days of filming every week, and of
as much as a squeaky yellow ball. So no one that camaraderie that is essential to really VISIT gardenersworld.com/monty
can take his place, but Patti, although about good programme making. I miss travelling
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
for lots of video guides and practical

a 20th of his size, is doing quite a good job. and being challenged and stimulated by gardening advice from Monty
For such a tiny creature she has huge visiting gardens around the world. I miss
NEXT MONTH Monty shares how to embark on a year of healthy, homegrown food

Homemade Christmas
Enjoying the wonders of your garden this Christmas? Let NEFFís
innovative Slide&HideÆ oven help elevate all of your winter warmers
W
hen it comes to bringing the outdoors while your turkey is often the star of the show,
indoors at Christmas time, your itís your trimmings that can really set your meal
tree is just the start of it. If youíre a apart from the rest.
keen gardener, chances are some of your festive With NEFFís VarioSteamÆ function, you can
feasting will include ingredients that have been guarantee potatoes that are crispy on the outside
pulled from your very own plot. And, given the and fluffy in the middle by adding steam to the
months of hard work that have gone into growing cooking process. Want your vegetables to remain
them, youíll want to ensure every vegetable as nutritious as they are flavoursome? Simply
is cooked to perfection. Thatís where NEFFís cook them on full steam ñ a setting that will also
Slide&HideÆ oven can help. help them to retain their vibrant colours.
Loaded with handy functions, as well as
a unique ëdisappearingí door that slides and Twixmas treats
hides under the oven cavity, no other oven Indeed, Christmas Day is far from the end of Baking enthusiasts will relish CircoThermÆ
lets you get closer to your cooking. Whether the festive indulgences. If youíre planning on Intensive, a function that removes the need for
youíre rustling up a traditional Christmas roast, using your homegrown produce to create more blind baking by including bottom heat to ensure
moreish after-dinner nibbles or a smile-raising Boxing Day and New Yearís Eve delicousness, tarts and pastries have a crisp base. Ready to put
dessert, here are just some of the ways you can youíll find a trusty companion in NEFFís clever NEFFís skills to the test? This herby porchetta and
get the best out of your food with the NEFF CircoThermÆ function, which lets you evenly shallots dish [pictured above] is a great place to
Slide&HideÆ oven. cook different dishes at once. You wonít even start. You can find the full recipe at bit.ly/2HA6Ps6.
have to worry about mixing aromas as the hot
The main event air quickly seals your food, so thereís nothing
Magnificently hearty, there are few things stopping you from cooking all of your courses
that beat a delicious Christmas dinner. And at the same time. Howís that for time saving?
Find out how NEFF can help you get closer to your cooking, discover tantalising
recipes and more at theingredients.neff-home.com/uk/recipes
Carol forks garden
compost onto
a new raised bed
at Glebe Cottage

carol on soil
Carol Klein delves

into the secret life
of soil and reveals
how the magic
below ground helps
our plants thrive
S oil is something most of us

gardeners take for granted,
often treating it as an inanimate
mass, conveniently laid down for us to use.
But it is a living thing – there are more
organisms in a handful of soil than there
are people on the planet. Without soil, there
would be no gardening and no plants. Soil
constituents are linked together, and to
growing plants, by billions of intricate
relationships. It’s no coincidence that the
planet and the soil share a title: earth.
The more we dig, the more we compact
our soil, and the more chemicals we add,
the more harm we do to all the creatures
within it and to the way in which they work
together. Not only does digging cut through
plant roots, but it also destroys organisms,
fungi and bacteria, whose action increases
fertility and helps plants to feed. Chemical
fertilisers also disrupt the beneficial
relationships between these fungi and
Nurturing
our plants, leaving our plants less resilient
and less able to find nutrients if we stop
providing the artificial fertilisers.
Rainfall, exposure to sun and wind, and
the length of growing season are important
in deciding the plants that will thrive in
mother
our garden. But the most basic factor in
determining how gardens grow is soil.
Understanding soil is vital for successful
growing. Good gardeners know their soil
intimately and grasp intuitively its qualities
and its shortcomings. As gardeners, we need
earth
to have a comprehensive picture of our soil’s
ability to retain water and nutrients, of its
drainage capacity and its stability. There
are four basic clues that will help us
understand these: acidity/alkalinity,
texture, colour and organic content.
Fertility matters
The better we understand our soil, the
more effective we can be in helping its
fertility. Soil acidity affects the state of
plant nutrients and other materials in the
soil, and influences how easy or difficult
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
it is for them to move. On a practical level,

it is important when deciding what to
grow, since some plants cannot tolerate
highly alkaline soils and plant growth
is inhibited in very acid soils. Acidity/

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carol on soil
alkalinity is measured on a pH scale,

which runs from 1 to 14 with neutral at 7.
Anything below neutral is acid – strongly
acid would be 4 (peat bogs such as those
around Greater Manchester); anything
above 7 is alkaline (Salisbury Plain, for
example). In both very alkaline and very
acidic soils, the three major elements that
plants need to grow (nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium) are less readily available
than in neutral or slightly acidic soils. Key
trace elements are also often unavailable
in highly alkaline soil, while very acid soils
are also deficient in elements due to them
becoming soluble and washed away,
or ‘locked up’, so unavailable. Extreme
acidity can be neutralised to an extent
by dressing the soil with chalk or
limestone. Gardens on acid soil are often Homemade compost
the envy of those whose soil is very feeds your soil,
alkaline. Ericaceous plants – blueberries, improves its structure,
heathers, rhododendrons – which are and adds to the
ungrowable on chalk or limestone, essential microbial life
luxuriate in acid conditions.
The next factor impacting plant growth
Making compost
is soil texture. The texture of a soil affects
aeration, drainage, how much water it can
Making compost is at the heart of looking materials together and building the heap in
Whether you garden on after your soil – no garden should be one fell swoop. It is the heat produced in any
heavy alkaline clay or light without a compost heap. compost heap that aids the decomposition
of the raw materials and encourages the
acid sand, there are plants and
practices that’ll promote ✗ Don’t worry about how you make your
compost, as long as it works. Compost
bacteria to do their work. Such heaps need
turning regularly to ensure those bacteria
bins, rotating compost containers, compost have plenty of oxygen with which to operate.
a thriving garden heaps and wormeries all work well. A large heap will produce compost quickly,
✓
Do put a mixture of green and brown and is better able to kill off weeds and
hold, how easily it becomes compacted and materials in your compost heap. Green pathogens that can survive in cooler heaps.
✓
how well roots can penetrate it. Three basic materials include grass clippings, Do make ‘cool’ compost, even if you
constituents – sand, silt and clay – affect its annual weeds and the like; brown materials don’t have space for a big, fast heap.
texture. Clay soils are easily waterlogged are woody stems and items such as cardboard. Even a small bin where constituents have
✗
and will clump together when wet. Silty soil Don’t add big piles of fallen, deciduous rotted down unevenly will produce useful
is also prone to waterlogging, while sandy leaves to your compost heap, as they compost. In ‘cool’ composting, the contents
soils are free-draining, can erode and are break down slowly and are better saved to of the heap are added as and when they are
usually low in nutrients. Loam soil achieves turn into leafmould. available. It’s useful to add small amounts
✓
that sought-after balance of being moisture Do try ‘fast’ composting, if you have of cardboard – when screwed up it creates
retentive while also draining well. space. The fast method of making useful air pockets. Microorganisms need
Whether you garden on heavy alkaline compost entails collecting all the constituent oxygen to do their job.
clay or light acid sand, there are plants
and practices that will promote a thriving
garden. Heavy soils are often assumed to wet. Bad drainage is often caused by so drainage is poor. Adding bulky organic
be the most problematic of the lot. Clay soil a layer of compacted soil below the matter helps to avoid waterlogging. And
turns into mud during the winter/spring surface of the topsoil resulting from silt is easier to work than heavy clay.
‘rainy season’, then bakes hard with deep constant use of a rotavator, too much foot Sandy soil is easy to work at any time
fissures after only a couple of weeks of traffic or, most usually, by the cultivation of year. It is also quick to warm up in the
summer sunshine. In both cases, it is of only the top layer over a long period. spring. But light soils are prone to drought,
impossible to work. The mere mention Deep digging usually solves the problem. meaning plants lack the water they need to
of waterlogging or clay conjures up visions Incorporating plenty of gravel and take up nutrients. The best thing a gardener
of double-digging and chiropractors’ bills. organic matter into the soil will improve with sandy soil can do is add large amounts
But the benefits of heavy soils usually drainage immensely. of bulky organic matter – anything that
outweigh their problems. The inevitable will improve the texture of the soil and
Silt and sand
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
hard work is compensated for by its capacity to hold water and food – old
luxuriant growth and high fertility. Silty soils have much in common with clay manure, compost, spent mushroom
No matter what else you do to ameliorate and should be treated in a similar way. compost, leafmould or seaweed (an
clay soils, the first step is to attend to Although the particles are bigger and do not excellent addition) as they help bind the
drainage in any areas that are constantly form clumps, they are close together and sandy particles together. Digging should

carol on soil
be kept to a minimum, so add the organic Rake up fallen leaves and

matter as a mulch on top of the soil and add to a container just
repeat every year. And never leave the soil for leaf mould – if left
bare – make sure it has cover from plants on the ground they can
or a mulch to prevent erosion. smother delicate plants
Those who are lucky enough to garden
on loam will know that they have the best
of all worlds. Loam retains water and
nutrients just as well as clay soil, while also
draining well. But, even though it is the
envy of those who garden on mud or sand,
it must still be maintained.
In the best of health

It may seem odd to pay much attention to
the colour of soil – surely all soil is brown,
I hear you say. Not so. And colour indicates
what is happening in the soil. It is controlled
by the amount of organic matter in the soil
and by the chemicals present. Soils rich
in organic matter are dark, soils rich in
oxidised iron are red, while those whose
iron is in a ferrous state may be slate-grey.
Although organic matter forms only a small
part of any soil, it plays a significant role
in controlling its physical and chemical
character. It provides a source of nitrogen
and other elements, which are essential
to healthy plant growth.
Whatever our soil,

if we expect it to grow
plants well, we need to
cosset and nurture it Leafmould
Organic matter is the decaying remains
of plants and animals. Through the activity
Leafmould is an excellent source of humus.
As a mulch and a soil improver, it is excellent ✗ Don’t give up if you have no trees
in your garden. The local council is often
of bacteria and fungi, raw organic matter for any soil, and contributes mainly to the happy to give away bags of collected leaves
eventually becomes that most precious of condition of the soil, rather than to its nutrition. as roads are cleared of debris in autumn.
soil ingredients – humus. This carbon-rich
✗ Don’t bother shredding oak, beech
substance is vital to making nutrients
available to plants. By adding organic matter, ✓ Do rake up fallen leaves from
deciduous trees to turn into leafmould.
or hornbeam leaves, as these will break
down rapidly without help. Thick leaves
we feed and add to the organisms that live Don’t be tempted to just leave the leaves like sycamore and horse chestnut will
in our soil and are vital to its health. Feed where they fall – fragile plants in your need shredding. Evergreen leaves are
the soil and the soil will feed our plants. borders will get smothered and lawns best added to your compost heap.
Soils are made up of layers. Topsoil is will get patchy.
✗ Don’t turn your leafmould.
the most important to gardeners. It can
be anything from a few inches to several ✓ Do stack the leaves in a simple
container, such as four wooden posts
Leafmould relies on fungi to break down
leaves, a process that happens naturally
feet deep. It is the darkest layer of soil and hammered into the soil with wire mesh over time without the need for turning.
contains the organic matter, fungi and sides. You can also make leafmould Compost is made by the interaction of
bacteria, worms and insects that promote by stuffing leaves in plastic bags, but many different organisms, and the process
healthy plant growth. Subsoil contains no it takes ages for them to rot down. speeds up significantly with turning.
humus and is lighter in colour than topsoil.
It contains practically no nutrients, but
its structure does affect drainage. Bedrock never do more than just hang on. We want
is the final layer under the subsoil and them to live with a capital L. And to that end Watch Carol on iPlayer
has little influence on topsoil. the first and last job of any gardener is to Get more expert advice from Carol on
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
Whatever our soil, if we expect it to grow understand their soil and to look after it, episodes of Gardeners’ World you may
plants well, we need to cosset and nurture it. adding organic matter, such as compost have missed – this year’s entire series
Garden plants are an adaptable lot, but they and leafmould, as part of a beautifully is available now
depend on us to give them what they need. self-sustaining system that helps our on iPlayer.
It is soul-destroying to grow plants that can plants thrive and our gardens grow. 
NEXT MONTH Carol shares the 12 plants you need for a garden that looks good in every month

Seasonís
snackings Did you
knowÖ
Once theyíre cooked,
Tyrrells crisps are spun to
remove excess oil ñ giving
them extra crunch and
Christmas is a special time and what better way less grease!
WR FHOHEUDWH WKDQ ZLWK WKH ðQHVW KRPHJURZQ
SURGXFH ÂVRPHWKLQJ7\UUHOOV NQRZV DOO DERXW Get to
know Tyrrells
Celebrating spuds
W
e all deserve to make the very best
out of Christmas this year, especially Tyrrells knows a thing or two about putting As a much-loved and
as it may need to be a slightly more trust in all things local. It still produces its crisps quintessentially English crisp
cosy event than usual. Perhaps youíve been at Tyrrells Court Farm in Herefordshire, using brand, Tyrrells knows the value
priming the vegetable patch ready for the big the very same fine-tuned harvesting process of local provenance, people and
day, eyeing up the crunchiest carrots, earthiest that it always has. The potatoes are grown just ingredient sourcing.
beetroot and most plentiful stalks of Brussels a stoneís throw away and are hand-cooked in
sprouts. The folks at Tyrrells have been doing small batches, so thereís perfection in every ï Tyrrells potato crisps are hand-
just the same on their potato patches at the packet. This refined operation, along with a cooked in small batches with
end of another harvest cycle, using only the range of delicious flavours, makes Tyrrells their skins on to maintain that
finest British potatoes. crisps the perfect snack for festive occasions. rustic look and taste.
To celebrate a job well done in your garden Theyíre the ideal accompaniment to a nice
this year, you could make your Christmas dinner glass of bubbly or mug of mulled wine by the fire ï Tyrrells prides itself on using
a triumph of British produce. Alongside your after a chilly afternoon in the garden, plus theyíll authentic ingredients, so for
homegrown veg, why not treat yourself to an keep you going while youíre waiting for the turkey instance, in its Mature Cheddar
organic turkey from the butcher or farm shop, to perfectly bronze. And, on Boxing Day, why not & Chive seasoning, you will find
and bake your own mince pies? Whateverís on give your traditional leftover sandwich an extra real cheddar and chives.
the table this Christmas, it should be the best bit of crunch and tang, by sticking in some Tyrrells
of the best, which is why when it comes to the Mature Cheddar & Chive? Whatever youíve got
perfect snack, it has to be the irresistible crunch planned, make Tyrrells a part of your Christmas
of Tyrrells hand-cooked English potato crisps. and pop a bag or two in your next big shop.
Fancy winning a Tyrrells gardening

hamper for Christmas? To enter,
visit bit.ly/tyrrells-gwo
A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
FOR EVERY DOG AND CAT
Here at Battersea we understand that these are animals who need us. If you have any questions,
difficult and unsettling times. That’s why more than or need support with the process, we are here to
ever, we need your help to ensure we can be here for help you.
every dog and cat for as long as we’re needed.
The quickest way to get in touch with us is on:
A gift in your Will to Battersea is a promise to be
Phone: 020 7627 9300
there for dogs and cats in the future. If you feel
Email: specialgifts@battersea.org.uk
able to help, any gift you give, whatever size, will
Website: battersea.org.uk/wills
help ensure Battersea can continue to support the
TO FIND OUT MORE CALL 020 7627 9300, EMAIL

SPECIALGIFTS@BATTERSEA.ORG.UK OR RETURN THIS FORM
We are still sending out information in the post, Mr Mrs Ms Other

however this may take a bit longer than usual Name
to reach you.
The data you’ve provided will be used by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Address
to contact you about leaving a gift in your Will. For more information
about how we use your data, visit battersea.org.uk/privacy
Return form to Supporter Services:
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4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is a charity registered in England and Wales (206394).
A-Z of
house plants
Fill your home with fascinating foliage,
with our guide to house plants
Hoya
For a lush, jungly look in
your home, you need foliage
pouring over the edges of
shelves and cascading from
hanging planters. And why
settle for leaves in just one
colour, when you could
have three? The glossy
leaves of Hoya carnosa
‘Tricolor’ are variegated
green and cream, with a
pink flush, and hang from
pink stems. The stems can
be trained up wires or
allowed to trail. Grown in a
bright spot, it will sometimes
produce pinkish-white,
sweetly fragrant flowers.
Originally from subtropical
forests in south-east Asia
and Australia, where it
climbs up trees, it’s easy to
grow – its thick, waxy leaves
allow it to cope with neglect.
And it’s easy to propagate,
so once you have one, you
can make lots more to fill
your home with greenery
or share with friends.
WORDS
MIRANDA JANATKA VISIT gardenersworld.
PHOTOS com/houseplant for more
SARAH CUTTLE AND on growing house plants
JASON INGRAM

1
TOP TIP
Look for a healthy,
young stem to cut
off for propagation

H is for hoya
The trick to keeping your hoya happy and healthy is

remembering that it thrives in high humidity but doesn’t like its
roots to stay wet. From spring to autumn, keep the compost just
moist. In winter, water only when the top of the compost is dry.
Remember that humidity drops in our centrally heated homes over
winter, so keep it away from radiators and move into a bathroom
or kitchen if the leaves look dry. You can also raise the humidity,
but keep the roots out of water, by sitting the pot on top of pebbles
in a saucer of water. Only repot every two to three years, and use
a mix containing equal parts of general potting compost, orchid
bark and perlite to hold some moisture but also drain easily.
Prune lightly in autumn, removing dead material but not the
flower stalks, from which more blooms will grow. If you get
the conditions right, you may be rewarded with clusters of
pinkish-white, sweetly scented, waxy flowers in summer.
K Position Grow somewhere warm and humid, with bright light.

If the leaves get scorched, move the plant into slight shade.
K Care Mist leaves to increase humidity. Ideally, collect
rainwater and let it warm to room temperature before spraying.
K Details In summer, give your hoya a balanced liquid feed
every few weeks. But try a feed higher in potassium in spring
and then allow to dry for four weeks to encourage flowering.
How to make new plants

1 Cut off approx. 10cm of
healthy stem – take care,
as the sap contains latex, which
of leaves, then remove the
lowest pair. Cut the stem
just below the joint where
can cause allergic reactions. the lowest leaves were.
Cut back any bare stem left
on the plant to the next pair
of leaves to avoid die-back.
3 Fill a tray with a mix of 7:3
damp house plant compost
and perlite, firm. Make a hole
2 Trim your cutting to a piece

of stem with three pairs
and push in each stem 3cm
apart. Firm in and keep damp.
Where to buy
PLANTS
K etsy.com K thenunheadgardener.com
ACCESSORIES
K similar pots available from garden centres
NEXT MONTH Versatile and underrated,

discover why you need ivy indoors
offer 15% OFF all full-priced houseplants

VISIT crocus.co.uk/houseplants and use code GWHP15
3 Terms: Offer closes 22 December 2020. Cannot be used

in conjunction with any other offer/discount code.

Happy
house
plants
Keep your indoor plants in tip-top
shape with Adam Frost’s expert
advice – perfect for a green and
healthy home this winter
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY IMAGES/SAGARMANIS
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera) brings back childhood memories for Adam

adam’s house plants
Aloe vera, pilea

and oxalis offer
a stylish variety of
forms and colours

There’s a good reason why I have fond
memories of house plants – they take me back
to the 1970s – to my grandparents’ house and
the old Swiss cheese plant we had at home.
But things have really moved on since then,
and I’ve been amazed to watch a house plant
revival in recent years. Evidence now shows
that indoor plants are good for our health and
wellbeing and, with winter weather leading
to more time inside, why wouldn’t you grow
a few? They come in all shapes and sizes, so
there really is something for everyone. Some
have wonderful, architectural foliage, while
others reward us with beautiful flowers. And,
bar a few exceptions, most are not too needy.
If placed in a well-lit, draught-free spot with a
reasonably even temperature, they will be
more than happy. What’s not to like?
Potting on
Most house plants are tough old things that will
soldier on even if neglected a little. That said,
neglect isn’t something I recommend! Nearly all
house plants benefit from occasional repotting,
which is something you can do now with new and
existing specimens. You’ll find specialist house
plant composts at the garden centre, but I tend to
use peat-free multi-purpose and add some soil-
based compost, grit, composted bark or perlite,
depending on the growing conditions the specific
plant needs – the label should give you a guide.
Simply tease your plant out of its existing pot –
if it’s really pot-bound you may need a sharp knife
so you can trim the roots to help release it. Once
out, gently pull the roots apart – this will also start
to loosen the compost. Pop a small amount of
compost in the bottom of your new pot, then sit
your plant on the top. Don’t choose a new pot that
is too large – as a guide, I normally choose one
that allows for 4-5cm around the root ball. Be sure
to check the level of the plant too, aiming to plant
it at roughly the same depth as it was in the
previous container. Make sure there are no large
lumps in your compost and start to work the
compost into the pot by pushing it down around
the sides. Finally, gently firm in and give your plant
a good watering to help settle the compost
around the roots. If you repot now, you won’t
need to feed your plant until next spring.
Providing sustenance
As a rule, I find that most house plants die from
being overwatered. You want to keep the compost
just moist, and I tend to let plants nearly dry out
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
before watering. Tap water is usually fine for most

house plants but some, like carnivorous plants
and azaleas, can be a little more demanding and
benefit from rain water. With the exception of
TOP RIGHT Haworthia Sarracenia flava

and crassula are should be watered
succulents that need with rain water
a bright spot and RIGHT Nephrolepis
little water MIDDLE exaltata (Boston fern)
RIGHT Carnivorous thrives in a moist,
plants such as shady bathroom

Many house plants, including peace lilies,

benefit from frequent misting of their foliage
Swiss cheese plants, peace lilies, prayer and

pilea plants like indirect, bright light
some carnivorous plants, you don’t want your

house plants sitting in water for days on end,
so I do tend to raise the plastic inner pot off the
bottom of the decorative outer pot. I use tile
spacers, but an upturned saucer does this trick –
both prevent plant roots sitting in excess water.
Your plants will need more water during spring
and summer when they’re actively growing.
There are quite a lot of house plants that
benefit from high humidity – orchids, ferns and
bromeliads are all good examples. Humidity can
be easily increased with a hand-held water
sprayer – I tend to give mine a daily spray – and if
you group plants together you will find they create
their own humid micro-climate around them.
When it comes to feeding, if you pot up and
renew compost annually, some house plants
will be fine without any feeding. That said, as a
general rule, flowering varieties can be greedy
and will thank you for a weekly liquid feed.
A high-potassium feed will help with flowering
while, if you do decide to feed foliage plants, go
for something more balanced. You can also buy
more specialist feeds for plants such as orchids,
so do scour the garden centre shelves when
you’re buying, and ask for advice if you’re unsure.
Phalaenopsis (moth Special treatment

orchid) can produce I don’t find it necessary to use a leaf shine product
flowers all year in a on my house plants, but it is beneficial to give
warm, bright room them a dust every now and then when you’re

How to repot
a peace lily
Repot peace lilies and other house plants
when their roots have outgrown their original
pots, to keep them healthy and thriving.
1 MAKE UP a 50:50 mix of multi-purpose

and soil-based compost, then add a little
to the base of your new, slightly larger, pot.
2 REMOVE the peace lily from its original

pot and gently tease out any of the
outer roots that are congested.
Only water
pilea plants when
their compost is
starting to dry out 3 POSITION the plant so it will be at the
same depth as in its previous pot, backfill
with the compost mix and firm in gently.
Propagating is one of the most satisfying things to do, and

a little rooted cutting makes a great Christmas present
doing your regular cleaning. Dust can build up on – it is one of the most satisfying things you can
plant leaves quite quickly, making it more difficult do with any plant, and I think a little rooted
for the plant to photosynthesise and grow, so it’s cutting makes a great Christmas present.
worth taking the time to keep foliage clean. Like all plants, house plants can succumb to
Some house plants, of course, do have very the odd problem, pest or disease. Don’t worry
specific needs. Cacti, succulents and carnivorous too much, but do try to remember to keep an
plants like a bright windowsill, while ferns prefer eye on your plants so you spot any problems
a darker position away from bright sun. Orchids before they really take hold. Overwatering,
enjoy bright, indirect light and, if possible, lots fluctuating temperatures and draughty locations
of moist air – I tend to put ours in the bathroom, are the main causes of leaf drop and browning Watch Adam on iPlayer
which is bright and provides good humidity. – if you spot these symptoms, re-assess your
Get more expert advice from Adam on
So, it really is worth putting in a little research watering regime and the positioning of the
episodes of Gardeners’ World you may
into your chosen plant’s preferences. plant, and rectify if necessary.
have missed – this year’s entire series
Depending on the house plants you have, there Pests such as red spider mites, scale insects
is available now
are also several ways you can propagate them to and mealybugs all thrive in specific conditions,
on iPlayer.
make more for free. The easiest way is by taking so read up and consider the location of your
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE
softwood and semi-ripe stem cuttings, just as plant before trying to treat it. Once you’re
you would with a plant in the garden. Leaf cuttings confident your plant is in the best possible spot, VISIT gardenersworld.com/
can also work well, and many can be propagated clean any pests off with your finger and thumb or houseplant for more projects and seasonal
by division. In reality, if you want to have a go, damp cotton wool. If that doesn’t work, you may displays of indoor plants
just research the plant you have and give it a try need to resort to an organic soft soap spray.

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and spread sizes indicate full grown sizes and not size supplied. We reserve the right to substitute varieties if necessary. Images for illustrations purposes only. Savings are based on multiples of the cheapest
pack size. *Calls cost 7p/minute plus your network access charge.

Green
&
glamorous
Thyme
For eco-friendly festive style, Katie Smyth

and Terri Chandler reveal how to make
decorations using materials from your garden
There is nothing more special than
making your own natural festive
decorations. We love to forage
for seasonal materials and to
incorporate some of the bounty
we have harvested and dried
throughout the year.
Our gardens can offer up a
surprising amount of greenery
even in winter, and keep your eyes
peeled when you’re out for a walk
– but don’t gather plants from
protected sites. Look for
ingredients that will hold their
shape as they dry out, so your Teasels
wreath will last. You can also buy
dried flowers, berries and
seedheads from florist suppliers to
add a sparkle to your decoration.
By using foraged ingredients and
avoiding plastic waste, you can
celebrate the season in a planet-
friendly way – plus, many of the
elements can be reused next year,
Chasmanthium
Katie picks dried grasses to add to her wreath making it a thrifty celebration, too.
latifolium
Rich and bountiful

This wreath is made with a mix of fresh and dried foraged materials, plus some fruit to add little
pops of colour. By using pine and fruits associated with the festive season, this wreath feels
decidedly Christmassy, but the unusual colour palette ensures it will stand out from the crowd.
YOU WILL NEED

Grape vine Honesty, dried latifolium, meadow Stipa gigantea
Roll of florist wire Hops, dried grass, miscanthus,
(0.35mm thickness) Mangosteens Stipa gigantea

Velvet cloth Mix of foraged branches Scots pine
Ageratum, yellow, dried Ornamental grasses, Tangerines
Chamomile, dried dried, such as Briza Teasels
Hellebores media, Chasmanthium Thyme, dried

your green Christmas
Foraged branches
Scots pine
Honesty
Briza media
Hops
Yellow
ageratum
Hellebores
Velvet cloth
Mangosteens
Tangerines

Honesty
Velvet ribbons
Gypsophila
Asparagus fern
Rosehips
Thyme
Pampas grass
Bright and dried Foraged branches
This wreath uses lots of dried Alternatively, you can strip off YOU WILL NEED
ingredients, so it will last well and large leaves and hang ingredients Grape vine Gypsophila, dried
can be kept and reused next year upside down in a dry room, and Roll of florist wire and sprayed gold
– with just a little sprucing up. then assemble your wreath once (0.35mm thickness) Honesty, dried
You can use fresh ingredients, they are dried. We’ve also added Velvet ribbons Mixed foraged branches
and allow them to dry in-situ, gold spray paint on some items, Gold spray paint Pampas grass
but check they don’t come loose such as asparagus fern, for Asparagus fern, Rosehips, fresh and dried
as they will shrink as they dry. festive sparkle. sprayed gold Thyme, dried

Rosemary
Thyme
Ornamental grass
Hellebores
Ivy
Mature ivy
berries
Heather
Juniper
Conifer sprigs
Wild and natural

We created a traditional green base YOU WILL NEED
for this wreath, using a mix of festive Grape vine Hellebores
foliage. Then we added a touch of glamour Roll of florist wire Ivy, with berries
with fresh flowers picked from the garden (0.35mm thickness) Juniper
– these are kept fresh in reusable plastic Reusable plastic water tubes Ornamental grasses such as
water tubes. This wreath would also make Conifer sprigs, such as Miscanthus ‘Flamingo’, dried
a wonderful table decoration – lying flat juniper and Lawson cypress Rosemary
with candles in the middle. Heather Thyme, dried

✦ 1
✦ 2
✦ 3
✦ 4
✦ 5
✦ 6
How to make your wreath

You can make all of the wreaths
on these pages using the same
basic technique, just add
1 BEND THE VINE into a circle to work out the size
you want, then cut to length; 1-1.5m makes a good
size wreath. Twist the vine around itself once or twice
4 ADD YOUR FRESH FLOWERS. To keep them
fresher for longer, we used reusable floral water
tubes. Fill the tubes with water and place your fresh
different decorative elements. to give it a circle shape. Using a reel of wire, tie the vine flowers into them. Then either just poke the tubes in at
We’ve used lengths of dried vine together. Do not cut the wire – keep it on the reel. an angle or use a little wire to secure them. You can
as the base for these wreaths, change the flowers in these as often as you need to.
as an eco-friendly alternative
to florist’s foam. They’re easy to
bend into shape – soak the vines
2 TAKE A SMALL BUNCH of your chosen materials
and place them over the tied wire. Wrap the wire
tightly around this bunch to secure it to the wreath 5 ADD OTHER DECORATIONS such as festive
baubles or fruits. You can use a glue gun to stick
in a bucket of water for a few base. Add another bunch, pointing in the same lightweight decorations onto your wreath or use wire
hours before you start direction as the first bunch, covering the tied end of to tie heavier items, like fruit, onto the wreath’s base.
construction to stop them the first bunch. Secure in the same way.
snapping when you bend them.
If you can’t find dried vine,
you can buy ready-made 3 KEEP ADDING BUNCHES of materials around
your base until you are happy with how full your
6 WIRE IN A FABRIC BOW to add the finishing touch.
Secure the wreath to your door with a length
of wire. Stand back and admire! You can add extra
vine wreath bases. wreath is. Cut the wire off the reel and tie it off. materials now, until you’re completely happy.

Mini wreaths
There are usually lots of little bits left over from making a wreath. Rather than waste these
materials, why not create other smaller decorations that can be used in the home or as
handmade gifts? We make mini wreaths, following the same basic steps as for larger wreaths.
Ribbon
Thyme Natural twine
Juniper
Hops
Vine
Lawson cypress
Rosehips Thyme
Lawson cypress
Door decoration Gift wrap

Using some thin ribbon, we YOU WILL NEED Using a mini wreath to decorate YOU WILL NEED
hung a mini wreath on a door Vine, thin piece a present adds a personal touch. Vine, thin piece
handle. This adds a little burst Florist wire (0.35mm thickness) We wrapped the gift in recycled Florist wire (0.35mm thickness)
of Christmas cheer in an Ribbon, thin piece fabric then tied it with natural Natural twine
unexpected place. Hops, dried twine, before tying on the wreath. Conifer sprig
Rosehips Juniper
Conifers Thyme, dried Cypress Thyme, dried

Miscanthus
grass
Ribbon
Phalaris grass
Rosehips
Thyme
Asparagus fern
Rosemary
Velvet ribbon
Tree decoration P lace setting

Making decorations for the YOU WILL NEED Elevate your festive table by YOU WILL NEED
tree is a project the whole family Vine, thin piece making a little scented ring, which Florist wire (0.35mm thickness)
can get involved in. Stored Florist wire (0.35mm thickness) sits on each person’s napkin. Velvet ribbon
somewhere dry, this will last and Ribbon, thin piece Simply shape a sprig of rosemary Rosemary sprig
can be used again next year. Asparagus fern into a circle and tie with wire.
Ornamental grasses, dried, such
as miscanthus and phalaris,
Rosehips
Thyme, dried
Katie and Terri run Worm (weareworm.com), creating

floral designs for occasions, print and projects Where to buy
K britanniadirect.org.uk K etsy.com
VISIT gardenersworld.com/christmas for more K daisyshop.co.uk K floristsuppliesuk.com
inspiring festive projects for decorating your home
or making homemade gifts K essentiallyhops.co.uk K floristry-supplies.co.uk

Letís talk
trees
The Woodland Trustís Big Climate Fightback returns for a second year, and
itís easy to get involved ñ whether you simply plant a tree or join the charity
Get planting
T
he humble tree is our most powerful
weapon in the fight against climate The quick, easy and simple act of planting one
change. From improving air quality or two UKISG (UK and Ireland Sourced and
and storing carbon to supporting biodiversity, Grown) trees in your garden, or somewhere
moderating temperatures and preventing locally as part of a small community event,
flooding, trees help combat the effects of our will play a vital role in helping the environment,
changing climate in a variety of ways. So, it and the Woodland Trust shop offers a wide
makes sense to try to get as many trees as variety of single trees, as well as tree mixes,
possible into the ground. so youíre sure to find the perfect fit for your
Thatís the thinking behind the Woodland outdoor space.
Trustís Big Climate Fightback ñ to get people
to come together and either plant trees, How you can help
make a donation, or use their voices to speak Whether you buy a UKISG tree from the
up for trees and woods. Indeed, one small Woodland Trust shop to plant, make a
action can make a huge difference collectively. one-off donation to the charity, or become
Play your part by planting
a member (you can join from as little as just
at least one tree
The time is now £4 a month), every penny will help.
The timing for the launch of this yearís campaign
couldnít be better. Weíre now in the UKís tree Speak up for trees
planting season, with National Tree Week ñ an Share any photos or videos of you or your
annual celebration of tree planting ñ taking local community planting trees across social
place between 28 November and 6 December. media using #BigClimateFightback, to help
And, the aim is for the good work to continue raise awareness of all the good work being
for as long as possible, so the campaign will roll done through the campaign.
all the way through to spring 2021, the end of Everyone has a responsibility to do their bit
the planting season. for the planet, so take positive action now and
The Woodland Trust aims
Here are the most important ways you can help the Woodland Trust mitigate the worst to get 50 million more trees
help play your part in the Big Climate Fightback: effects of climate change. in the ground by 2025
For more information on how to get involved, visit

woodlandtrust.org.uk/bigclimatefightback. To become a
member from just £4 a month, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/join
Registered charity numbers 294344 and SC038885
Indoor
FUN
Christmas
with kids
With the festive season
upon us, get the kids
involved in making tree
decorations – for indoors
and outside. These ideas
are easy to create with
Step 1 Take your pine
under-10s, although older cone and attach a pom pom
children can enjoy making ‘nose’ and a pair of googly eyes
using glue. If you’ve found
the designs more elaborate different types of cone, have
a go at identifying them – there
Pine cone are lots of helpful sites online.
reindeer
decorations
✦
1
✦
This cute reindeer decoration ticks
a number of boxes for keeping the
kids busy over the holidays. From
2
taking them on woodland walks Step 2 Cut two twigs to
to forage for pine cones and twigs, about 10cm in length. Forked
to sorting them and assembling twigs create more dramatic
them once back at home – there’s antlers, but single stemmed
plenty to spark their imaginations twigs will work just as well.
and create a herd of Rudolphs. Again, see if you can identify
which tree they come from.
Secure in place with glue.
You will need:
Pine cones
Twigs
A pack of self-adhesive
googly eyes
A pack of red pom poms
WORDS: CINEAD MCTERNAN. PHOTOS: TORIE CHUGG
Washable PVA glue

Paint brush
Cotton/ribbon
Scissors
Step 3 Once the glue has
dried, take a length of cotton and
tie around the antler end of the
✦
VISIT gardenersworld.com/ pine cone. Tie in a knot, ready
kids for more ideas on keeping 3 to hang on your Christmas tree.
children entertained outdoors Or use wire and attach them
to a reindeer-themed wreath.


✦ 1
Bird seed decorations

Encourage the kids to be wildlife Step 1 Melt the gelatine in
warriors this winter by making a pan of warm water, stirring
decorations that double as a tasty until dissolved. Remove from the
treat for your feathered friends. heat and mix into flour, corn
They are easy to make and you syrup and bird seed, making sure
can even tailor them to the bird all the seed is evenly coated.
you’d most like to attract by
using their favourite seed.
Step 2 Spray the moulds

or cookie cutters with cooking
oil and spoon in the bird seed
You will need: mixture. Pat it down firmly with
4 cups of bird seed the back of a spoon. Push a
1 pack of gelatine skewer into the middle, to give
3/4 cups of flour the birds something to perch on.
3 tbsp corn syrup or lard
Mixing bowl and spoon
Non-stick mould or
cookie cutters
✦
Spray cooking oil
Bamboo skewers
Ribbon or twine
2
Step 3 Put it in the fridge

PHOTOS: TORIE CHUGG
to chill and set for 24 hours,
✦
VISIT gardenersworld. then remove from the moulds.
com/kids-projects for more Tie twine around the outside 3
inspiring family activities of the decoration and hang
from branches of a tree.

offer WINTER-FLOWERING SHRUBS
Fill your winter garden
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SAVE
These shrubs will bring
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£18
pots and borders. The flowers
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Clusters of dark buds open to pink
scented blooms on bare branches.
Golden autumn foliage.
H x S 3m x 1.8m F Nov-Mar
1 x plant in 9cm pot £12
Daphne odora
L Daphne odora
Evergreen foliage and dark, cerise
buds that open to form fragrant
pale-pink flowers from winter into
spring. May bear red berries.
Height x Spread 1.5m x 1.5m
Flowers Jan-Mar
L Camellia japonica
‘Margaret Davis’ AGM
Creamy flowers with raspberry
red edges bloom above evergreen
foliage. Not for alkaline soil but
thrives in part or full shade.
H x S 3m x 3m F Feb-Apr
Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ Camellia japonica ‘Margaret Davis’

WINTER SHRUB
COLLECTION
01386 426245 and quote code ROGW20-47
3 plants (1 of each)
£18 HALF PRICE www.hayloft.co.uk/ROGW P&P £4.95 rare | unusual | exciting
Cut out order form and post orders to Gardeners’ World Code: ROGW20-47
offer Reader Offer, PO BOX 2020, Pershore, WR10 9BP
47DAO1 Daphne odora x 1 £12
Address ✁
Postcode
47VIB1 Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ x 1 £12
Tel Email
I enclose a cheque (no cash, please) for £ made payable to 47CAM1 Camellia japonica ‘Margaret Davis’ x 1 £12
Hayloft with my name and address on the back
Winter-flowering shrub collection x 3
47WIN3 £18
Or charge my Visa Mastercard Maestro Maestro issue no (1 of each) HALF PRICE
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Start date / Expiry date / Card security code
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Terms & Conditions: Supplied as bare-root plants, delivery in 14 days. Offer closes 31 January 2021. All orders will receive an order acknowledgement. Limited stocks all items are subject to availability.
Offer available to UK addresses only. Reader Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts

Save up to 80% in the Black Friday Sale
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The good
3D Printed PLA Plant Pot ‘Crinkle’
Ditch the plastic without compromising on style
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biodegradable polymer derived from corn starch.
It is non-toxic and available in a range of colours.
gift guide
Height 12cm (larger sizes custom made).
£18, etsy.com/uk/shop/StudioNo16
Treat the gardeners in your life

to presents that will both
delight and do some good
Little Sun Original
Brighten up winter with this
cute solar light – an ideal kids’
nightlight or portable lamp. For
each one sold, another is offered
at an affordable price to people
living off-grid in Africa. H 12cm.
£22, outdoorpeople.org.uk
▲ Recycled Wool
Bamboo Garden Kneeler
Gardener Each one is unique, made from a
Socks random mix of recycled wool, plus a
Made with organic waterproof backing. Helps support
cotton and bamboo English Heritage. 36cm x 51cm. £28,
fibres, these soft socks reduce english-heritageshop.org.uk
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are made without pesticides.
(Ralph/men’s size 7-11 or Bess/
COMPILED BY MIRANDA JANATKA. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS AND DO NOT INCLUDE P&P
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▲ LSA Canopy
Closed Garden
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H 16.5cm, W 24cm, plants
not included. £40,
Make Your Own Insect LSA-international.com
House craft kit ▲ Bee free mug
Teach kids about beneficial insects Choose from a selection of china mugs
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£12, johnlewis.com £12.50, arthouseunlimited.org

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2-in-1 Tool Crate & Stool

Ideal for carrying small tools and plants, or turn it
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and sold through an ethical outlet. H 25.4cm,
L 18.4cm, W 39cm. £15.99, ethicalsuperstore.com
▲ Blackboard
Plant Marker Set
These sturdy galvanised-iron
plant labels can be used again
and again, so no need for plastic
ones that break all too easily.
The chalk marker pen is weather-
proof, but can be wiped off with
methylated spirits. Set of six,
plus pen, H 32cm, W 13.5cm.
£12.99, presentmill.com
Adopt a hedgehog BBC Gardeners’ World

Help our declining hedgehogs Magazine subscription
and encourage children to look Give a year of advice and
after wildlife. Adoption kit inspiration for just £39.99,
includes a soft toy, fact sheet, see p128. Plus, subscribers
certificate and children’s get 12 free packs of seeds
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devonwildlifetrust.org over £30, see p145
Durable, quality gloves

Add gardening gloves to your
gift. Find out which we rate –
see p115
▲ Ethical Christmas
jumper – flying ducks
Get your ducks in a row with
this organic cotton sweatshirt
ILLUSTRATION: JEROEN HELMER
jumper. It’s made using

renewable energy and is ▲ 1929 Endangered Heritage Seed Club
completely plastic free, Help to revive heritage seed varieties with this
including the packaging. year-long gift. Recipients will be sent seeds in spring,
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2 for 1 gardens
Garden visiting
update
Many UK gardens are now open
to visitors, however, most have
special measures in place,
including pre-booking and
restricted visitor numbers.
■ Check before you travel
Opening details for gardens
listed in our 2 for 1 Entry Guide
have changed since publication,
so contact the garden before
you plan your visit. Note that
some gardens have additional
restrictions in place and a few
have temporarily suspended
Best gardens for

use of the 2 for 1 Entry Card.
For more ideas of where to
go, visit gardenersworld.
Boxing Day walks

com/2-for-1-gardens
■ Online directory
We are unable to keep all the
2 for 1 garden pages of our online
Make the most of the crisp  The Savill Garden, directory up to date, however,
weather and escape for a Windsor we will publish the most recent
walk on Boxing Day at one Beat the crowds at Windsor Great status that we receive from the
of our favourite 2 for 1 Entry Park and head to this tranquil gardens on a weekly basis.
gardens. Stroll off that garden set in its heart. Make the Go to gardenersworld.com/
Christmas pudding and most of the all-day car parking 2-for-1-visit-status
enjoy a memorable day out. (£12), take a break at the ■ Order a 2 for 1 Entry Card
restaurant, then wander down the The 2 for 1 Garden Entry Card
iconic long walk to Windsor Castle. and Guide is available to buy at
 Royal Botanic Gardens, Book at windsorgreatpark.co.uk bit.ly/GWMay202for1directory
Kew, Richmond and enter code GARDEN241 Subscribers get £1 off – see
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW PHOTO: RBG KEW
Head into the Pinetum to immerse Open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm page 3 for details.
yourself in winter greenery and  Leonardslee Lakes & (except 24 and 25 Dec, last entry REUSABLE
CARD
towering redwoods. Stroll into the Gardens, West Sussex to the garden is 3.30pm) Valid until
Palm House then down Syon Vista Arrive early to watch the mist rise 9 April 2021
for a long stretch to the Thames. over the seven lakes, explore the  Belsay Hall Castle &
The restaurant and cafés will be Victorian rock garden, and take Gardens, Northumberland
serving hot meals and drinks. in the sheltered valleys and Roam around 30 acres of gardens
Book at kew.org and enter their waterfalls. Follow up with surrounding the medieval castle.
code gardenersworld a delicious high tea or meal in the Follow through the ravines cut out The Lovell Quinta
Open daily, 10am-3pm (except Michelin-starred restaurant. of rock in the Quarry Garden, and Arboretum, Cheshire
24 and 25 Dec, last entry 2pm) Book at leonardsleegardens.co.uk enjoy the low sunshine and frost Explore 40 acres of woodland filled
Open daily (except 25 Dec), across the scented formal gardens with unusual trees, a lake, avenues
9am-4pm (last entry 2.30pm) with a hot chocolate or mulled and circular routes. The on-site
wine from the tearoom. Swettenham Arms provides roaring
Royal Botanic Garden, Book at english-heritage.org.uk/ fires and real ales to enjoy after.
Edinburgh belsay Book at No pre-booking required,
Wander around 70 acres of Open 26 Dec-3 Jan, 10am-5pm lovellquintaarboretum.co.uk
beautiful landscape with a view (last entry 4.30pm), then Sat & Sun Open Daily, 9am-sunset
of the Scottish capital’s historic only (until 31 Mar), 10am-6pm (except 25 Dec)
skyline before nipping inside the
Glasshouses. Enjoy plants from Gibside, Tyne & Wear
around the world, including Enjoy tranquil walks around 600
treasures from steamy, tropical acres of gardens, woodland and
rainforests while warming up countryside. Explore the Palladian
your fingers and toes. chapel, an orangery and ruins, with
Book at rbge.org.uk views across the Derwent Valley.
Open daily, 10am-5pm (except Book at Tickets released 18 Dec,
Christmas Day and New Year’s nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Day); Glasshouses open 11am-3pm, Open garden daily, except 24 Dec,
(last entry 2.30pm) 9.30am-4pm, car park 10am-5pm

PEOPLE’S CHOICE
More than 5,000 of you voted and in a first
for the competition, GW readers and our
judges are in agreement – Elizabeth and
Malcolm Schofield’s garden has been
crowned the People’s Choice champion!
So this Scottish garden is a double winner.
2
WORDS: MIRANDA JANATKA AND ADAM DUXBURY. PHOTOS: RAY COX
Having already been crowned

the Judges’ Choice in our Gardens
of the Year competition 2020,
as revealed in last month’s issue,
Elizabeth and Malcolm’s family
garden has gone on to scoop the
People’s Choice award too. Their
double win marks the first time a
garden has achieved this feat since
the competition launched, and the
pair couldn’t be more excited.
“Things like this just don’t happen
to us. We kind of just keep our
1
heads down and get on with life,
so for something like this to
70 gardenersworld.com
1 Malcolm was inspired
to create a gravel garden
outside the house after
watching a TV programme
about Beth Chatto
2 A gate separates the upper
and lower parts of the
garden. The couple say
they wanted to create a
feeling of emerging from
a more lush, tropical area
into a tranquil gravel garden
“We were grinning like Cheshire cats for

the whole day, after we found out we’d won”
Elizabeth & Malcolm Schofield, Moray
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
happen to us is just an amazing,
incredible thing,” says Liz.
“I couldn’t actually take in what
was being said,” adds Malcolm
about receiving the news. “I had
to pass the phone to Liz! It’s just
mind-blowing that not only did
the judges love it, but that
everyone else loved it as well.”
The couple transformed a
steeply sloping, bramble-covered
hillside to create their garden,
which can be seen and admired
from the public footpath that
runs along the bottom. They are
especially pleased that their local
community has been vocal in
their support after their initial win
was revealed in the local papers.
“Lots more people have been
3
coming by since we won. It’s
lovely to now know we have their
approval and appreciation after
winning this award too.”
The family plan to continue
developing the rest of their
garden with a new found level
of confidence. They feel that their
trial and error approach, and the
steep learning curve they’ve been
on, has resulted in real rewards,
not to mention real awards, too.
3 The path cuts down the plot at

angles, with drifts of perennials Lot’s more people
have been coming
to admire along the way
4 The planting right outside
the front door is calming and
cheerful – just what the family
by since we won
need when they step outside
Gardens of
the Year 2021
The competition opens for
new entries in April, so why
not start thinking about
entering your garden now?
■ Thanks to our prize supplier

Long Travel, the Schofields win
a fantastic holiday.
INSIDE YOUR GARDENS
Over a thousand of you entered our Gardens of the Year Competition 2020, and we loved seeing your photos and reading about gardens of all
shapes and sizes. It has been a privilege to be welcomed into your gardens and discover what they mean to you. You’ve shared with us how your
gardens have been more vital than ever this year, providing places of sanctuary, creative expression and a space for growth. Here, we share just
a small selection of the entries. Head to gardenersworld.com/garden-competition to see even more of your special and unique gardens.
As the owner of
tricky garden, and
adoptive parent to three
now-grown children
with complex needs,
I thrive on challenge.
With patience, help from
Angie Hart friends and the ability to
East Sussex delight in growth, I can
On a cliff-top site with dry,
say I’m very proud of
chalky soil and salty winds, Angie
has made the most of the sea what and who both the
views, with a vision of creating a arden and children
hybrid of Derek Jarman’s shingle ave become.
paradise in Dungeness and
Monet’s Giverny garden.
I’m now the same

age as my father when
he passed away 30 years
ago, and I feel a real
connection to him out
here. We grow his
avourite yellow rose up
Karen Spencer
is shed to remember
Norfolk
An ordinary plot that’s been
him and know he would
transformed into a colourful, be so very proud of all
tropical paradise. And with mum we’ve done.
living next door, Karen has turned
some of the garden her father
used to tend into an allotment
full of vegetables and fruit trees.
My garden is my soul
mate, she’s mischievous
nd definitely female.
I know so many people
who garden through loss
– it keeps them sane and
stops them from being
Sadie Janice Levine lonely. You care for your
SCHOFIELD GARDEN PHOTOS: RAY COX
Middlesex garden, but without

On a tight budget, Sadie knowing it your garden
transformed the neglected space
behind her home, creating a
is taking care of you.
playground for her children and
an emotional safe space for
herself, following the loss of her
daughter Carla, at 11 days old.

INSIDE YOUR GARDENS
As so much land
around us here is used
for agriculture, we
wanted to offer a refuge
for wildlife. I don’t think
that needs to be at the
expense of a garden
being beautiful – it’s all
Simon Cain about balance and
Powys picking the right plants
With much hard graft, Simon for pollinators.
created a garden befitting of the
400-year-old house attached to it.
Digging up stone to make paths
and walls, he also created six
large borders, a vegetable
garden and a meadow.
Our garden has been

a key part of our lives as
a family. It has helped to
shape our respective
identities and how we’ve
since come to see the
world. It’s an arena for
continuous observation
Prakash Daswani
of, and purposeful
Middlesex
Prakash and his wife Joanne
engagement with, all
were born in India and Trinidad living things, which
respectively, so love the sunshine inevitably engenders
and uninterrupted views of blue a profound sense of
skies in their south-facing garden.
Their summer garden parties are
gratitude for their
the highlight of the year. existence.
Our garden is our little

piece of heaven. We love
holidays in Greece and
on a sunny day, out here
drinking Greek wine and
eating vine leaves, we
can really believe we’re
back there. In summer,
Martin Southwood, his is our biggest and
ost used room of all.
London
Making the most of the urban
heat and with clever planning,
Martin and his wife Margaret have
created a holiday-inspired haven,
ideal for entertaining. Martin built
the curved seating area himself,
to maximise the limited space.

INSIDE YOUR GARDENS
Here I can concentrate

on something that gives
me pleasure, and
mentally unwind. It also
means I can have others
around me, but with the
space to do my own thing.
When growing tropical
Terry Barton-Smith plants, my tendency to
Isle of Wight think things through
Terry has transformed a a lot and plan ahead
bramble-covered lawn into a is very useful.
tropical garden with palms, a pond
and bog garden, teeming with
wildlife. Terry has autism and his
garden provides a sanctuary away
from worries and pressures.
I am a ridiculously
romantic person and put
a lot of heart and soul
into the garden. It fills my
heart to see the flowers
blooming, releases any
tension – and a glass of
Champagne is crucial!
Thespina De Rosa
Cambridge
Thespina uses a combination
of rambling roses, candles and
fairy lights to create an intimate
haven. There are various seating
areas for different times of day,
where she likes to sit and write her
novels and relax in the evening.
I see gardening
as a slowly changing
process – always trying
to improve it, without
a definite end.
Ann McMeikan
West Sussex
Creating her garden was a
relaxing escape from her stressful
job in child protection. It’s a rich
array of maples, hostas, ferns and See more gardens at
more. Ann’s late husband loved gardenersworld.com/
vivid dahlias, to her dismay, but she garden-competition
now grows them with fondness.

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Your
wildlife
month
Wildlife in December means that the
days are short and cold. Most creatures
are hibernating but birds are sitting it out,
desperately looking for food during the
few daylight hours. Leave out suet treats, seeds and
nuts to give them the calories they need to stay
warm; and fresh water for bathing and drinking.
Insects and other invertebrates are hibernating.
Leave compost heaps alone until spring, avoid
cutting long grass or disturbing log and leaf piles.
If cutting plants, pile the waste at the back of borders
till spring to avoid disturbing any critters hiding in
seedheads or stems. In mild regions, hedgehogs may
still visit at night so keep leaving food out for them
until it’s no longer taken. WORDS KATE BRADBURY
You may spot…

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
One of our most common and
easily recognisable birds, the robin
is small and brown, with stick-like,
bandy legs, a bright-red breast and
a creamy underbelly – you’re likely
to have a resident one in your
garden, at least for part of the year. Honeybees love mahonia nectar
Male and female robins are
identical, while young robins have parts of Eastern Europe arrive
a speckled breast instead of a red to winter in the British Isles.
one. They eat worms, insects and
other invertebrates, seeds and fruit.
Mating occurs in spring, with the
female making a cup-shaped nest It’s said that a
At this time of year you may spot from leaves and moss. She lays up
them in your berrying shrubs and
trees, particularly rowan.
to six eggs, which hatch in around
14 days. Both parents feed the
robin’s winter call is
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/KIRK NORBURY, PHOTO_RUSSIA
They sing all year round, with a

series of trickling, almost watery
chicks. The young fledge after three
weeks and the parents go on to
more mournful than
notes. It’s said that its winter call
is more mournful than its spring
have a second, or even third, brood.
its spring and summer
and summer call – in fact, the Also look out for
song is exactly the same.  Honeybees, which emerge from call – in fact, the song
Most British and Irish robins stay the hive on sunny days and can get
in the same location all year. Some
females migrate south for winter,
grounded if the sun disappears. Pop
them on winter-flowering mahonia
is exactly the same
often to warmer parts of the UK or or honeysuckle for a sugary boost.
across the Channel. In turn, robins  Fieldfares and redwings may still
from Scandinavia, Russia and other be hunting for food in your garden.

wildlife

Winter
pruning
Unsure what to prune now? Follow Alan Titchmarsh’s easy guide
to shape your plants so they look good plus flower and fruit well
How many times have you put it off? shoot growth, whereas summer pruning a year old should be pruned immediately after
Pruning, I mean. In winter. When trees and tends to slow growth down. flowering – forsythia, flowering currant, deutzia,
shrubs are dormant. It’s just so easy to Pruning now allows you to improve the shape philadelphus and the like. If you prune these in
procrastinate, to leave it for another year, of the plant, to remove overcrowded branches winter, you’ll lose the flowering stems. Instead,
by which time you know, in your heart of and any that make it lop-sided. It can also let them bloom, then prune them to encourage
hearts, that the branches of said tree or shrub encourage barren fruit trees to concentrate growth that will flower the following year.
will have grown out of reach or formed a dense their energies on producing flowers and fruit, With fruit trees, avoid pruning stone fruits,
thicket that probably won’t flower or fruit well. rather than a mass of vigorous leafy growth – such as plums, cherries and damsons, in winter.
It’s time to bite the bullet and get stuck in. provided you prune sensitively. If you just chop These are best pruned in summer, when silver
Winter pruning needn’t be difficult if you everything back to make a rounded dome, leaf disease and bacterial canker are less
follow a few simple rules of thumb. The you’ll end up with a forest of new growth the prevalent and the trees are in active growth.
leafless branches mean you see what you’re following spring. Selective pruning is the key. So what should you prune now? The following
doing, so you can more easily choose what The first thing to do is to decide which plants are plants that will really benefit from pruning,
to keep and what to cut out. Just remember are best left alone. Shrubs that flower in spring between now and the beginning of March.
that winter pruning will stimulate subsequent and early summer on stems that are more than So put it off no more – I’ll explain what to do...
Deciduous
shrubs
Those grown for their
foliage – such as cotinus
and berberis – can be
pruned into shape now.
If you want lots of young
growth in spring, cut back
quite hard. However, don’t
tackle shrubs that flower
in spring and summer –
wait until after flowering.
Prune figs now unless
you’re in a very cold area,
wearing gloves to protect
you from latex allergies.
Remove any stems that get
in the way, and if the plant
is growing against a wall,
space out and tie in the
branch framework, cutting

off any stems that grow
straight out from the wall.

alan’s pruning guide
Wisteria
There’s nothing more
alarming than a wisteria
that’s been allowed to
get away. It turns into a
tangled mass of stems
that flower poorly. This
vigorous climber needs
to be pruned twice a year,
in winter and summer.
Right now, remove any
shoots that are growing
where you don’t want
them. Next, space out and
tie in the remaining stems,
to extend the coverage.
Then cut back all the
sideshoots to finger
length. Prune again in July,
reducing any unwanted,
snaking stems to 30cm.
This twice-yearly cycle
of pruning encourages the
development of a durable
framework of branches
and abundant flower buds
on the short spurs left
behind, rather than a
welter of leafy growth.
Pruning wisteria creates a

durable framework of branches and
encourages abundant flower buds
on the short spurs left behind
Group 3
clematis
These are the clematis
that flower in mid- to late
summer on new growth,
such as hybrids of Clematis
texensis and C. viticella.
They are the easiest
clematis to prune, simply
because the technique is
so straightforward – just
cut them back to within
about 30cm of the ground.
Group 3 clematis are
great for training up trellis
and obelisks, but are
particularly good to grow
through spring-flowering
shrubs such as Viburnum
plicatum ‘Mariesii’. The
clematis will scramble up
through the branches and,
once the shrub’s flowers
have faded, will provide a
second season of interest
through summer. If you’re
growing clematis this way,
remove all the dead growth
now, so the shrub can bloom
uncluttered in spring, before
new clematis shoots appear.
Roses
Bush roses are usually If shrub roses are wildly
grouped into large-flowered overgrown, you can cut them
or hybrid tea roses and cluster- back really hard, right down
flowered or floribunda roses, to knee height, to rejuvenate
but the boundaries are them. It doesn’t half give them
increasingly blurred. With all a kick in the pants! Feed them
of them, remove dead or weak and add a mulch of manure
stems, and any that overcrowd in spring. Then you’ll need to
the centre of the bush. Aim for thin out the subsequent
a well-spaced framework of regrowth in summer.
healthy stems, then cut them all With climbing and
back to knee height. Make your rambling roses, remove a few
cuts above outward-facing of the old stems each winter.
buds, to avoid crowding the Any new, vigorous stems
centre. It’s as simple as that. should be tied in to supports,
Shrub roses should be and all sideshoots shortened
pruned more cautiously. to around finger length. Huge
Remove one or two of the ramblers like ‘Kiftsgate’ and

oldest stems each year to ‘Rambling Rector’ can be left
keep them youthful. Trim the well alone to leg it up into large
rest back by about 30cm, fruit trees. Cut their stems only
so they stay within bounds. when they get in your way.

Fruit
bushes
Gooseberries and
currants should be pruned
now to create an open,
goblet shape, and the
sideshoots trimmed back
to finger length. An open
centre encourages air
circulation, which helps
to discourage mildew.
Blueberries should be
relieved of any dead wood
now. One or two older
stems can be cut out each
winter too, to keep them
youthful and cropping well.
With raspberries,
autumn-fruiters should be
cut to the ground now.
The new canes that sprout
from the base in spring will
fruit later that same year,
unlike summer-fruiting
raspberries, which crop
on canes produced the
previous year. Summer-
fruiters should have been
pruned already, after the
crop was harvested, when
all fruited canes need to
be removed and new
ones tied to supports.
Deciduous
ornamental trees
If a tree is growing well, odd ones growing out at
is not casting too much an angle can be pruned into
shade, is shapely and within shape now, and any dead
bounds, leave it alone. If it’s branches removed.
a Japanese maple, leave it If you want to lift the
alone. And if it’s a magnolia, crown of the tree to allow
leave it alone – unless you’re more light in beneath it,
happy to have a butchered remove some of the lower
monstrosity that shouldn’t branches completely, cutting
have been planted there in back quite close (but not
the first place. Sorry, bit of flush) with the main trunk.
a sore point… butchered Leave a ‘knuckle’ of growth,
magnolias make me fume. which will callus over more
If you must do it, cut out one quickly than a flush cut.
or two stems entirely rather Trees grown for their
than chopping them back. ornamental foliage can be
Other trees that have lightly trimmed all over, but
misplaced branches or be wary of creating lollipops.
Apple and pear trees

These deserve more fruiting spurs, rather than a
attention than they generally mass of vigorous green shoots.
get. Don’t be tempted to prune Trained trees – espaliers and
them into neat domes, but do cordons – are best pruned in
reduce any long shoots to keep summer when the sideshoots
them within the canopy. Thin should be shortened to finger
out the branch framework to length, but you can cut out
encourage air circulation. any unwanted stems now.
Remove any crossing stems Above all, don’t be frightened
that are rubbing on others. of having a go at pruning apples
The leading (dominant) shoot and pears. The temptation is
can be cut back by a third, and to leave them alone and hope
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; TIM SANDALL
sideshoots shortened by half, so for the best, but they’ll fruit

you end up with a well-spaced far more productively and
framework of healthy branches be healthier with regular
and an increasing number of annual pruning.
VISIT gardenersworld.com/pruning for lots NEXT MONTH Alan shows how to get your
more tips on pruning all kinds of plants onions off to a great start

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Fresh
from the plot
It may be winter, but Rekha is
harvesting and planning next
Rekha Mistry is a keen veg grower
year’s crops, with a delicious
who loves to try exotic varieties and recipe for parsnip kedgeree
experiment with them in the kitchen.
A lthough it is quiet on the plot

She appeared in the 2015 BBC Two
series, The Big Allotment Challenge
now, there’s still plenty to harvest.
My visits this month will be fewer
Harvest now and farther between compared
Even though winter has kicked in,
I can dig up a few carrots, which
with the rest of the year, but with
are tucked under straw I use to every visit I am taking collards,
keep the ground and roots from leeks, mustard greens and winter
freezing. I’ll also snap off a few cabbages, with bunches of herbs
Brussels sprouts to add to
my pickings. My family have
like parsley and coriander tucked
requested their favourite soup, so into the trug, too. Even my
I’ll lift a leek or two to make that, lunchboxes hold winter salads
and snip off a few curly kale
such as endive, rocket and ‘Winter
leaves to sprinkle over the top.
A handful of strikingly coloured Density’ lettuce, which are growing
chard stems are a welcome sight in the unheated greenhouse.
in a light saag paneer curry. The green manures I grow, to
And, as I thin out my ‘Senshyu’
onions, the seedlings will be
protect the soil from erosion through
an aromatic addition to salads. the winter months, also add a
lushness to the plot. But I experience
a glum feeling at this time of the year
– I blame the lack of sunshine! To
get me motivated, I start planning
the new varieties of vegetables and
herbs to add to my plot next year.
There’s one date in December that
does excite me, though (no, not
Christmas Day) – 21 December. It’s
the shortest day in the calendar,
when we know that slowly the
daylight hours will start to increase.
After this date, the heated mat comes
out, seed trays get washed (again),
seed packets are selected and seed
compost bags tucked in the boiler
Rekha harvests
room to warm up. And come 26
Swiss chard adds vibrant colour ‘Hollow Crown’
to stews and curries December, seed sowing can begin. parsnips grown from
Ooh, I feel happier already! her own seeds

rekha’s kitchen garden
Flavour of the month

There’s a growing sense of anticipation
as I harvest parsnips on Christmas Eve – in
readiness of the big day – that even those
with the wonkiest of shapes can’t dampen.
My ‘Hollow Crown’ parsnips have spent
eight months developing their long tuberous
roots. For the past six weeks, with every
overnight frost we receive, I smile, knowing
the cold ground conditions are helping the
parsnips develop sweeter-flavoured flesh.
Parsnip kedgeree
YOU’LL NEED METHOD
K ¼ tsp cumin seeds 1 Heat a frying pan and
K 2 tbsp sunflower oil toast cumin seeds prior
K 1 tsp green chilli, to adding oil.
finely diced 2 Toss in the diced chilli,
K 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and white onion,
ginger and fry until the onion
K 1 small white onion, is soft, before stirring
peeled and diced in the turmeric, curry
K 1 tsp turmeric powder and salt to taste.
K 1 tsp curry powder Then add a tablespoon
K Salt to taste of water to stop the
K 200g basmati rice, spices from burning.
cooked 3 Add the rice, leftover
K 50g leftover roasted vegetables and lemon
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM; REKHA MISTRY
parsnips juice, and stir until

K 50g leftover cooked evenly mixed.
Brussels sprouts and 4 Garnish with red onion,
carrots (both optional) arrange eggs and
K Juice of ½ lemon sprinkle over chilli
K 1 small red onion, powder, then allow to
peeled and sliced cook for a further 5 mins.
K 2 eggs, boiled 5 Serve with a cool
and quartered carrot and mint raita
K ¼ tsp chilli powder
Serves 2 as a main dish

rekha’s kitchen garden
Jobs around the allotment

I envy fellow gardeners who are able to dig and
prepare soil at this time of the year. Sadly, my plot sits
on a high water table and is best left to rest while the
green manure grows to stop the soil from eroding.
Luckily, my broad beans don’t seem to mind and
they’re growing well. With such wet winters, my
water butts will collect rainwater and I’ll need to
make sure the guttering on my shed and greenhouses
are cleared of debris. Last month, I added plenty of
well-rotted compost to the soil. This area is now
ready for the last of the hardneck garlic varieties to
be planted out. The log path also needs my attention
and will be mulched with fresh woodchip. Garlic needs up to two months of cool temperatures, at under 10°C, for good bulb development
Rekha checks on her broad beans, which are growing well, and will be ready to harvest from May
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/PHOTOMARU

3 to start now
Gooseberry ‘Invicta’ Alfalfa microgreens Onion ‘Ailsa Craig’
Bred in the UK, this is a high- These tiny plants can be grown Loved by exhibition growers because
yielding and mildew-resistant densely in a small container the bulbs can grow huge, but this
variety that is delicious cooked on a windowsill. Packed full variety is also great for cooking
into puddings and jams. of nutrients, they’re great when harvested smaller.
How to Bare-root plants can be for perking up winter salads. How to Start in module trays
planted from November to March, How to Soak seeds for 8-12 hours using seed compost and
when the plants are dormant. in fresh tepid water, drain and place provide base heat until
Add plenty of organic matter to seeds in a sprouter or a large jar. germination occurs. Grow
the soil before planting, especially Over 2 to 3 days, rinse and drain on in a cold frame, then
on poor ground. Cooking varieties seeds until germination occurs. transfer into 7cm pots
will tolerate shade, but dessert Harvest when shoots are small, until ready to plant out in
types need plenty of sun. no larger than 3-4cm in length. spring, in a sunny spot.
NEXT MONTH Rekha shares a vegetable that will spice up winter salads
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PART 4 VEG FOR ALL SEASONS
row your own Follow Sally Nex’s
complete guide to
Christmas dinner growing next year’s

festive fayre
I love Christmas. I know,

it’s traditional to groan at
the cheesy songs, endless
shopping and over-
excited children; but for
me, Christmas is about
gathering my family at
a table loaded with food –
as much as possible of
which is homegrown.
I grow our Christmas
dinner because I want to
make it the best meal of
the year, and there’s no
better flavour than veg
that’s harvested moments
before cooking. I also like
knowing it’s pesticide-
free, with zero food miles.
Those Christmas table superstars, roasted root veg, taste even better when fresh from the plot
Home growing helps
bring down my Christmas Right, let’s get started. If you want to Christmassy bling. Insure against unpredictable
grow next year’s Christmas dinner, you should weather throwing timings out by sowing several
budget, too: the average start planning it now! Most years, I’m back in different varieties, and choosing ones that
Brit spends around £150 the garden on Boxing Day sowing onion seed mature at different rates. If the autumn is warm,
to grow into fat bulbs for next year’s sage and a mid-season Brussels sprout like ‘Bosworth’
on food over the festive onion stuffing. Don’t let on, but it’s also my is finished before Christmas – but sow a late-
period so all savings help! excuse for some peace and quiet after all the season variety too, like ‘Brendan’ (ready
hurly-burly of the day before – it’s actually fine December-February), and even if they crop
Besides, it’s a great to leave it till January! early you’ll still have sprouts on Christmas Day.
gardening challenge: it The post-Christmas lull is also a chance to sort
takes long-term planning, out seed supplies. Everyone has their own Select your spud with care
Christmas dinner traditions: most count on From January onwards, you can choose seed
and a bit of luck, but when roasties, sprouts and parsnips, but in my house potatoes for those all-important Christmas
we tuck in to home-grown honey-glazed roast carrots are also a big thing, roasties. Much is made of growing second-
PHOTOS: GETTY/DRON G; JASON INGRAM
while my mum makes a mean braised red cropping potatoes in sacks from late summer for
roasties, parsnips and cabbage. So write down a wish list of family fresh spuds on Christmas Day, but they’re waxy
sprouts with all the favourites, so you know what you need to grow. salad varieties; delicious for potato salad with
Start with rock-solid reliable varieties for your the cold turkey on Boxing Day, but not for really
trimmings it’s the pinnacle basic ingredients – those with the RHS Award of good roasties.
of my gardening year. Garden Merit (AGM) are a good bet – then add For those you need hefty, floury maincrop
something special. So alongside a dependable varieties like ‘Picasso’, ‘Cara’, or blight-resistant
maincrop orange carrot like ‘Autumn King’, grow ‘Sarpo Axona’. Grow them in the ground, starting
purple, yellow and white varieties for extra in April. Lift the whole crop on a fine day in

Your green Christmas
Sow two varieties

of Brussels sprout,
and even if they
crop early you’ll
still have sprouts on
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September, let the skins dry in the sun for a few

hours, then store the best in hessian or paper
sacks, somewhere frost-free, till Christmas.
Now is also your chance to start growing your
own Christmassy condiments, as winter is the
season to order bare-root fruit. Redcurrants are
prolific, though protect berries from birds: one
bush supplies more than enough redcurrant jelly
for the Christmas turkey. If cranberry sauce is
your thing, you can grow a cranberry bush in a
large pot filled with peat-free ericaceous
compost – just make sure you keep it really well
watered. Alternatively, make a cranberry bed:
dig a trench about 30cm deep and 1.2m wide,
line with polythene (punctured for drainage) and
fill with peat-free ericaceous compost before
planting bushes 90cm apart.
You can also order evergreen Christmas
herbs, including sage, rosemary and thyme,
to plant in spring in a sunny spot (they’re also
happy in containers). Sow parsley in June;
moss-curled varieties stay green all winter.
Once your seeds arrive, don’t be too quick to
sow them: the normal rush in spring is too soon,
as crops sown in March reach maturity by
midsummer and are all over by Christmas.
Start parsnips in April, as well as leeks and
maincrop potatoes. Wait till May to sow winter
brassicas, including red cabbage, Savoy
cabbage, kale and sprouts, as well as slow-
growing swedes. Cover them with insect-proof
mesh to keep butterflies and pigeons at bay.
Then in summer, carrots, turnips and beetroot
go in. With luck and a sprinkle of Christmas magic,
it’ll all come together in time for the big day.
See overleaf for tips on harvesting your feast 
TOP Mulch your LEFT Sow leek seeds

cranberries with in a tray and plant
pine needles or out when about 15cm
low-alkaline sand. tall BELOW Sage is
They need a high very hardy and
acid soil to thrive will tolerate frosts
PHOTOS: GETTY/MPS197, RIJKE; JASON INGRAM

Lift leeks a few

weeks early to bury
in loose soil, in a
sheltered trench.
You can then
pull them out on
Christmas morning
If you’ve been growing your Christmas dinner veg for months, you want to make sure it’s in tip-top condition when you harvest
How to do it: Harvesting your feast

Cold is normally a good thing for winter You can then pull them out, in perfect condition,
veg: it makes sprouts, kale and parsnips on even the coldest Christmas morning. COMING UP
produce sucrose in defence (a bit like plant Leave everything else till just before cooking
January Planning your veg plot year
antifreeze), making them taste sweeter. But to capture flavours at their best. Brussels
February Growing your own fruit
a hard frost can also weld your Christmas mature from the lowest sprouts upwards,
dinner into the ground, making harvesting so snap out buttons from the centre of the
impossible. Mulching crops thickly with straw stalk where they’re full-sized but still tightly
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
helps keep the ground soft, but it often blows wrapped. Cut cabbages cleanly just below the
away. I prefer to lift leeks, parsnips, carrots head, and use only the youngest kale leaves, VISIT gardenersworld.com/fruit-veg
and turnips a few weeks early to bury in loose no more than 10cm long, when they’re tender for more advice on growing and harvesting
soil, leaving just their necks showing, in a with a rich earthy flavour. Christmas dinner your crops throughout the year
trench dug in a sheltered spot near the house. simply doesn’t get any better.

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PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
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December
Growing guide
✁
Plant an array of delicious fruits and berries this month, as well as hardy veg crops
Plant/sow Harvest
Key crops for December Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Apples
Rich in fibre which aids digestive health and
helps manage cholesterol levels. Store out Tips Grow with another apple variety in the same pollination group. Water regularly in the first year Plant
of the fridge to increase vitamin C levels. at the depth previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 1.9m apart 5m between rows
Blackberries
Studies suggest specially bred thornless garden
varieties may supply up to twice the beneficial Tips Grow in full sun for plenty of sweet fruits. Cut back all stems to one healthy bud after planting Plant
anthocyanins as a hedgerow crop. 8cm deeper than previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 3m apart 1.8m between rows
Broad beans
These nutritious beans are packed with fibre,
protein, phosphorus, vitamins B and C. Add left Tips Support tall plants with canes and twine, so they don’t flop. Water regularly once they begin to flower
over cooked beans to a pesto or houmous. to help the pods swell Sow 8cm deep Final spacing 23cm apart 45cm between rows
Garlic
Famed for its health benefits. Don’t bin old
bulbs, even if sprouting – they’re richer in Tips Remove weeds regularly so they don’t smother young garlic plants. Avoid watering the leaves or bulbs,
sulphur chemicals which are good for the heart to deter fungal disease Plant 5cm deep Final spacing 20cm apart 30cm between rows
Mulberries
A valuable source of nutritutional compounds –
iron, vitamin C and potassium – which may help Tips Mulberries can take up to five years to fruit. Feed often in winter and mulch the soil in spring Plant
manage blood sugar levels and cholesterol. at the depth previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 1.9m apart 5m between rows
Quinces
Quinces are low in calories and also contain
potassium and vitamin C. Once picked, allow the Tips Plant in a warm, sunny spot. Protect the early blossom from spring frosts using fleece Plant
fruit to mature for six weeks before cooking. at the depth previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 1.9m apart 5m between rows
Raspberries
These contain anti-cancer ellagic acid, vitamin
C, folate and beta-carotene. Pick them at their Tips Prune fruited canes of summer raspberries after fruiting, cutting them to ground level Plant 5cm
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; STEPHEN MARWOOD; TIM SANDALL; ADRIAN TAYLOR
ripest to optimise their antioxidant levels. deeper than previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 45cm apart 1.8m between rows
Redcurrants
Rich in protective flavonoids and a useful source
of B vitamins. You can also use these jewel-like Tips Grow in sun or shade, though in shade they may crop later and have less flavour Plant at the
fruits to decorate cakes and desserts. depth previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 1.5m apart 1.8m between rows
Shallots
Among all onion varieties, these may contain the
highest levels of flavonoid quercetin, which is Tips Plant sets in November, rather than sowing seeds. Remove any flower spikes as soon as they appear
thought to help reduce seasonal allergies. Plant so tip of set just shows Final spacing 15cm apart 30cm between rows
Tayberries
A blackberry-raspberry cross, tayberries are rich
in pectin so are good for jam-making. They also Tips Protect from birds with netting or a fruit cage. Harvest the berries once they’re deep purple Plant
contain vitamin C and beneficial flavonoids. 5cm deeper than previously grown in the nursery Final spacing 2.4m apart 1.8m between rows
VISIT gardenersworld.com/what-to-do-now for more advice on the best crops to sow and plant this month, and how to do it.
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Your 10-page monthly planner
WHAT TO
WHAT TO DO NOW | DECEMBER

DO NOW
50 things to do this month from the Gardeners’ World team
113 110
Prep your Check
Christmas stored
tree harvests
107
Take
winter root
cuttings
101
Gather holly
for festive
decor
104
Tidy up
messy
borders
PLUS Protect ponds K Harvest celeriac K Prune grapevines K Clean and oil your tools K Sort out seeds K Plant fruit
MONTY’S MONTH

Monty gathers
holly from the
hedges to make
Christmas
decorations for
the house the
natural way
Monty’s month
December weather is often the worst of taking holly from the hedges, where the
the year in that it is grey, wet, cold and birds have not eaten all the berries, and
dank. However, if we get cold, frosty mistletoe from the increasingly large
weather then the garden can be bunches growing on the apple trees
transformed. The mud is hard enough to in the orchard.
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; JASON INGRAM
walk on, the air is bright and fresh and We make a wreath for the front door
the whole garden rimed and glittering from ivy gathered from and under the
with frost; and suddenly all kinds of trees in the wildlife garden. We also take
winter jobs become possible, from yew from the bit of hedge we can never
pruning to gathering crisp, semi-frozen reach to prune properly, and for a week WATCH Monty’s video
guide to growing hyacinths at
leaves. I try and gather all of our or so over Christmas the midwinter
gardenersworld.com/how-to
Christmas decorations from the garden, darkness is lit by garden green.
Harvest celeriac
One of our minor family like an overgrown truffle. The leaves of the tiny seeds in March, through
traditions is chestnut and celeriac can be retained to flavour soups, their careful cultivation and nurture
soup on boxing day, so it has stock and stews but it is the base during summer and autumn, leads
become a point of honour to have that is the prize. to a very special occasion on this
enough of the warty, swollen celeriac Bought celeriac is always larger one Boxing Day lunch.
growing in the garden to make than life, but I like the intensity of
a generous quantity. taste of the much smaller versions WATCH videos and get
Once it has been scrubbed under that I grow, and although we have more tips from Monty at
a cold tap with a good bristly brush enough to eat it from October, gardenersworld.com/monty
to get in all the crevices, it emerges through to early spring, the sowing
When you’re
harvesting
celeriac, wash
the swollen
stem thoroughly
and keep the
leaves too – they
give a celery
flavour to soups
and stock

MONTY’S MONTH

It’s not too late to plant a container that has interest through till spring
Plant up a winter display

This display will look good from day adds a green depth and a contrast to
one and improve over the months the witch hazel’s bare branches. The
to spring. Witch hazel (Hamamelis x latter will soon become the star of
intermedia), does not like our heavy the show when the branches start to
clay soil, but in a container I can give bristle into flower from late January.
it the drainage and slightly acidic If the pot is too precious, or space
compost that it prefers by mixing too limited, for the relative drabness
in a generous amount of bracken of this ensemble after flowering then
compost with leafmould and grit. it can be decanted, the cyclamen
Florist’s cyclamen (C. persicum), can composted and the ivy and witch
be planted in flower and will bloom hazel planted out or potted on and
for weeks if the weather does not get set aside until next winter while the
Container gardening means you can give a plant exactly the soil it needs too cold, and trailing ivy immediately pot is used for a summer display.
HARVEST KALE
Whether you grow Don’t forget
lush, green, curly kale, Look for dead or
the purple ‘Redbor’, or damaged stems on trees
or shrubs and prune out
the dark Italian
varieties from Tuscany, Construct and repair
borecole (kale) is a climber tripods
delicious, hardy source Continue making
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
of winter nutrition. leafmould using

Pick the leaves once fallen leaves
they get to 20cm long,
Bring sprigs of fragrant
discarding the central winter blooms indoors
vein on the oldest to enjoy
leaves, which can be Kale is one of
tough to eat. Sow in the many fresh
spring or early summer brassicas VISIT gardenersworld.

available from com/basics for more tips on
for a valuable harvest the veg plot at winter gardening jobs
in the winter months. this time of year

Patrol for snails
Take a bucket and go on a snail hunt.

In winter, snails hibernate under the
cover of foliage, stones, paving slabs,
on brickwork and behind climbers.
Target the areas that have plants that
snails love to eat – these pests won’t
QUICK
be far away. Pick them off and take SOLUTIONS
them at least 20m away if you don’t Grab a pair of clean, sharp
want them to return in spring. Snails shears to trim back untidy,
avoid freezing winter weather by soggy perennials when you
gathering in groups in sheltered spots notice them. Those that are
and using a plug of dried mucous to falling over the lawn or
block their shell entrances. other perennials need
cutting back before they
VISIT gardenersworld. affect the health of the
com/problems for more plants around them. If the
advice on pest control plant is too tough for
Search for snails on cold days when you’ll likely find several together shears, use your secateurs.
Tidy up messy borders

Get out into the garden to give your
borders a tidy up before winter
back as more tender plants such
as salvias are vulnerable to
Don’t forget
really sets in. Wet soil can be penetrating frosts and need some Prune ornamental vines,
damaged if you walk over it, so wait cover provided by upper branches. trimming shoots back to
for a clear, dry day. Trim back broken Hand weed and add a layer of two buds away from the
flower heads and branches that compost mulch, to maintain the main framework
have been battered by the winds. soil moisture for next season
Be careful not to prune too much and boost growth in the spring. Sow seeds of alpines
and leave outdoors, but
protect the pot from rain
with a sheet of glass
Continue potting up lily

bulbs and leave outside
Sow pelargonium seeds

Give spent flowers a second life for summer bedding
by using them in creative projects
Cut flowerheads Clean your

for decoration watering cans
Cut off the heads of grasses and Clean the inside of your watering
upright perennials to make can to remove debris, fungal
Christmas decorations. Seedheads spores and algae that grows when
of honesty, button heads of monarda water is left in the bottom. Use
and echinacea, or spiky sea holly can a bottlebrush down the spout
all be used to make dried displays. and wash the rose separately.
Collect them on a dry day and Citrus-based garden disinfectants
put them upright into empty jars for are safe for plants, so are good
a couple of days to dry the heads to use in a can, but fresh water
before arranging. Hydrangea flowers and a scrubbing brush followed
can be dried upright in the same by thorough rinsing is also fine.
way. These faded blooms can be
sprayed or mixed with evergreen
foliage from the garden.
WATCH videos and get

tips for festive projects at
gardenersworld.com/creative
Tidy up messy stems, but save cutting grasses until spring

FLOWERS
Take cuttings of Maintain your

flowering shrubs cut flowers
Cut the thickest straight stems of this Strip the lower leaves then trim the
year’s growth on deciduous shrubs stem base of cut flowers. Put them
like viburnum and weigela, to make in a bucket of clean water for a few
hardwood cuttings now they’re hours to extend their vase life.
dormant. Trim the cuttings to approx. Make a vertical slit at the base
15-20cm, leaving a bud at the top and of woody stems before plunging
the bottom. They will root easily in a them in slightly warmer water.
sheltered spot in the garden. Add Arrange them in a vase kept
grit to the soil and bury two-thirds somewhere cool and bright for the
of their length. They’ll be rooted by longest display over Christmas.
late spring and can be left to grow,
then moved next autumn.
Keep plants like cyclamen cool, to help the flowers last
Look after Christmas plants

Make new woody perennials like Put your Christmas pot plants in the need a bit more warmth but must Prepare your cut flowers carefully
cornus from hardwood cuttings right place to help them last for the avoid direct heat of any kind, while to increase their vase life
whole festive season and beyond. orchids need warmth and light.
Azaleas, Christmas cactus and Water them all sparingly from
VISIT gardenersworld. cyclamen can go somewhere cool the bottom with rainwater that BRING IN BUDS
com/propagation for more and light. Snip out flowers as they go has had time to come up to room
advice on making new plants over to encourage more blooms and temperature. Mist the orchids if Cut shoots from
to keep them in growth. Poinsettias you’ve had the heating turned up. winter-flowering
shrubs early in the
month to bring under
Sort seeds cover. Kept in a cool
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/JAMES GUILLIAM (EYEEM); JASON INGRAM; TIM SANDALL
Go through your seed tin to make a spot in a bucket of

shopping list for new seed and put
them back into a sowing order for
water, the buds will
spring. Check the sow-by dates and gradually open to
discard out-of-date seed. In general, give you beautiful
the harder the seed coat, the longer flowers for festive
the seed will last in your tin.
Sort into sowing order – some may
decorations. Try
need sowing straight away to get a scented Viburnum
cold period before germinating. Next x bodnantense or
are the early-sown pelargoniums and delicate, pale winter
half-hardy annuals, followed by hardy
annuals to sow straight into the
jasmine. Avoid
border, then perennials and biennials. placing them in
a warm spot until
WATCH videos and get you need to so they
tips at gardenersworld.com/
seeds-bulbs
stay fresh for as
Use dividers to file your seed packets into monthly sowing order long as possible.
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GREENHOUSE
Maintain tools

Clean and oil your tools ready for
the spring season. Brush off any
soil or debris and carefully take
out any removable blades. Use
a solvent and fine wet and dry
sandpaper to remove plant resin
from blades used for pruning.
Drip some oil across a sharpening
stone then angle the blade down
before pushing it evenly on the
stone. Use a circular motion for
curved secateurs blades. Wipe off
the excess oil, reset the blades into
Tidy up pots to prepare for spring the tool and, finally, oil all the moving
and prevent bugs overwintering parts before storing somewhere dry.
Sort containers
Stack your pots in size order to make
sowing and potting easier this spring
– once stacked, they’ll also take up
less room. Check them for cracks
or splits. Keep cracked terracotta
pots as they can be bound with
wire to extend their life a bit.
A thermometer will help you to monitor temperature and humidity
Don’t forget Check heat and ventilation

Regularly remove Use a thermometer to monitor the fungal disease at low light levels,
dead leaves from temperature of your greenhouse. so check the effects of opening the
overwintering plants In winter, unheated greenhouses vents on temperature. It depends
to prevent rots and will still warm up in the sunshine a bit on what you’re growing but, Use a whetstone to give tools a
moulds taking hold and may need ventilation. in general, when the day length sharper and more efficient cut
Some greenhouse heaters have is short and the light intensity low,
Only water plants
sparingly this month
thermostats so that the temperature you should keep the temperature WATCH videos and get
can be automatically controlled. low so that you don’t encourage more tips at gardenersworld.
as growth will be slow Whichever system you have, too much soft growth that won’t com/greenhouse
ventilation is still key to controlling be able to develop efficiently.
STEP BY STEP Take root cuttings

Fill a pot or tray with gritty
compost for Japanese anemone
winter root cuttings. Root them
on a bench or cold frame. The
shoots show quickly but it’ll
be late spring before they’ve
developed a good root system.
1 Dig up a section of roots from

the outside of the clump, where
WORDS: EMMA CRAWFORTH; ROSIE YEOMANS
they are young and vigorous.
2 Select the thickest pieces and

cut them into sections. Shoots
emerge from the top and roots
from the bottom, so lay them
all the same way round.
3 Gently press each one into

the surface before adding
a thin cover of compost or grit.
Firm the surface, then water.
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FRUIT AND VEG
Put up bird Plan next year’s

feeders crop rotation
Feed birds to keep them healthy over Take some notes or draw a sketch
winter so they nest in your patch and to record the positions where last
help with pest management next season’s crops grew. It’s good to
season. Use a variety of feeders rotate crops, particularly the ones –
to provide seeds, nuts, grains and like onions, potatoes and brassicas
high-calorie foods such as fat balls. – that are vulnerable to soil-borne
Place the feeders high up and pests and diseases.
away from any cover where Avoid growing any crop in the
predators like cats can wait to same place next year and think
pounce. Keep the feeders clean about the condition of your soil –
and top them up regularly. root crops could follow potatoes
since the ground has already
been dug when lifting the tubers.
Always water in new trees, even when the soil is already damp
Place fat balls in a hanging feeder

Plant new fruit trees
to attract a wide range of birds Dig a hole to the same depth as the the tree while you backfill with soil,
roots of your new fruit tree but twice compost and bonemeal fertiliser.
VISIT gardenersworld. as wide. Fork the bottom of the hole, Firm it in and water, then finish
com/wildlife for more advice add some garden compost, then off with a layer of mulch. Pick off
on caring for wildlife water. Provide a support, such as a any fruit that forms in the first year
stake if you’re in a windy spot. Hold to let the tree build its strength. Plan and mark out where you
want next season’s crops to grow
VISIT gardenersworld.
com/basics for more advice
on preparing soil for crops
20
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM. THANKS TO STRAWBERRY HILL, TWICKENHAM
MINUTES
TO SPARE
QUICK
Clear and clean up paths
around and between
your veg beds. These can
harbour weeds and pests, SOLUTIONS
which will colonise your
WORDS: EMMA CRAWFORTH; ROSIE YEOMANS
beds when the weather If you don’t have time to

gets warmer, so it’s worth Wait until all the foliage has died back before cutting back the old stems pick individual sprouts
maintaining paths now. while on your allotment,
Remove any weeds – a you can cut a whole stem
heat gun is good for hard Cut back this year’s asparagus stems to keep at home in a bucket
paths. Repair worn patches Cut back your old asparagus stems have retreated for winter. Give the of water in a cool place.
in grass and renew bark right down to ground level. While birds a day or two to feast on what Stems last well like this,
mulch that has broken you’re there, disturb the ground they can find, then mulch the bed enabling you to pick off
down into fine particles. immediately around the stems, as this with a thick layer of rotted manure the sprouts as needed.
is where the asparagus beetle will or garden compost for winter.

FRUIT AND VEG
PRUNE GRAPEVINES
Remove any
Y SAV Grapevines are
NE wrinkled or
MO
among the plants

ER
damaged fruits
to avoid disease that bleed sap if
affecting the
rest of the crop
pruned at the wrong
time of year, so late
autumn and early
winter is the season
to prune them. If
you’re worried, do
an experimental cut
to make sure there’s
no bleeding. You
simply need to cut
back the ends of
the framework
stems, to
Check stored harvests keep it in
its bounds,
Lift the covers of stored crops to Go through them all and pick out are clean, dry and not touching.
check they are still fresh. The longer any that are wrinkled or have brown If there are any other sources of then cut all
they are in storage, the more spots. Cut out and cook any good moisture in the room, like pot sideshoots
vulnerable they are to losing parts and discard the rest. Make sure plants, move those out to maximise growing
moisture or developing brown rot. that any fruits or veg left in storage the potential storage time.
out of the
framework
back to a
couple of
buds from
the main
stems.
Don’t forget
Harvest winter cabbage
and cauliflower, celery,
celeriac, leeks, forced
chicory and winter
salad leaves
Plant cabbage ‘Hispi’ into

cold frames or an
unheated greenhouse
Start sowing onion seed

under glass after
Christmas, to get an
LOOK OUT FOR exhibition-quality crop
Ice in bird baths Scrub plastic labels with cleanser to get rid of out-of-date writing
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/BY-STUDIO
Birds need water all year Plant garlic cloves to give

round. You can act before them the benefit
ice forms by floating a ball Recycle old plant labels of winter chilling
or lining the bath with Bring in all your plastic labels from the Pencil markings are the easiest to
polythene, so you can veg patch and wash them, ready to clean, but even permanent marker Winter-prune fruit
remove the ice and refll. But reuse next year. Wash off the soil and can be scrubbed enough to write trees and bushes –
if ice appears unexpectedly, debris with hot soapy water and use over. Wipe them dry and store. turn to p80 to discover
melt it promptly. a dab of abrasive cream cleanser Plastic labels will last for years when the methods
and a scourer to remove the writing. cleaned and kept inside for the winter.

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3 WHITE WITH BASKETS BUHBW03-GW1220 £36
3 BLUE WITH BASKETS BUHBB03-GW1220 £36
3 PINK WITH BASKETS BUHBP03-GW1220 £36
3 (1 OF EACH COLOUR)
WITH BASKETS BUHBM03-GW1220 £36
P&P (UK ONLY) £4.95

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HAYLOFT PLANTS, MANOR FARM NURSERY, PENSHAM, PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE WR10 3HB
AROUND THE GARDEN
Willow pollards Don’t forget

should be
Beechgrove pruned each Hold newly harvested
P winter with the leeks upside down when
trunks kept trimming off and rinsing
short muddy roots to prevent
mud entering leaf layers
Turn the contents of

compost bins to warm
up on frosty mornings
VIEW FROM BEECHGROVE Add birch or hazel twigs

as plant supports to
Pollarding willow forced daffodils
We prune the willow hedge every December while it’s dormant. The variety,
BEECHGROVE GARDEN Salix ‘Flanders Red’, provides good material for weaving and, with willow’s ready Keep a supply of gritty
The TV programme is off air until ability to root, propagating. The willows are pruned to the pollard head, a gnarly sharp sand handy in the
2021, but the garden is tended bump like a knuckle on the trunk that has developed over time from yearly garden and make salt
over winter, ready to pruning. The height is kept at just over 1m, manageably low as, being a weaker for paths go further
host the show from wood, willow is not suited for pollarding when the full height of a mature tree. by mixing the two
spring to autumn. This year’s growth is cut back to one bud above the pollard head.
E SAV
M
ER
TI
Don’t forget
Protect outdoor taps
from freezing weather
by taping bubble
polythene over them
Brush heavy snow off

hedges, tree limbs and
greenhouses to avoid
damaging them
Keep off the lawn if it

is very wet or frosted,
saving any lawn care
for better weather
Don’t forget your pond creatures
when the weather gets colder
Stop your pond

freezing over
WORDS: EMMA CRAWFORTH; ROSIE YEOMANS. BEECHGROVE WORDS: MAIRI RATTRAY
Place a football to float on your pond

surface to ensure an air hole for your
pond creatures when it freezes. Ice
on the surface is fine for a short time
as the slightly warmer water
underneath the ice provides shelter A few simple preparations will ensure your tree lasts the festive season
for any wildlife. Snow on ice blocks
the light, which can deoxygenate
the pond fast, so brush that off. Make your Christmas tree last Next month
A specialised pond heater is a sure Measure the space in your room outside in a bucket of water Start sowing crops for your
way to stop the pond freezing if you before you go Christmas tree overnight. Use a stand that holds 2021 vegetable garden
have a high density of fish. shopping. Select one that looks fresh, water and choose a place in the
has a full shape and doesn’t drop any house away from direct heat. Turn your old Christmas tree
WATCH videos at needles when you stand it upright. Make sure the water is kept into garden compost
gardenersworld.com/water- Whichever type you choose, it’ll topped up over the Christmas
gardening for more pond tips last longer with more water, so saw holiday. Potted trees need to be Nurture indoor azaleas,
5cm off the base, then put yours treated like you would a houseplant. to get more flowers

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ON TEST
Gardening gloves
Gardening can soon take a toll on your hands, so a good pair of gloves is an essential
piece of kit. Kay Maguire reveals the results of our rigorous testing of 16 pairs
Gardening gloves not only help to keep and waterproof mesh that provide much- K Comfort and fit. We assessed how easy
your hands clean and dry, they also prevent needed warmth and comfort when the garden they were to get on and off, and how they
blisters, and protect against thorns, nettles, is wet and temperatures have dropped. fitted. Were they flexible or bulky? Did they
sharp stones and even soil bacteria. So, To discover which gloves coped best allow us to feel what we were doing?
although some people choose not to wear with the varied demands of the garden, the K Materials. How was the grip, reinforcing
them all the time, the simple fact is there are Gardeners’ World Magazine team tested and padding? Were they breathable or water
some tasks you just can’t do without them. a range of different pairs throughout 2020, resistant and which seasons would they suit?
PHOTO: MARK BOLTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Plus, recent developments in gardening glove observing how they fared across a number K Durability. This examined how sturdy
design make them much easier to wear. of gardening tasks, including weeding, and strong the gloves were. Would they cope
There’s a huge number of gardening gloves pruning, mowing and using hand tools. with getting wet or being washed?
on the market. They’re available in a range of K Value for money. We took into
designs and materials, and with a host of How we tested consideration all of the above criteria,
features, from latex grip and bamboo fabric We took into consideration the following plus any special features, overall design,
for that second-skin feel, to thermal layers criteria with equal marks attributed to each: quality and style, and the RRP.

Gloves explained GLOVES UNDER £10
SCORE: 13/20 SCORE: 19/20
Briers Clip Gloves
Fingers Multi-Task Bamboo Fibre
Reinforced Jersey Grip £4.99 BEST
fingertips
increase
Material
Can be simple
£9.99 for
pack of three
Sizes S, M, L
Material Bamboo, latex
BUY
protection and jersey or canvas, Sizes M
help gloves stretchy spandex Material Cotton, Easy to put on and take off, with an
last longer. or polyester, polyester, PVC, viscose elasticated wrist. Good fit, comfortable
Palms Often leather or and breathable. Sturdier than similar
strengthened, breathable Made in soft jersey, with grip gloves. Snag occasionally. Great for fine
padded or latex bamboo. dots and short, elasticated cuffs. work and all-day wear in spring and
coated to aid Comfortable and flexible but not summer. Washable. Have a carabiner
protection, water fitted, so not good for fine tasks. They grip for clipping to a belt.
resistance and grip. well but lack protection. Not waterproof.
Pros and cons
Pros and cons 4 Comfortable
4 Warm and comfortable (if dry) and light
4 Good grip 4 Second-skin fit
4 General work only 4 Breathable
8 Not fitted and too short 4 Feel robust
8 Not for damp, wet work 4 Excellent value
8 Let in water and dry slowly 8 Bamboo snags
8 Limited protection occasionally
Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 

Materials  Materials 
Durability  Durability 
Value for money  Value for money 
SCORE: 16/20 SCORE: 17/20

Gardena Clip Gloves
Lining Gardening Cosy Garden Gloves
A cotton or and Soil £7.99
polyester inner Gloves £7.99 Sizes S, M, L
layer will increase Sizes S, M, L, XL Material Latex, polyester chenille
warmth and Wrists Material Latex,
comfort. Adjustable wrist spandex Easy on-and-off, elasticated wrist. Snug,
straps ensure a comfortable fit. Warm and thick, but not
Wrist loops good fit and Easy on-and-off, bulky. Good grip. Water-resistant latex.
Make it easier prevent debris elasticated wrist. Good fit Carabiner for clipping to belt.
to get well-fitting from falling in. and mould to the hand.
gloves on and Elasticated cuffs Flexible with good grip. Pros and cons
off, and can be should also give Water-resistant latex. For light, fine 4 Snug, soft and
used to hang up a snug fit and work only. The thin material snags and wears comfortable
the gloves. are easy to get easily. Lack warmth. Washable. 4 Good control
on and off. and dexterity
Pros and cons 4 Grip well
4 Snug fit 4 Good for
Getting the size right 4 Good grip and dexterity

4 Waterproof
cooler weather
8 Not for
For gloves to do the job well it’s important 8 Lack warmth freezing days
they fit properly. Most come in a range of 8 Thin 8 Chenille sometimes snags
sizes, so if you’re buying in person always 8 Wear easily
try them on first. Check that fingers fit
properly with no gaps at the tips or between Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 
fingers, and clench your fist to check that Materials  Materials 
they’re not too tight, which will restrict hand Durability  Durability 
movement. If you’re buying online, measure Value for money  Value for money 
your hands across the knuckles – most
brands give size guides on their websites.

gloves ON TEST
SCORE: 17/20 SCORE: 17/20 SCORE: 18/20

Town & Niwaki Stihl
Country Gardening Gloves ThermoGrip
Weedmaster £6 £7.50
Bamboo Sizes S, M, L, XL Sizes S, M, L, XL
£5.99 Material Nitrile, nylon, spandex Material Latex,
Sizes XS, S, M, L PES knit
Material Bamboo, latex Easy on-and-off, elasticated wrist.
A comfortable, snug fit with good grip. Easy on-and-off,
Easy to get on and off. Breathable. Very thin and not as elasticated wrist.
Soft and stretchy. The durable as some. All-day Comfortable, snug fit.
thick latex layer gives use for light, fine Warm and thick,
protection but less work only. so lack a little
dexterity. Grip well. Not Washable. dexterity but have good grip.
for winter. Antibacterial. Waterproof palms.
Washable. Pros and cons
4 Comfortable Pros and cons BEST
Pros and cons 4 Breathable 4 Comfortable and snug BUY
4 Comfortable and water 4 Warm
4 Good for everyday tasks resistant 4 Good grip
4 Grip well 4 Good grip 4 Good value
4 Breathable 4 Second-skin feel 8 Bulky
8 Big for size 8 Lack durability 8 Only waterproof on palm
8 Bamboo snags 8 Too thin for some tasks
Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 
Materials  Materials  Materials 
Durability  Durability  Durability 
Value for money  Value for money  Value for money 
GLOVES UNDER £25

Pine Tree Tools Town & Country Town & Country
Bamboo Work and Premium Leather Comfort Fit
Gardening Gloves £14.99 £14.99
£10.97 Sizes S, M, L, XL Sizes S, M, L, XL
Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL Material Leather Material Leather, spandex
Material Bamboo and latex
Ill fitting, with each hand a different A good stretchy fit, with an
Easy on-and-off, elasticated size. Thick leather, soft inside. Sturdy, adjustable wrist strap. While
cuff. Good stretchy fit, with good protection, but it’s hard these are flexible and grip
mould to the hand. Very to grip or feel. The short, loose wrists well, they are not suitable
thin and only for fine provide limited protection. for handling roses or
spring/summer work. Dye comes off when wet. brambles. The leather dries
Split quickly and lack a little stiff but protects the
strength. Washable and Pros and cons fingertips. Made of thin materials,
dry quickly. ‘Smart’ fingertip feature. 4 Good protection so not for winter use.
4 Good for tools and
Pros and cons heavy-duty work Pros and cons
4 Excellent fit and dexterity 4 Sturdy 4 Good fit
4 Comfortable and breathable 8 Very loose fit and 4 Breathable
4 Ideal for fine work unequal size hands 4 Long lasting
8 Lack strength 8 No wrist protection 8 Seams dig into fingertips
8 Little protection and warmth 8 Difficult to grip 8 Padding only on knuckles, not palms
8 Expensive for durability and feel 8 White colour gets dirty straightaway
Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 
Materials  Materials  Materials 
Durability  Durability  Durability 
Value for money  Value for money  Value for money 

Clip Gloves Shock Town & Burgon & Ball
Absorber BEST Country Dig the Glove Denim
£14.99 BUY Ultimax £15.99
Sizes S, M, L £15.99 Sizes M/L, L/XL
Material Neoprene, spandex, Sizes S, M, L, XL Material Denim, leather, mesh
synthetic leather Material Synthetic
leather, elastane These look good, and are breathable,
Well-thought-out materials give these with adjustable wrist strap. Comfortable
gloves a comfortable fit that moulds Comfortable, stretchy but loose fit. Palm is gappy and gets in
to the hand. Good dexterity. The padded fit, with an adjustable the way. Lack flexibility. General use only.
palms add protection. Strong and wrist strap. Feels soft Washable.
durable but not bulky. Comes with inside, but hands
a carabiner. get sweaty. Good grip and feel. Pros and cons
Has palm padding and knuckle 4 Comfortable
Pros and cons protection. Fray and wear quickly. with wrist strap
4 Comfortable ‘Smart’ fingertip feature. Washable. 4 Attractive, good-
and well fitting quality materials
4 Good dexterity Pros and cons 4 Stay flexible
4 Sturdy and 4 Snug comfortable fit when wet
durable 4 Good for digging and gripping tools 8 Gappy fit and padding
4 Great for 8 Not breathable limits dexterity
heavy-duty jobs. 8 Thin materials 8 Not for heavy-duty
8 Unlikely to last or fiddly tasks
Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 
Materials  Materials  Materials 
Durability  Durability  Durability 
Value for money  Value for money  Value for money 

Clip Gloves Burgon & Ball Gold Leaf
General Purpose BEST Love the Glove The Dry Touch BEST
£16.95 BUY £17.49 £20.95 BUY
Sizes S, M, L Sizes S/M, M/L Sizes Ladies, Gents
Material Spandex, synthetic leather Material Leather, mesh, Material Leather
tweed
Tailored fit, with an adjustable wrist strap. Excellent fit and comfort. Good
Breathable. These are reinforced and Gives a snug comfortable grip and dexterity. Waterproof and
padded, but not bulky. Good for everyday fit, with an adjustable ideal for wet work. Sturdy and
tasks. Sturdy and long lasting. Dry well. wrist strap. Good tough, with a luxurious feel.
Carabiner provided. dexterity and feel. Padded Expensive but an investment. Dry well.
palms. Breathable. Strong,
Pros and cons tough and long lasting. Protects Pros and cons
4 Snug, comfortable fit year round. Washable. BEST 4 Comfortable with good
4 Padded and
reinforced Pros and Cons
BUY control
4 Soft, high quality
4 Great for 4 Comfortable and snug leather
everyday 4 Good dexterity and control 4 Tough and long
medium-duty work 4 Strong and durable lasting
4 Hard wearing 4 Attractive, quality materials 4 Waterproof
8 Lack warmth 8 Wrist strap fiddly for some 4 Good investment
8 Not 8 Expensive
waterproof
Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit  Comfort and fit 
Materials  Materials  Materials 
Durability  Durability  Durability 
Value for money  Value for money  Value for money 

gloves ON TEST
BEST
Best for winter use BUY
Stihl ThermoGrip, £7.50
Thick knit with a waterproof latex
coating, these gloves will keep your
fingers warm and dry through the
colder months – and at a great price.
Best for light work

Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre, £4.99
These great-value gloves are
comfortable, breathable and have
a snug fit. Just the thing for light,
fine work all day.
Best for heavy-duty work

Clip Gloves Shock Absorber,
£14.99
Extra padding on the palms
protect hands when digging or
Look for gloves that fit well, protect your hands and are flexible enough for the job heavy pruning. Wrist strap and
spandex back ensure a good fit.
What to look for in a glove Best for everyday use

Clip Gloves General
Depending on how often you garden and the tasks you do, you may need to Purpose, £16.95
invest in more than one style of glove. Consider the following before you buy These well-fitting gloves are
ideal for general weeding,
K What job do you want them for? more sustainable than cotton, while stretchy pruning and mowing. Sturdy,
If you’re sowing seeds, potting on or nipping spandex and similar synthetic fabrics are breathable and comfortable.
out young weeds, you have to be able to grip comfortable, and create a snug fit, increasing
and feel textures, so you’ll need gloves that dexterity and control. They can also help wick Best for wet-weather work
are thin, fitted and flexible. Lightweight away sweat and insulate at the same time. Gold Leaf The Dry Touch, £20.95
gloves of spandex or bamboo with latex Coatings of rubber and latex give extra Made from soft water-repellent leather
or nitrile on the palms and fingers are strength and grip, while leather and synthetic these are tough and fully lined, yet
ideal. They often don’t last long but tend leather gloves are tough, offering excellent feel luxurious and comfortable.
to be reasonably priced. protection and water resistance, but unless Ideal for weeding after rain.
For digging, heavy pruning or landscaping, the leather is very thin, they can be
you’ll have to sacrifice some dexterity for cumbersome and reduce feel and control. Best for year-round use
protection. Look for padding on the palms, Burgon & Ball
fingers and knuckles, or thick leather or K Are they comfortable? Love The Glove, £17.49
synthetic leather work gloves. If you’re going to be wearing gloves for long Keeping your hands comfortable
If you’re doing everyday gardening tasks jobs, then they need to be comfortable. Many in summer and warm in winter,
such as weeding, pruning, harvesting and thin, lightweight gloves fit like a second skin these are a snug fit offering good
mowing, sturdy gloves with a padded palm and, although they offer only limited dexterity and control for most tasks.
and some water resistance will help keep protection, will keep your hands dry and clean
your hands protected, clean and warm. all day if they need to. For colder months,
Make sure they fit. Wearing the right size look for thermal linings and water resistance Where to buy and
gloves is essential. If they’re too big or loose, to help you stay comfortable and gardening, find stockists
you won’t be able to grip properly or feel what whatever the weather.
K Briers sgpuk.com
you’re doing. Too small and tight, and they’ll
K Burgon & Ball burgonandball.com
limit your dexterity and wear out quickly. K Will they last?
K Clip Gloves vanhage.co.uk
Make sure the cuff – whether it’s elasticated Thicker gloves should last longer than thin,
K Gardena gardena.com
or has an adjustable strap – is snug to prevent stretchy pairs, but look for reinforced
K Gold Leaf goldleaf-gloves.com
soil, twigs and leaves falling in. fingertips and seams, the hot spots where
K Pine Tree pinetreetools.com
gloves usually split and wear. Nylon, polyester
K Stihl stihl.co.uk
K What are they made of? and spandex can snag and catch easily.
K Town & Country townandco.com
The various glove materials offer different To help keep your gloves in shape, brush off
qualities. Simple, light jersey and cotton any dirt and if they can be washed hang them
pairs keep hands clean and provide some up to dry afterwards. Leather gloves can be WATCH videos and read indepth
protection, but they can quickly get wet, cleaned with a suede brush and left to dry reviews of an array of gardening products
dry slowly and won’t last as long as sturdier naturally. Rubbing in linseed oil or Vaseline at gardenersworld.com/review
fabrics. Bamboo is thin, light, breathable and will help keep them soft.
NEXT MONTH We put wormeries to the test to reveal our best buys

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Q&A
Your questions answered
This month
122 Gardeners’ Question Time
The BBC Radio 4 experts answer this
month’s pick of readers’ queries, including:
K Pruning overgrown wisteria
K Health for container plants
Edited by Emma Crawforth K Choosing narrow shrubs
Honey fungus myth busting

Honey fungus is well known, but some facts about the
disease might surprise you. Not just one species, several different
ones gather under the fungus genus Armillaria – some very damaging
to garden plants, others less so. While honey-coloured toadstools
gave this disease its common name, it might be in your garden
without you seeing them. Armillaria toadstools differ quite a bit and
not all honey-coloured toadstools are Armillaria. You can identify
honey fungus by spotting other symptoms on your plants – cracked
and bleeding bark, a smell of mushrooms low down, or small, pale
leaves, premature autumn colour and plant death caused by decaying
roots. When infection sets in, the mycelium (fungal tissue)
makes a white mat under bark and bootlace-like ‘rhizomorphs’
may be seen beneath bark and in the soil. Don’t imagine it only
attacks woody plants though, it also affects herbaceous ones
and botanists say no perennial plants are completely immune!
Luckily, there are lists of plants that are less affected – see Ian’s
question, below. The fungus needs plants to live off and can’t simply
survive in soil, so clear then leave beds empty for at least a year
before replanting to give your new plants the best chance.
Emma Crawforth, Gardening Editor
Q What can I plant

in a bed infected
with honey fungus?
Ian Taylor, by email
A EMMA SAYS You are right

that buddleia like you previously
had in your bed is particularly
susceptible to honey fungus. Clear
out all infected material and leave
the bed fallow, then choose a plant
from this list: gardenersworld.com/
honey-fungus-resistant-plants
WATCH video guides and get tips on how to deal with TOP TIP
problems in the garden at gardenersworld.com/problems Take time to identify
honey fungus carefully,
Contact us then burn all parts of

affected plants or bury
Email your questions to Q&A@gardenersworld.com
them very deeply.
or write to us at the address on p126.

Gardeners’ Question Time Our experts tackle your gardening problems, including soggy
gardens, mealybug infestations, baby orchids and small trees
Matthew Matt Pippa

Pottage Biggs Greenwood
Matthew is the curator Matt trained at Pippa is one of the
of RHS Garden Wisley, Kew and has foremost experts on
the flagship garden of been gardening pests and diseases.
the Royal Horticultural professionally for She gardens using
Society in Surrey. more than 30 years. organic methods.
Q What narrow shrubs can Q Why have I got white

I grow in my sunny border? fungus around the
roots of my broccoli?
Barbara Orton, Hertfordshire For an evergreen alternative,
how about the elegant Mahonia Anthony Sparrow, by email
A MATTHEW SAYS A real eurybracteata ganpinensis ‘Soft
favourite plant of mine for a sunny Caress’? This won the Plant of A PIPPA SAYS There are
space that has little width, is the the Year award at the RHS Chelsea hundreds of types of fungus found
wonderfully upright Frangula alnus Flower Show a few years back. in gardens – most are harmless,
‘Fine Line’, which has masses of It offers lovely ferny foliage, and some even beneficial. What
fine leaves that give the overall without the thorns of most you have described is, I am sure,
look of a fluffy, green fox tail. mahonia, and has a scented one of the many fungi that are
It’s quite slow growing but has yellow flower in early autumn. found in perfectly healthy soils,
such character it will make impact You could edge the border with often carrying out a very useful role
from day one. Plant a group of something small and well behaved by helping to break down organic
three closely if you can for real like Origanum ‘Barbara Tingey’ or debris and so release nutrients
presence. It is deciduous and has the hardy blue-flowered plumbago, Sambuca nigra’s flowers turn to a into the soil for healthy plant
a lovely golden autumn leaf colour. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. mass of berries beloved by birds growth (and preventing the
build-up of large quantities of
A MATT SAYS Try upright debris and bulky organic matter!)
elderflowers. Sambucus nigra Sometimes, especially if it’s very
Q&A ‘Black Tower’ forms a dense dense, fungal growth like this can
TEAM column of purple-black leaves. cause localised drought as the
ANSWER The flattened clusters of small,

pink and white flowers that appear
fungal strands can repel water, but
this is easily dealt with by forking
Shrubs for in midsummer are followed by the soil over. If the brassicas were
a narrow small black fruits. Sambucus nigra healthy, then don’t worry!
border ‘Pyramidalis’ is similar but with
crinkled, dark-green, tightly packed
leaves and clusters of small,
white flowers in early summer.
If you want an evergreen,
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’

is a medium-sized shrub with
glossy, dark-green leaves and an
upright habit, while Hedera helix
‘Erecta’ is a quirky but architectural
non-climbing ivy, with small, dark-
green leaves packed onto stiff
upright stems. Instead of upright
trees and shrubs, you could use
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ timber posts or treated tree stakes
offers interest all as vertical supports for clematis, Plant purple sprouting broccoli
year round roses, ivy and other climbers. in a different spot every year

gardeners’ question time Q&A
Q Can I prune back my Q I’m moving in January, is
overgrown wisteria
quite hard? that too late for planting?
Edmund Strainge, by email Harmony Ridgley, by email grow, albeit a little later than
if they were planted the previous
A MATT SAYS It is a matter of A MATTHEW SAYS So long as autumn, but the challenge will be
cutting excessively long and older the soil is not frozen, January keeping them healthy in storage.
stems back to just above a strong will be fine for planting bare-root While a cool and dark place is best,
young branch, a main branch or fruit plants and ornamental trees. away from any moisture and damp,
one lower down on the framework If they are large, stake them you will need to watch out for any
or at ground level. Work well to guard against winter mould or decay.
methodically and slowly. If you storm damage. A better plan might be to focus
need to remove a thick twining Passiflora caerulea is a vigorous Some nurseries might have sold on summer-flowering bulbs, such
branch mark it at intervals with climber with eye-catching blooms out of some cultivars by that time, as lilies and gladioli, and be first
string before removing it or cut so place orders as soon as you can in the bulb queue for those,
back the stem in smaller sections Q What is this flower? and arrange a later delivery. then plant spring bulbs in the
so it is easier to follow its path. Winston Harvey-Snape, by email As for spring bulbs, most will still first autumn in your new home.
Do this in early spring before the
flowers and leaves appear. Hard A PIPPA SAYS It is a passion
pruning stimulates strong, new flower, Passiflora caerulea, a
growth. Train new stems into gaps native of South America and very
over time and select the strongest, popular in the UK. It is best grown
best placed shoots growing as a climber, in a sheltered south-
from the base to form the new or west-facing spot, in moist but
framework. New growth can free-draining soil. In the autumn
then be pruned back as part you may see the fruits, these
of the regular pruning regime. are egg-shaped and yellowish in
colour and, although edible, it is
rare to find someone who thinks
they are actually worth eating!
Q When will it be
You can plant gladioli corms in spring for a glorious display in summer
safe to plant out
my broad beans?
Q What went wrong with my Senecio ‘Angel Wings’?
Jackie Fox, North Yorkshire
David Hebblethwaite, by email
A MATT SAYS December in
North Yorkshire is a tough time to A PIPPA SAYS It certainly looks
harden off plants, so keep them as if the characteristic soft, densely
in the greenhouse, potting on if downy growth on the leaves largely
Prune wisteria twice a year for necessary, then acclimatise them disappeared and there were
training and flower production to go outdoors in early spring. numerous ragged edged holes too.
Sowing them direct outdoors in I suspect that the holes were the
autumn will still give you an early result of slugs or snails grazing at
Q Can I put mildewed crop though they’ll be a little later the leaves, in fact I think I can even
than those grown under glass. spot those silvery slime trails. The
stems into my home lack of downiness may be due to
compost heap? this too, or perhaps the plant was
Shirley Foale, by email not getting adequate direct natural Slugs eat seedlings and make
light or being a little overwatered? irregular holes in large leaves
A PIPPA SAYS There’s a saying,
‘If in doubt, leave it out’! I tend to
avoid adding anything diseased Q Can I replant the baby orchid that grew
to compost. However, if it is soft
on the flowering stem of my moth orchid?
material, like a tomato stem and
has one of the less pernicious Barbara Crow, by email into its new container of orchid
infections, like mildew, then the compost successfully. When you
risk isn’t great. But if you have A MATTHEW SAYS Yes, this is do this, make sure some damp
doubts as to whether your possible, but it’s best to wait until moss is in contact with the roots,
compost gets really good and Start broad been plants off in it has a couple of good-sized roots as this will help keep the young
hot, then I’d say don’t risk it! the greenhouse for an early crop coming off it, so you can anchor it orchid hydrated.

gardeners’ question time Q&A
Q Can I stop my Christmas Q Why hasn’t my
Convolvulus cneorum
cactus shedding its fowers? ever flowered?
Vera Collings, Hampshire environment significantly different Susan, by email
to the one they were in, they
A MATTHEW SAYS I do love typically drop buds. A MATT SAYS The reason your
a Christmas cactus! I have a I don’t know how much light four-foot high silverbush hasn’t
variegated one in my office at your plant gets now, but I’d move bloomed is that it’s been pruned
Wisley, which always attracts it to the brightest space in a at the wrong time of year. To keep
comment when it flowers (usually garden room, and maintain a it compact, at around 30-40cm,
a month early in November!). very steady watering regime (if allow it to flower first, then cut the
Common reasons for poor in doubt, less is better) and see stems back to just above a bud,
flowering are lack of light or if this helps. It’s not unusual for Mealybugs can attack a number about half to two-thirds down the
fluctuating conditions (watering some buds to fail to develop into of plants including cyclamen stem. Your plant will remain
or temperature) and if they are flowers, but you should be getting compact, floriferous and bushy.
moved while in bud to an a better display than you describe. Q What wildlife-friendly
option will take care of
mealybug investation?
Q&A Catherine Penn, by email
HOT A PIPPA SAYS I assume the
TOPIC kalanchoes you mention are
House plants still cuttings or maybe very small
plants, which are unlikely to
have very dense leaf growth,
so mealybugs could be physically
removed. You could try biological
controls, such as Crytptolaemus,
a ladybird whose adult and Nectar-robbing bees cause
young stages eat mealybugs. minimal damage to runner beans
For these to work, conditions
do have to be warm.
Q Was it the weather
There are also spray options;
products containing fatty acids, or bees that spoiled
plant oils or even the natural our runner bean crop?
insecticide pyrethrum could be Sharon Underhill, Warwickshire
considered. As the kalanchoes
are, I assume, being grown under A PIPPA SAYS 2020 was my
After watering protection it should be easy to worst year for runner beans and
Christmas cactus let apply one of these treatments for climbing French beans! In my
the water drain away within the confined space and case, it was down to the dry soil
ensure that wildlife is excluded. conditions. I did attempt mulching
and soil improvement, but I should
have given them more water, too.
Q What can we do with our new, soggy, Many gardeners have had the same
sloping garden that has clay soil?

issue, with some finding that as
the rain appeared in early autumn,
Heather Johnson, Lancashire emerge and later turn green. Rosy some pods set.
pink flowers appear from late So, this may well have been your
A MATT SAYS Depending on the
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/OLGA ANOURINA; JASON INGRAM
spring to early summer. Rounded problem. You may also have had
volume of water draining away flower clusters top the bristly birds stripping off some of the
from the house, you can start by stems of Darmera peltata before flowers – if this were the case,
terracing the slope and planting it umbrella like leaves appear, turning the shredded petals would have
up. If there is still a problem, create red in autumn. been visible on the soil around the
a wildlife pond or bog garden at the Try ferns, like Dryopteris plants. However, there are indeed
base, where the ground levels out wallichiana ‘Jurassic Gold’, with its ‘nectar-robbing’ bees and these
and water drains into the area. fountains of golden spring growth, may access the flowers by cutting
There’s a great array of moisture- or the regal, deep purple flowers of into the back of the flower – this
loving plants that flourish in wet Iris ensata. Astilbe ‘Fanal’ produces can reduce pod set, but it is rarely
ground, like Rodgersia pinnata bright-pink plumes of flowers and of great significance, so I’d say
‘Superba’, whose boldly lobed makes a bold statement when Iris ensata and golden buttercups concentrate on soil moisture
leaves are bronze when they planted in a group. thrive in moist meadow planting retention, mulching and watering.

Q&A gardeners’ question time
Q How can I re-pot large

plants growing in pots?
Gill Broad, by email sometimes adding granular feed
in spring. But if the pot is packed
A MATTHEW SAYS Your with roots, this can be tricky.
bottlebrush will grow well in a pot Another way is to remove the
for many years. The trick for long- plant from its pot, saw off the
term success is regular food and bottom 10 per cent of the rootball,
water, and I’d recommend using a replace with fresh compost in the
liquid fertiliser weekly in summer. bottom of the pot, and put the Remove infected fruit swiftly to
This would also suit the elm and plant back in the same pot. Later prevent blight from spreading
cordyline. Soil quality can be on, the cordyline will need planting
improved by top dressing, which is out as they produce thick, fleshy
Q How can I avoid late
the removal of the top 5cm of the tap-root-like growths that can push
Argyrocytisus battandieri boasts compost and replacing with fresh, them up and out of a pot. blight appearing on my
bright, pineapple-scented flowers tomatoes next year?
Peter Dare, by email
Q I want a small tree
for my 3.5m x 3.5m A PIPPA SAYS Blight is caused by
the fungus-like Phytophthora
garden. Any ideas? infestans and affects tomatoes and
Vicki, by email potatoes, particularly when grown
outside as opposed to under cover.
A MATTHEW SAYS It sounds like It’s important to make sure
you need a large shrub as opposed that all affected plant remains
to a small tree. One of my go-to are removed (ideally as soon as
larger flowering shrubs is Hibiscus symptoms appear) and binned or
‘Resi’, which has very showy pink burned, not put into a composting
or white flowers in mid to late system. You can grow vegetables
summer. Or for something on the same piece of ground next
evergreen, how about Moroccan year, but you do need to avoid
broom (Argyrocytisus battandieri), potatoes and tomatoes, as there
which has bright-yellow blooms? Callistemon, or bottlebrush, is an Aussie native that does well in a pot is a significant risk that the spores
may have been washed off the
infected plants and into the soil.
Q What happened to my parsnips? You can safely grow both crops
Liz Otterburn, by email elsewhere in the garden, but the
Avoid the use of high-nitrogen infection may be caused by new
A MATT SAYS Parsnips can feeds, such as chicken manure, sources next year.
become misshapen for several especially if it is applied shortly Growing the tomatoes under
reasons. Make sure they are before the parsnip seed was cover, such as a growing frame or
thinned to the correct spacing sown, as this can have a similar poly-cover, if you do not have a
otherwise the roots can fuse malforming effect. greenhouse, will really reduce the
together and become malformed. To avoid problems, grow them risk of infection. You could try
The ground should be deeply in containers or boxes or use a some of the varieties marketed as
dug and improved with organic crowbar or long-shafted dibber being ‘blight resistant’, but note
matter for the previous crop, this to make a cone-shaped hole in that they are only resistant, so may
will also increase the rooting depth the ground about 5cm wide and still get infected! Check the latest
if a ‘pan’ or consolidated layer has 30 cm deep. Fill it with sieved seed catalogues and consider
Give growing parsnips adequate formed in the soil. The soils should compost, sow three seeds and varieties including ‘Losetto’,
space to avoid mangled roots also be clod, stone and debris free. thin to leave the strongest. ‘Lizzano’ and ‘Crimson Crush’.
Catch up with Contact us

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crop of listeners’ questions and answers Write to Q&A, Gardeners’World Magazine, Vineyard House,
from the experts every week, on BBC Radio 4, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT
Fridays at 3pm, repeated Sundays at 2pm.
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Christmas puzzles
Put down the wrapping paper, pick up a pen and try our fun festive puzzles É
Word wheel Spot the difference Step by step

Make as many five-letter words as you Can you spot the six differences in the picture? By changing one letter
can using letters in the wheel (no each time to make a
proper nouns), all must contain the new word, can you turn
letter in the centre. Target: 7 STAR into TREE?
Now use all the letters in the wheel

Star
to spell out a conifer that makes a
choice Christmas tree.
A R
R O
N Tree
F I Nut cracker
Here are some nuts traditionally served up at
E K Christmas – except that numbers have replaced the

letters. Can you crack the code and name the nut?
Winter wonders 12 18 23 25 16 10 7 16 12 4 25 18 23 19
The plants pictured below brighten dark winter

days. Can you unscramble the anagrams to
19 4 3 10 7 16 4 3 20 15 10 8
spell out the correct genus and species?
NO BLUE GIRLS HERE

6 17 4 1 2 3 18 4 1 23 3 10 7 16
Word search
TIM AND SONIA DANCE Using all the letters in the grid left,
can you spell out six six-letter words
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM; DAVID MURRAY; TIM SANDALL
associated with Christmas? We’ve

supplied one to get you started.
TRICIA LOSES CHARM BRODIE A Brussels sprout

A nut
A plant genus
HANA DROOPED L N E A R E A spruce
A dried fruit
A spice
Issue number 358
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Reprographics by rhapsody
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1 This shapely, needlefast conifer 1 Fragrant Christmas spice
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13 Tall, deciduous trees flowers (7) Circulation and Subscriptions
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belonging to the Ulmus genus (4) 11 This small purple-black Direct Marketing Executive Alex Havell
15 __ japonica ‘Christmas Cheer’ plum-like fruit can be used Basic annual rate 12 issues: UK £64.40; Europe and Republic of Ireland €105; rest of world $144
to make a Christmas liqueur CONTENT SYNDICATION ENQUIRIES Tim Hudson: tim.hudson@immediate.co.uk
is named for its delicate pink and
similar to sloe gin (7) Management
white midwinter blooms (6) Group Managing Director Chris Kerwin
17 Tiny, soft green plant ideal 12 Traditional herb for turkey CEO Tom Bureau CFO & COO Dan Constanda
for padding out a Christmas stuffing (4)

wreath (4) 14 The shoot of a plant such
19 The curled, incised leaves as asparagus or broccoli (5)
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine is published by Immediate Media Company London Ltd
of this brassica can be used 16 Genus of shrubs and trees under licence from BBC Studios, which helps fund new BBC programmes.
We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit
to make a tasty Christmas salad whose foliage and fruits make immediate.co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk, or write to Katherine Conlon,
or side dish (4) colourful seasonal decorations (4) Immediate Media Co., Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT.
BBC STUDIOS, UK PUBLISHING

20 Cyclamen coum, also known 17 A potted Phalaenopsis, better Chair, Editorial Review Boards Nicholas Brett
as __ cyclamen, adds glowing known as __ orchid, makes an Managing Director, Consumer Products and Licensing Stephen Davies
Head of Publishing Mandy Thwaites Compliance Manager Cameron McEwan
colour to the winter garden (7) ideal Christmas gift (4) UK Publishing Coordinator Eva Abramik (uk.publishing@bbc.com)
web: www.bbcstudios.com
21 Sweet edible fruit that is 18 Transform this utilitarian ISSN 0961-7477. Copyright ©Immediate Media Company London Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited
without permission. The BBC logo is a trademark of the British Broadcasting Corporation and is used under licence. ©British
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not be photocopied or otherwise reproduced within the terms of any licence granted by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd or the
game bird in a traditional miniature alpine garden with Publishers’ Licensing Society Ltd. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors n articles or advertisements, or for unsolicited
manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Dates and prices are correct at time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily
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contain descr ptions of sources and disclosures of personal data. Printed by Wyndeham Group. Gardeners’ World Magazine is printed on
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Marketplace Product Directory
Potter and Mooch Stunning Designer
Explore our brand new collection of Ear Meadows
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Pictorial Meadows is a market leader in
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Love in a Nutshell Thomas Smith’s

Christin Ranger’s wonderful sterling silver Sussex Trugs
acorn opens to reveal a golden heart.
Sussex Trugs are timeless gardening
The perfect Christmas gift for that special
baskets used all around the world.
someone in your life. It comes beautifully
Smith’s are the original makers dating
boxed with a personalized handwritten
back to 1829 and our Trugs are all
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guaranteed for five years. Ideal Christmas
Only £75 including 24” sterling silver chain present for gardeners of all ages.
and P&P.
Red Lion Hall, New Road,
Also available with genuine birthstones Magham Down, Herstmonceux,
(prices vary). Sussex, BN27 1PN.
01323 871640
01424773091 sales@sussextrugs.com
christinranger.com sussextrugs.com
Oketor Comfort with Style – Stainless Steel Stained

Leather Mules Glass Columns
A small family business offering high quality Designed for the garden, each one has
Meltor
leather mules in five styles (one suitable mirror inclusions to settle the column into
for a wider foot) and seven colours. its surroundings. Built to withstand our
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Haytor An arch support is an integral feature frost and snow and won’t rust, bringing
helping to create additional comfort. colour and structure into a winter garden.
We offer sizes 2-14 (35-49). Prices £50.00 For prices and more information,
Kestor and £55.00 with £5.00 P&P. please go to our website,
or why not give us a call.
Welstor
01364 652733 01243 573411
themulecompany.co.uk ongley-snookdesigns.com
Give Genus for The Sussex Trug

Christmas The Sussex Trug is a traditional tool that is
probably more cherished than any other
Endorsed by the RHS. Trousers in
item in the tool shed. It makes the perfect
showerproof and waterproof versions,
gift that will be used for a lifetime to
jerseys, gilets and pullovers, and some
harvest the garden produce.
unusual accessories and tools. For men
and women. Unique gifts for the keen Hand made in Sussex, signed, dated,
gardener in your life, like this wonderful guaranteed for life and sent next day.
merino set of hat, neck and wrist warmers. A choice of five sizes with the popular
Beautifully cosy and warm. Genus, the No.7 (Large) at just £43.90 +p&p.
world’s only brand of high-performance
Visit my website or phone ANYTIME
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Ashwood Nurseries – Serene & Secure

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the year. Please visit our website for more 2020 cabins still available.
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also offers wildflower & WWI walks (Italian
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Keder Greenhouses Limited
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The Gubbins MELROSE CORNWALL
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COTTAGES
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Over 400 other varieties of hedging and
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Alder, Common 60-90cm transplanted .................£14.90 £69

Amelanchier 60-90cm transplanted ......................£16.90 £78
Beech, Green 30-45cm seedlings ..........................£7.30 £32
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Berberis darwinii 20-30cm pot grown...................£28.50 £132
Berberis, Green 40-60cm transplants..……………£19.90 £92
Berberis stenophylla 20-30cm pot grown.............£32.50 £149
Blackthorn 40-60cm seedlings ...............................£6.90 £30
SPRING
Blackthorn 60-90cm transplanted.........................£12.90 £59
Box, Common 15-20cm transplanted ...................£17.90 £83
Box, Dwarf 10-15cm pot grown ............................£32.50 £149
Cotoneaster franchetii 40-60cm transplanted ......£14.90 £69
FLOWERING
Cotoneaster simonsii 40-60cm transplanted.........£16.90 £78
Dogwood 60-90cm transplanted...........................£17.90 £83
Dogwood, Red-stemmed 40-60cm transplanted. . £15.50 £72
Elaeagnus ebbingei 20-30cm pot grown ..............£37.50 £173
BULBS
Field Maple 60-90cm transplanted........................£15.50 £72
Griselinia 20-30cm pot grown................................£37.50 £173 Single Snowdrops £9.50 per 100 £42.50 per 500 Lobularis Lent Lily (Wild Daff) £12.00 per 50
Guelder Rose 60-90cm transplants ....................£19.90 £92
Hazel 60-90cm transplanted.................................£11.90 £54 Double Snowdrops £14.50 per 100 £67.50 per 500 Large Flowering Crocus £5.50 per 50 £9.50 per 100
Hedge Germander 5-10cm pot grown .....................£27.90 £129
Holly 30-40cm pot grown .......................................£34.90 £161 English Bluebells £14.00 per 100 £65.00 per 500 (Blue, White, Yellow, Purple, Striped, Mixed)
Hornbeam 60-90cm transplanted.......................£14.90 £69
Horse Friendly Hedging transplants......................£15.60 £63
Laurel 30-50cm bare root ......................................£22.90 £106 Aconites £9.00 per 50 £16.00 per 100 Fritillaria (Snakehead Lily) £9.00 per 50 £17.00 per 100
Leylandii, Golden 30-50cm pot grown.................£27.90 £129
Leylandii, Green 40-60cm pot grown..................£27.90 £129 Wild Garlic £16.00 per 100 £75.00 per 500 Dwarf Iris (Reticulata) £8.00 per 50 £15.00 per 100
Mixed Native Hedging seedlings .........................£10.00 £35
Mixed Native Hedging 60-90cm transplanted.......£15.00 £60
Photinia Red Robin 20-30cm pot grown...............£27.90 £129
Allium Purple Sensation £6.95 per 15 Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow) £9.50 per 100
Privet, Golden 60-90cm transplanted ...................£31.50 £145
Privet, Green 60-90cm bare root...........................£16.90 £78 Tête-à-Tête £4.50 per 25 £8.50 per 50 Queen of the Night Tullip £6.50 per 25 £12.95 per 50
Pyracantha Red Column 30-45cm pots …………….£25.90 £120
Quickthorn 40-60cm seedlings................................£5.50 £24 Triumph Tulips Mixed £4.50 per 25 £8.00 per 50 Pheasant Eye Narcissus £7.95 per 15 £11.95 per 25
Quickthorn 60-90cm transplanted........................£11.90 £54
Quickthorn 90-120cm transplanted......................£16.90 £78
Rosa canina (Dog Rose) 60-90cm transplanted..£13.90 £64
Anemone de Caen Mixed £3.50 per 25 £6.45 per 50 Thalia Dwarf Narcissus £6.50 per 25 £11.95 per 50
Rosa Hansa 30-45cm transplanted......................£19.90 £92
Rosa rugosa 60-90cm transplanted......................£16.90 £78
Rosa rugosa, Red or White 60-90cm trans...........£16.90 £78 All orders over £50 will receive 50 FREE
Call: 01255 830181 Sea Buckthorn 60-90cm transplanted ..................£15.50 £72
Silver Birch 125-150cm transplanted...................£22.90 £106 Puschkinia Libanotica (Russian Snowdrop)
or visit: www.kenmuir.co.uk Yew, English 30-40cm transplanted......................£32.90 £149
Visit our Garden Centre on A421 west of Buckingham but Please add £2.95 towards P&P. All major debit and credit cards accepted.
to request your do check on availability before calling. Open 7 days a week.
- most places except Scottish Highlands & Islands - Abbey Country Gardens, Little Eastfield Barn, Lynn Road, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 7AL
FREE brochure
40 Tingewick Road, Buckingham MK18 4AE.
Please visit our website for many more varieties including dwarf daffs and tulips
Please quote GW20DE Tel 01280 822133 Fax 01280 815491 info@hedging.co.uk
Catalogue Request Line 01280 827933 01945 464167 - www.abbeycountrygardens.co.uk

NEXT month...
January issue on sale 23 December
Your best year of homegrown

✔ Get cracking with advice from Monty ✔ Boost your health with homegrown
✔ Follow our veg planner for the year ✔ Discover 10 crops to start in January
PACK IMAGES: PAUL DEBOIS; THE GARDEN COLLECTION/FP/NEIL SUTHERLAND; JASON INGRAM;
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GAP PHOTOS/CHRIS BURROWS, NOVA PHOTO GRAPHIK; GETTY/ISTOCKPHOTO
Carol reveals her 12 star plants – Orchid masterclass – discover Follow Arit’s guide to what to
one for every month of the year! how to get the best from yours prune, and not, in January
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Brighten your borders with Bring instant winter cheer with

beautiful winter plant combos Adam’s container project
And finally...
Tales from
Titchmarsh
When the world has been turned upside-down, gardening
is our best hope for staying sane, says Alan
Do you ever get the feeling that
you are living on a different planet
However station as a peace offering.) Still,
we must be grateful that research
Sitwell remarked, “There is no
truth. Only points of view.”
to the rest of humanity? I mean, grim the nightly is on our side and that what I confess to being a stranger
you keep battling on with your head
down, aiming to make the best of
news may be, gardeners have known all along
is gaining traction among those
to social media. I don’t know
where to find Facebook and
what has been a horrible year, only however loud of a less sensitive disposition. I don’t tweetor use Instagram.
to be assailed from time to time with
revelations, which, to those who read
the shrieking It is also a time of year when,
thanks to winter’s increasingly icy
And yet I have all the contact
I desire and all the reassurance
this magazine, have been blindingly headlines, there grip and the shortening of the days, I need from the friends I speak to
obvious since the year dot. I’m is still a patch we are grateful for any sort of on the phone, to those with whom
thinking of statements like the one floral cheer. Granted, our beds and I exchange letters from time to time
a few weeks ago, which reported of earth outside borders may not be anything like as (remember those?), and through
that research has shown that flowers my door that floristically rich as they are in May growing things and sharing that
– especially when planted in visually and June, but this means the brave pleasure on screen, in print and on
depressing built-up areas – make reassures blooms that do push up are all the the airwaves. It’s enough.
people feel better. more cherished for their tenacity This is, I suppose, an end-of-year
Good heavens! Who’d have and unseasonal brilliance. summary: a declaration of intent
thought it, eh? But then, there The witch hazel’s lemon-yellow and a demonstration of my
are always a few to whom such or amber spidery blooms, the first conviction that there is nothing
pronouncements come as a surprise. snowdrop daring to spear the soggy more likely to keep body and soul
(I would have thought the fact was earth, the fragrant blushing viburnum together, to restore sanity and
already proven by anyone who has, opening on bare and crusty twigs – retain a sense of proportion in an
in desperation, bought a bunch of all will make us smile and be grateful increasingly puzzling world than
chrysanths from the local filling for their apparent foolhardiness. the ability to tend a patch of earth,
We are told that this Christmas to watch it grow and improve that
will be like no other, that families small portion of the British landscape
may be prevented from being in the charge of a gardener.
together under one roof. It is easy Stockings may be a little less full
to be profoundly dispirited at the this year – these are tough times
prospect, but perhaps our gardens in terms of employment and income,
– and the flowers they contain – can due to the global pandemic. But
help us to get through thanks to their eventually life will return to what
constancy. I think this fact, more we are told will be a ‘new normal’.
than anything else, gives me hope It will, I hope, be a world where
for the future of humanity and of plants and gardens can play
the planet. However grim the an increasingly important role
nightly news may in our lives – if we let them.
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM. ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS MADDEN/EYECANDYILLUSTRATION
be, however loud the After all, research has shown…
shrieking headlines well, you know the rest.
in the morning paper, Be of good cheer and keep on
there is still a patch growing things. Happy Christmas!
of earth outside my
door that reassures.
December is the
month of the shortest
day, but soon the daylight
hours will lengthen and
more flowers will join
the chorus as spring
slowly unfurls. You could
regard these sentiments
as being those of a latter
day Pollyanna, rather than
a realist, but as Dame Edith

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From protecting crops and plants with thermal jackets and cover, to
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50 ideas for gardening now

December 2020 THE UK’S NO.1 GARDENING MAGAZINE

Follow Alan’s guide to

Happy house plants Mother Earth What I’ve learnt

Remove up to 93% of bacteria and deep clean your carpets.

CALL: 0800 0116 580 Web: vax.co.uk OPTIONS

subscription to to receive Six

Apple News + Months of

@lucyhall_GW chilli and rocket

We love... Offers for you 115

Be inspired Photographed by Jason Ingram

26 Monty reflects on a life-changing year

97 Nutritious crops to start in December

4 gardenersworld.com December 2020

STAR OF THE MONTH

Easy to grow. Works both as a climber and groundcover. Propagate

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 7

Berberis thunbergii ’Cheal’s Scarlet’

8 gardenersworld.com December 2020

GOOD GOLLY, IT’S HOLLY

Ilex x meserveae ’Blue Princess’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Zorro’

Malus ’Winter Gold’

with a bit of seasonal shade. H x S 6m x 6m

10 gardenersworld.com December 2020

Superior Deerskin Gardening Gloves by GOLD LEAF

Telephone: +44 (0)23 8040 2025 Website: www.goldleaf-gloves.com

‘Mont Blanc’ ‘Orange Rascal’

coloured anthers. H x S 55cm x 25cm in a sheltered place. H x S 45cm x 20cm

12 gardenersworld.com December 2020

M Position Plant in a pot at least 5cm wider

‘Emerald’ PLANT DIRECTORY Have a browse

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 13

Collection of 200 bulbs includes

Acidanthera Liatris x 40 Freesia x 40

For dahlia offer and order details, see opposite page

14 gardenersworld.com December 2020

Dazzling dahlias pre-order for March delivery

Call 01386 426 245 (quote code ROGW20-47)

Title Initial Surname

Postcode 47DAC3 Dahlia Collection x 3 tubers (1 of each) £15

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 15

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 17

Saving the planet with peat-free potting

18 gardenersworld.com December 2020

We say: See p145 for our Six Months of Seeds

In tune with nature’s song

I can’t agree more with Alan how much nature

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 19

Petrol tools more

20 gardenersworld.com December 2020

Monty is promoting plant health to help combat global hunger

Monty in new United Nations

Green your front garden to reduce stress

Scientists in Finland have proved what

many parents have known for years:

December 2020 gardenersworld.com 21

RISE IN ROAD DEATHS

22 gardenersworld.com December 2020

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