Hoping for a more normal Christmas

I am hoping for a more normal Christmas this year. Last year’s lockdown was terribly disappointing and frustrating.

Let’s hope we can meet up, go to the pub and maybe even attend a party.

Plants make the best gifts

Christmas is a time for giving. Sometimes though it can be very difficult to find something which people need and want. One way round this is to give plants.

I always try to give plants which suit the recipients’ gardens. And, I love receiving plants in return.

Lupins are top of the list

A nephew with a small shady garden will be getting epidemium. A niece has just moved into a new house with a walled garden. She will be receiving Campsis Radicans Flamenco which will cover some of the bare bricks. I know she will love its brilliant red flowers.

Top of the list for presents are lupins. This year some of my nearest and dearest will be receiving Masterpiece, Manhattan Lights and Red Rum.

Gift vouchers are great

For those with gardens I am not very familiar with I shall give gift vouchers. That way they can get what they want.

Ready for winter

Out in the garden I have been getting everything shipshape for winter. Perennials have been pruned. Tender plants have been placed in the greenhouses for over wintering. The vegetable patch only has sprouts and parsnips left on it. I gave the lawn a (hopefully) last cut at the beginning of November. Now I need to tackle the fallen leaves before they rot. And then it will be onto the hedging. There is always something to do, even in the coldest, darkest months.

Still some colour

There is still some colour. The hedgerows are full of berries. The philadelphus is flowering. Its delicate white blooms give off a delicious scent. The Clematis urophylla ‘Winter Beauty’ is also flowering profusely. Its small nodding white bell-shaped flowers should keep doing from now until March.

There is also cyclamen. Hederifolium ‘Album’ is pure white. I

No more virtual events

In the village things are getting back to normal. We have a proper Christmas Fayre rather than a virtual one to look forward to. The Christmas nativity will be performed inside in front of an audience. Last year it was a walkthrough version in the churchyard. It was very cold. The carol singers will also be out and about. But they won’t be knocking on doors. Instead they will sing at pre-arranged outdoor venues.

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

Gardening tips – Open greenhouse doors on dry days to encourage air circulation. Continue to rake up leaves and store to provide a free mulch for next year. Order seeds and plants for next year.

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