For December’s top garden tips, the STIGA team is infusing a touch of festive inspiration to give your garden a lovely Christmassy feel, while keeping things as natural as possible. Here are our garden jobs at Christmas, featuring wonderfully simple seasonal ideas.
Creating a Festive Look
Make a Traditional Christmas Wreath: Craft a traditional Christmas wreath using a floral foam ring. Soak the ring, use floral preservative, and gather foliage such as holly, red berries, ivy, and evergreens. Arrange the sprigs around the foam, tie a decorative ribbon, and voilà! A hand-crafted wreath to welcome guests. Remember to soak it weekly to keep the foliage fresh.
Get Potting: Place a Christmas tree in a garden pot for a natural decoration. Opt for pine or fir for longer-lasting needles. Conifers in pots, whether one or a cluster, add to the festive effect.
Brighten Up Leafless Midwinter Trees: Spread Christmas cheer by hanging brightly-colored baubles on leafless trees. Choose outdoor-friendly baubles and be mindful of light pollution when considering lights.
Lawn Care
Mind the Lawn Length: When trimming your lawn, keep it at the appropriate length during winter.
Avoid Frost Damage: Refrain from walking on a frost-covered lawn as it can cause damage. Wait until it thaws out.
Watch for Diseases: Be vigilant for diseases that can occur when grass is stressed from cold and wet weather.
Leaf Clearance: Ensure the lawn is free of leaves to prevent disease, blockages, and lack of light and moisture. Regular leaf clearance is essential in winter.
General Garden Care
Weed Control: Clear weeds from borders and other garden areas, opting for organic solutions like bark to smother annual weeds.
Protect Plants and Pots: Check for damage from cold and wet weather. Bring vulnerable plants inside, and cover pots for protection. Elevate containers during wet spells to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning Time: Take advantage of leafless trees and shrubs to prune certain deciduous trees and hedges. Prune apple and pear trees now, but refer to specific advice for each plant before pruning.
Plan Ahead for 2024
December Roses: Plant roses in a new area to avoid disease from previous growth.
Soft Fruits Planting: Plant berries and soft fruits in December, fostering thoughts of warmer times ahead.
Follow these garden jobs to bring a touch of Christmas magic to your outdoor space and prepare for a flourishing 2024.