Bozzy's Magazine - Winter Edition 2022 - By Bosworth's Garden Centre

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Page 1-2

Creative Containers

What to plant in containers for Winter interest.

Pages 3-10

Grow your own Here we can explore what to plant, for some great tasting, home grown produce.

Pages 11-16

Christmas tree's: The Debate

Real or Fake? Read the stats to decide.

Pages 17-18

From the postbag

A problem shared, is a problem sorted.

Pages 19-20

Pests

Common pest and disease problems- and how to solve them.

Pages 21-22

Plants in focus

A feature on our best, new seasonal plants.

Pages 25-33

Winter Jobs

Get your garden going this winter with these tasks.

Pages 34-39

Christmas Houseplants: The complete care guide

How to keep those precious gifts alive!

Pages 40-47

Mindfulness in he Garden

Common pest and disease problems- and how to solve them.

Pages 48-51

What’s next...

Whats on in store and what to expect in our next edition. Page 52-53

Hi and welcome to Bozzy’s, Winter 2022! This is our second edition of our online gardening magazine. We can’t believe it- Christmas has already been, and gone!. Following the launch of our first magazine we got over 1000 readers - so thank you everyone, we really appreciate it. So if you’re back again, welcome back! Our aim is to help you, our customers with Seasonal ideas, hints, tips and suggestions for you to get the absolute best from your garden.

Welcome Back...

Editor and Writer- Simon Podbury

Photographer and WriterCarly Woolford CreativeSaffron Wooten

CONTAINERS Creative

Get the most out of your containers this Winter....

A common question customers ask us about is advice on planted arrangements, either for the patio or for the front of the house.

Tackling a container is no easy feat. Finding balance between height, colour as well as finding plants that will flower for each season can be quite overwhelming.

So, I've put together some suggestions, which I think look fantastic, and will certainly add to your Christmas themes this winter.

BY SIMON PODBURY

MELLOW

Place a layer of crocks in the container and fill to about ¾ full of compost.

Place your plants in the container, to your desired design.

Fill with more compost, making sure that all the space between the plants is full. Firm down the compost, around all the plants, topping up with more compost where needed.

Water well, to settle all the plants in, once drained you may have to top up the compost again if the level has dropped slightly. Keep watered, and in the spring start feeding with a liquid feed every 2 weeks, until September. By feeding regularly, you will get healthier plants, with more flowers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

For my first idea I have gone with a mainly mellow yellow theme. I have used a Nandina, which is an evergreen shrub, a white flowering male Skimmia. This is further complimented with a lime green conifer. A small Pittosporum and heather complete the perennial elements of this container. For a further splash of colour, I have used a viola mix called Amsterdam.

The Conifer and Nandina will give some height, the Skimmia will flower in the spring, and the Heather will flower during the winter. The viola will also flower during the winter, through to the spring, slowing down during frosty weather. I really like the effect of this

planter, as the brightness of the foliage will certainly stand out during the dull days of winter.

ERICA DARLEYENSIS

VIOLA EVO MIX

CUPRESSUS GOLDCREST

SKIMMIA JAPONICA

NANDINA LEMON LIME

PITTOSPORUM GOLD SPLASH

CHRISTMAS ROSE

CONTAINER IDEA TWO

Place a layer of crocks in the container and fill to about ¾ full of compost.

Place your plants in the container, to your desired design.

Fill with more compost, making sure that all the space between the plants is full. Firm down the compost, around all the plants, topping up with more compost where needed.

Water well, to settle all the plants in, once drained you may have to top up the compost again if the level has dropped slightly. Keep watered, and in the spring start feeding with a liquid feed every 2 weeks, until September. By feeding regularly, you will get healthier plants, with more flowers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

My next container has a mainly white theme. Sarcococca is a winter flowering shrub, that will add the height to the back of the container, along with the variegated holly. The Hellebores are white seasonal flowering plants, ivy and heather complete the look. Sarcococca purple stem have white, highly scented, flowers that appear during the winter months, the flowers might be small, but fill the air with a sweet scent. To compliment this, I have used some traditional Hellebores, or Christmas roses. They are lovely white flowers with a yellow centre. The Holly also has a traditional Christmas feel. The little Heather

will have many flowers during the summer, but add a good foliage contrast, and to finish the look, I have used a variegated ivy to cascade over the edge.

TRAILING IVY

ILEX ARGENTEA MARGINATA

SARCOCOCCA PURPLE STEM

HEATHER SKYLINE TRIO

HELLEBORUS NIGER

MERRY BERRY REDS

CONTAINER IDEA THREE

Place a layer of crocks in the container and fill to about ¾ full of compost.

Place your plants in the container, to your desired design.

Fill with more compost, making sure that all the space between the plants is full. Firm down the compost, around all the plants, topping up with more compost where needed.

Water well, to settle all the plants in, once drained you may have to top up the compost again if the level has dropped slightly.

Keep watered, and in the spring start feeding with a liquid feed every 2 weeks, until September. By feeding regularly, you will get healthier plants, with more flowers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

As it’s Christmas, I have gone for another red theme. Height is achieved at the back by this lovely red Nandina. Some variegated holly will also add some height. A couple of Skimmia help with colour and form. And a winter flowering Heather complete the look.

The lovely red Nandina starts this Christmas theme, Variegated Holly adds to the festive theme. The red berries of the Skimmia adds a festive feel, and the other Skimmia has flower buds during the winter, through to the spring, these

opening out too many, tiny scented flowers. The winter flowing heather adds more colour during the winter.

ILEX ARGENTIA MARGINATA

SKIMMIA REEVESIANA

NANDINA OBSESSED

ERICA DARLEYENSIS

SKIMMIA FINCHY

FESTIVE REDS

Place a layer of crocks in the container and fill to about ¾ full of compost.

Place your plants in the container, to your desired design.

Fill with more compost, making sure that all the space between the plants is full. Firm down the compost, around all the plants, topping up with more compost where needed.

Water well, to settle all the plants in, once drained you may have to top up the compost again if the level has dropped slightly. Keep watered, and in the spring start feeding with a liquid feed every 2 weeks, until September. By feeding regularly, you will get healthier plants, with more flowers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

I have chosen a couple of evergreen shrubs, a Hellebore, Heather and ivy to produce this planter with a Christmas feel to it. I wanted to create a tired planting scheme, which would give colour and contrast, and plants that would complement each other.

At the back of this design, I have chosen a red Hellebore. This has added some instant height to my container. In the middle I have continued with the reds of the Skimmia, and Leucothoe, a red Heather and some variegated ivy, to add contrast and a cascading element to my container.

The Skimmia and Leucothoe are acid loving plants, so in this container you will need an ericaceous compost. These plants will also attract many beneficial insects, including Bees and Butterflies.

SKIMMIA JAPONICA

LEUCOTHOE CURLY RED

HELLEBORUS ICE N ROSES MERLOT

ERICA DARLYENSIS

HEDERA GOLDCHILD

Grow it

BY SIMON PODBURY

Now the seasons are moving on, and we are at the start of winter, you might not be thinking about growing your own crops, but there is still a lot of things that you can plant now to provide you with some great tasting produce, straight from your plot. Even if you only have a small space, you can still plant up a few things, that will taste fantastic. Now is also a good time to plan and prepare for the new year.

What can you grow this Grow it

Winter? yourself!

Some lettuce varieties that will happily grow in the winter, these include Winter Density, which is a cos type. If sown outside, they will need protection from a cloche, alternatively you can sow in a greenhouse. Lamb’s Lettuce, or Corn Salad can also be planted in a cold greenhouse in December, just simply sow the seeds, water and grow for fresh salad leaves.

BY SIMON PODBURY

Fruit bushes can be planted now, and we have a great selection available that can be planted now. We have a selection of Raspberries, Currents, Blackberries, Blueberries, Loganberries.

Some herbs can also be started from seed. Basil, Chives, Parsley, and Coriander can be started indoors all year round on a light windowsill at between 15-20 °C. Once germinated, plants can be grown on, until the weather conditions allow them to be planted outside.

Spinach, Radish and Parsnips can be sown outside in February. Tomatoes, Leeks, Peppers, Cucumber and Chillies can be sown from late February in a greenhouse.

A simple salad crop to grow any time of the year is microgreens. These are the seedlings of many different crops, and add loads of concentrated nutrients to our diet, including vitamin C, E & K. lutein and betacarotene, up to 40 times more than the mature version of the same plants.

Seeds that are grown as microgreens, include Peas, Mustard, Basil, Rocket, Coriander, Red Cabbage, Broccoli, Cress, Amaranth Red and Radish.

This simple salad can be grown in kits, or on damp kitchen paper on a tray, placed on a brightly lit windowsill.

Grow it yourself!

Another important job to do in the winter is plan for the new season’s crops. I have a simple plan of my vegetable plot, where I can plan my crop rotation, so I don’t plant the same type of crops in the same place in consecutive years. Ideally you need to have a three-year rotation plan.

Three-year Plans

This plan will help reduce the build-up of variety specific pest and diseases. As these crops require different nutrient requirements, the rotation will reduce particular nutrient deficiencies that may develop, so creating better growing conditions over the years.

If you do not have the space to practice a three-year rotation plan, the next best thing to do is plant crops that grow below ground during the first year, then above ground the following year. Again, in time this method will help balance out the nutrient levels in your plot.

This method will help balance out the nutrient levels in your plot.

Vegetable crops can be grouped into three different categories, which are broadly potatoes, brassicas and others. A simple rotation plant could be as follows...

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Brassicas

Others Roots

Roots Brassicas Others

Others Roots Brassicas

Brassicas

These include broccoli, brussels sprout, cabbage, cauliflower kale, kohl rabi, radish swede and turnips

Others

These include aubergine, beans, chillis, celeriac, celery, courgette cucumber, endive, leaf beat, leeks, lettuce, marrow, onions, pea, spinach, sweet corn, and tomato.

Roots

Real

ORChristmas just isn’t Christmas without a tree. And for many of us, putting up the Christmas tree every year is one of the most anticipated events of the festive season. But when it comes to Christmas trees, there is an environmental discussion brewing. Should we be buying real trees or artificial? Which is the more eco-friendly and sustainable choice?

BY CARLY WOOLFORD

So, what are the environmental impacts of buying an artificial or a real tree?

Many of the artificial trees that are on sale here in the UK are made from plastics and PVC, which is nonbiodegradable and petroleum based. This means that they cannot be recycled and will not break down once they ultimately end up in landfill.

Coupled with this is the distance that they travel, as most artificial trees are made overseas and shipped here to the UK. This amounts to a hefty carbon footprint.

The Carbon Trust has said that ‘a two-metre artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg, more than ten times that of a real tree that is burned after

Having said all this, there are some benefits to buying artificial trees and we do have these in stock at our garden centres at Christmas time. Artificial trees are reusable and can last for a number of years. If used for ten years or more, this can go some way to negating a portion of the carbon footprint that artificial trees produce in their manufacture and shipping.

Added to that is the lower cost of reusing

your tree every year. It is therefore worth choosing the perfect artificial tree, so that your initial investment pays off in the long run.

But then nothing can compare with the fresh, pine scent of a real tree that will fill your home throughout the festive season. As a living thing, a real tree can act like a houseplant, absorbing the carbon dioxide and harmful toxins and breathing out oxygen, purifying the air in our homes.

But what are the environmental impact of real trees?

Christmas trees are grown as an agricultural crop. When grown as a crop, they can capture and store carbon dioxide, a harmful gas in our atmosphere contributing to climate change.

Real trees grown in this way can store more carbon per hectare than deciduous forests and this is down to their needles. With more needles being added every year of their growing cycle, more and more carbon can be captured and stored.

When the trees are inevitably cut down to be sold, the agricultural process starts again with more trees being planted and grown, creating a natural balance in the environment. And as these trees are grown amongst forests, fields and other outdoor spaces, the biodiversity of wildlife is high. The ecosystem created by the real trees provides much-needed habitats, food and shelter for insects and wildlife.

After Christmas when it becomes time to dispose of your real tree, there are numerous eco-friendly options. Many local councils offer a tree collection and recycling service. Or we can reuse our trees in the garden by chopping them up for firewood and burning, composting or by chipping them to use as a mulch. This means that our real trees are completely recyclable and biodegradable, a much more ecological option for the environment.

But to reduce your carbon footprint even further, why not try a pot-grown tree. As the name suggests, these trees are grown in their pots in holes in the ground. They can either be brought inside and re-used every year or they can be planted out in the garden after Christmas.

Real trees, and in particular pot-grown trees, seem to be a sustainable solution to be proud of.

Real trees and beyond...

However you like to buy your Christmas tree, there are ways that we can be more sustainable and kinder to the environment. It has been shown that there are benefits to both artificial and real Christmas trees.

At Bosworth’s Garden Centre, we work closely with Cransley Hospice Trust, who offer a Christmas tree recycling service.

For a donation to this wonderful organisation, they will take away your real tree after Christmas and recycle it. The chippings from the trees are used

to support the local community and your valuable donations contribute towards the Cransley Hospice Trust and other essential charities in the area.

Our real and pot-grown trees will be available to buy from the end of November and we can’t wait to help you find the perfect tree for your festive season.

BY CARLY WOOLFORD

Ask the Experts

Our Plant Care Team experts will help you get the best from your garden. And don’t forget- we are always in store ready to answer your questions!

Our Expert

Should I prune my roses this month?

Now is a good time to tidy your roses. Cut back the growth by a third, to an outward bud. In the spring, prune a third again and your roses will burst into life and flower next year. And don’t forget to feed well next spring.

Hi, I’m Simon. I’m a plant manager here at Bosworths.I have worked in multiple garden centres for over 35 years, starting when I was 18. My entire career has been dedicated to horticulture. I open my garden to the public annually for The National Garden Scheme.

How can I ripen my very green tomatoes?

Just pick them and place them on a sunny windowsill until they turn red, or try putting them in paper bag with a banana in to ripen quicker.

There is potential for the caterpillar to return every year.

You can use a pheromone trap in the spring to catch them, or remove the caterpillar by hand if there’s only a few.

You can spray if you have a heavy infestation. Also feed your Buxus well to help it recover and put on some healthy root.

The best thing to do is overwinter them in a frost free location, such as a windowsill, conservatory or greenhouse.- as long as its above 5 degrees. Make sure the plants are cleared of any dead or damaged stems, before being protected. Keep the plants moist but not wet, and ventilate well to keep the atmosphere dry and prevent mould growing. Any mouldy stems should be removed.

Feed with a tomato feed to encourage many more flowers.

You could plant some heuchera around the red robin. These are little evergreen plants that will produce flowers on spikes, with lots of red shades to go with the red robin leaves.

Can you plant anything pretty under lots of woodland trees?

There are lots of colourful plants for shaded areas. These include hellebore, heuchera, hardy cyclamens, miniature bulbs, brunnera, and evergreen ferns.

How do I stop my Alliums from rotting? I have used gravel and soil in the pots, but to no avail.

It sounds like your soil could be holding too much moisture. Incorporate lots of organic matter and grit to lighten the soil. You could also try using an peat-free compost in your containers.

Email : Askbozzy@bosworthsgc.co.uk Message us on Instagram or Facebook: Bosworth’s Garden Centre

Will caterpillar moth return to attack Buxus every year?

What should I feed my Dahlias?

I need some shrubs to compliment a red robin please!

Will our geraniums survive the winter if sheltered please?

Pests

VINE WEEVIL

The vine weevil is an insect that will feed on a variety of ornamental and edible plants. The adult vine weevil will eat the leaves of plants, and these in turn lay eggs in the soil, the grubs, once hatched will eat through the roots of the host plants, which eventually will collapse and die.

BY SIMON PODBURY

The first signs of vine weevil activity will occur during the spring to around the end of summer. The adults, that are approximately 1cm long will cause irregular notches in the edges of leaves during these months. This damage looks unsightly, but very rarely damages the plants, and this damaged foliage can be cut back to tidy the plants up. The problem will occur if the adults have laid egg in the soil, especially if the plants are in containers. These legless, white grubs have a light brown head and are approximately 1cm long. They will mainly be found around the roots of plants. Evidence of the root damage is then noticeable when the plants begin to wither and die during the autumn to the spring. This is a result of the grubs eating the plants roots.

In this section, we look at some of the common pests that we, as gardeners, face on a regular basis. This edition, we'll look at vine weevil and also at cleaning up fruit trees, which helps to reduce the amount of pest problems.

These grubs are mainly found in containers, with some plants more susceptible than others. Many different herbaceous plants and some shrubs, especially Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Camellia and evergreen Euonymus are susceptible. The herbaceous plants that are mainly affected include Heuchera, Heucherella, Sedum, Primula, Polyanthus, Bergenia, Epimedium

Vine Weevil Grubs

If you do discover damage to your plants, there are a few ways to help control them. Adults can be trapped with sticky barriers around your containers, or on the staging in your greenhouse. You could also try and encourage more wildlife into your garden. The adults and grubs are eaten by hedgehogs, frogs, birds, toads, shrews and some beetles.

Another method is to inspect your plants and any nearby walls by torchlight. If any adults are seen, they can simply be picked off. You could use a large umbrella, under your shrubs to collect any adults that fall while shaking the foliage. And in greenhouses, look under pots and shelves, where the adults will be hiding during the day.

There are nematodes available to buy online mail order. This form of biological control is suitable to be used in the open ground and containers. It is best to apply them from August to early September.

The last option is to use a chemical drench, but this can only be used on ornamental plants following the manufacturer’s instructions. Bug clear ultra-vine weevil killer is a liquid drench that needs to be applied to the compost. Four months protection can be achieved if you use the drench in mid to late summer, as this will control the larvae and prevent the damage that occurs from the autumn to the spring.

An adult WeevilVine

Pests

FRUIT TREE PROTECTION

Now that your fruit trees have shed their leaves, it is time to help protect next year’s crop. While trees and bushes are dormant, aphids, spider mites, scale insects, winter moths and other insects are sheltering against the cold by hiding deep in the crevices of trees, laying eggs that will hatch in the spring.

Stunted growth, distorted leaves and the growth of black sooty moulds due to the sticky liquid some insect leave behind are common. Caterpillars can also tunnel into new buds and destroy them, or eat holes in leaves, blossom and developing fruitlets which can cause extensive damage to fruit trees and significantly affect crop yields. So, protecting trees throughout the winter and into the spring is essential and simple to do. Winter Tree Wash, Tree Bands or Fruit Tree Grease will not only ensure your plants remain in good condition, but they also reduce the risk of disease and infestation while they are growing. These insect eggs are not always easy to spot until you have an infestation. Aphids can cause infections that will multiply in

Bozzy’s

BY SIMON PODBURY

the spring.

Female aphids lay eggs that overwinter and hatch as the weather gets warmer. These young aphids can produce their own eggs in a couple of weeks and so the cycle begins again making it difficult to control.

Woolly aphids are also quite common. Woolly and white in appearance, they colonise in the cracks of trees and feed on the sap. As we start to prune, this is the ideal time for woolly aphids to attach to the new growth causing swelling which can split open and enable infection to set in. Using a winter wash will help remove

the majority of these bugs, giving your trees the best chance to remain bugfree.

However, it’s not just bugs that can cause early season problems. Whilst some moths hibernate there are those that are active during winter. These moths lay eggs ready for spring hatching where the larvae and caterpillars feed on new leaves.

Vitax winter tree wash is a blend of natural plant and fish oils, and is applied as a spray. It helps to remove insect debris, dust, dirt and waxy deposits that insects attach their eggs to and is easy to apply.

Simply follow the instructions on the pack. Spray the whole of the tree. Make sure you spray all the crooks in the branches, trunk and stems. You should use a ladder as needed so you don’t have to stretch. Use a fine spray, and apply on a calm day to prevent spray drift. The best time to apply is when your plants are dormant, between November and February, prior to buds beginning to break. This is ideal for most fruit trees, bushes and deciduous shrubs. Make sure that all leaves have fallen, as they will be scorched by the spray.

Once you have sprayed your trees, added protection will be gained by

Our Top Product Picks

FRUIT TREE PROTECTION Continued

applying Fruit Tree Grease or Tree Bands to stop insects crawling up the tree, to lay more eggs. These not only trap any crawling insects; they will also act as monitors to detect their presence.

If trees are prone to pests such as the Mottled Umber Moth or March Moth, then the application of grease or a tree band will also help monitor the scale of potential infestation. If you do find you have an infestation, check other bushes and smaller trees in the garden for insects too.

Apply the Fruit Tree Grease with a brush, approximately 45cm above ground level, or if using tree bands secure a little higher to prevent bridging. It is advisable to apply two layers of grease or bands, so if insects get caught on the lower level, others can crawl over them.

Also apply to any tree stakes for added protection.

Depending on the weather, the grease may need to be re-applied throughout the winter as well as any damaged tree bands which will need to be replaced. Investing time in protecting trees and bushes will minimise the need for pest protection early in the growing season and help produce healthy growth and crops.

Re-apply either the bands or the grease again in the summer, to further protect your plants against summer crawling pests, other harmful crawling insects will also be controlled, but beneficial insects will not be affected as they are not attracted by the green colour of the band.

Plants in Focus

Covering both indoor and outdoor plants, this section explores a selection of plants that are seasonal for the winter months. Bringing you popular winter flowers, that will bring seasonal cheer.

BY SIMON PODBURY

Potted Bulbs

If you are looking to add some colour into your garden from February onwards, then you might like to add some spring flowering bulbs. Traditionally spring flowering bulbs are planted in the autumn, but if you have missed the boat, then our range of potted, spring flowering bulbs are ideal to catch up.

We have an extensive range of potted bulbs, and they start to become available from mid, to the end of December.

So the first consideration is planting position, and flowering time, and

we have the complete range that will flower from February to June.

Snowdrops, iris reticulata and Têteà-tête narcissus flower in February.

March sees crocus, muscari, winter aconites, daffodils, scillas and snakes head fritillaria.

In April, tulips, crocus, iris, bluebells and daffodils. Tulips will still be flowering in May, along with camassia, summer snowflake and alliums. Lilies, camassia and alliums are also flowering in June. So we have a complete range of colours and types, which will compliment all planting schemes, big or small.

Heathers

Heathers are evergreen plants that will add lots of colour to your garden, or planted containers from the autumn, right around to late spring and early summer. As most heathers need an acidic soil, you will need to consider the position of them before you plant. Some will tolerate neutral or alkaline soils. Acid loving heathers are all the Calluna and Daboecia cantabrica varieties, these flowering from late summer to the end of autumn. Erica carnea and Erica x darlyensis will happily grow in acid or neutral to alkaline soils, and these varieties will flowers during winter and spring months. A lot of heathers are compact plants so they are ideal for containers or small gardens and they are easy to grow. They like a sunny

or part shaded position, in welldrained, organic rich soil. They have short flower stems that are full of small bell shaped flowers. These nectar rich flowers are good for our wildlife as they attract many different bees, winter flowering ones being more valuable as there are not many plants that flower in the winter.

Heathers come in many different colours, from white, red, pinks, purples and mauve. More recently the mixed pots of different colours have become very popular. Once the plants have finished flowering, just give them a light trim all over to tidy them up. This will encourage new healthy growth. In mid spring, give your heathers a good feed, to help them thrive,

making sure that you feed with the appropriate for your plant’s needs.

Water

Hellebores

Hellebores are more commonly known as Lenton or Christmas roses, and they are evergreen plants which are a valuable addition to any garden. These plants will start to flower from early winter, with some varieties flowering through to spring, where the flowers could be poking up out of the snow.

As they have a long flowering period, they are an ideal addition to any mixed border, especially those in dappled light.

There are many different varieties available, from whites of Helleborus niger to speckled flowers of orientalis through to pinks, reds, greens and almost black. These flowers are set among glossy green leaves and most varieties have a compact habit, growing between 12 to 18 inches high although some can get to about 3ft.

Hellebores will not like growing in either very dry or very wet soils, but prefer to be in a fertile, moist soil conditions ideally in dappled light as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Some varieties, niger, hybridus and lividus could easily be damaged by the cold of winter, so would be better in a sheltered position.

Once the flowers start to appear, it’s a good idea to remove the older, larger leaves from the plants.

By doing this, the flowers will shine through and make for a much better display.

H

ollys are a perfect plant to add colour and lots of interest to any garden, as they are evergreen, with lots having berries which not only look great, they make a vital food source for many garden birds. There are many different varieties available, some with plain green leaves, and some with gold or silver variegated foliage, some even have tiny leaves which can be used as a substitute for box hedging.

As holly plants have waxy like leaves, they are very wind resistant, which makes them an ideal plant for an exposed position. They will thrive in any soil type, as long as it does not become water logged, and they

Hollyalso love a sunny position, but will also grow well in light shade. Holly plants do not like being moved, so plan your planting position carefully. Pruning is best done in the winter or early spring. If pruning in winter you can use the foliage in your Christmas arrangements. Many varieties are male forms, such as Silver Queen, Ferox Argentea, and Blue Prince. These varieties will produce flowers, but not berries. If you want your holly to have berries, then you will also have to plant a female variety, such as Golden King, Argentia Marginata, and Blue Angel.

There are also some varieties that are self-fertile, these include Alaska and J C van Tol, and so you will get flowers and berries. Planting a

male variety nearby will increase the number of berries that are formed on these varieties.

Water Soil Light

Low maintenance-rain should be fine

Tolerant of most soils, slightly acidic

Partial shade to full sunlight

kimmias are evergreen shrubs that are easy to care for. The bear tiny, fragrant flowers in the spring, with some of the varieties also having long lasting berries, which will decorate the plants during the autumn and winter months.

The plants will add structure and form to mixed planted borders, and will equally do well in containers, by a door or on a patio. They prefer part to full shade, and are also acid loving, so they need to be planted in ericaceous compost. Well drained soil is also necessary, as they don’t like sitting in wet soil. The Skimmia has yearlong interest, as the buds form in August, they last until

March and April, before opening to tiny scented flowers, that bees and other beneficial insects love. They also have wonderful, green leaves.

There are many different varieties, some are male forms, such as Rubella, White Globe, Fragrant Cloud, Kew Green, Magic Marlot and Finchey. These only produce the spring flowers. Other varieties are female, and these include Kew White, Pabella, Nymans, these varieties will only produce berries, if there is a male variety planted nearby.

If space is limited, why not plant one of the hermaphrodite, or selffertile varieties. These will have

Skimmia

the flowers in the spring, like the male plants, but will also produce the berries in the autumn.

Almost two plants in one. These varieties include Reevesiana, Temptation and Obsession, The Skimmia is in the same family as citrus plants, and if you crush the leaves, you can smell citrus.

Water

Soil Light

Low maintenance-rain should be fine

Tolerant of most soils, slightly acidic

Partial shade to full sunlight

Sarcococca

Sarcococca are evergreen shrubs that have the advantage of flowering in the winter months. Tiny white, highly scented flowers are borne along the stems of this evergreen plant. They open during December to February and fill the air with a sweet-smelling fragrance. Black, purple or red berries are formed after the flowers, and on my plants, these stay for many months.

The plants like a moist but free draining soil. They are perfect plants for containers, using a John Innes No 3 compost. These plants can grow up to 6ft tall, some varieties are more compact. They will tolerate full sun when planted in a moist soil but prefer part or full shade.

An ideal plant for many different uses. Whether it be in a container on the patio, or by a door where you will benefit from the sweet fragrance. They are also suitable to create an informal hedge, cottage or wildlife garden as they are low maintenance. They are great for beneficial insects, including bees, and has also been award the RHS Award of Garden Merit, which is a seal of approval from the RHS that they will perform well in your garden.

Water Soil Light

Need to be kept moist at all times

Moist but free draining soil

Partial shade to full shade

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WinterJobs

Winter is here. The temperatures are dropping and it’s definitely a quieter time in the garden, as many of our plants become dormant...

BY CARLY WOOLFORD

With the clocks changing and the end of daylight savings, the nights draw in earlier so there is less time to spend outside. But if you have some time to spare, there is still plenty to be getting on with in the garden.

And even though most of our plants will be shutting down over winter, there are still some wonderful plants blooming over the colder months that we can enjoy. Flowers such as cyclamen and hellebores brighten up a border and shrubs like viburnum, sarcococca and hamamelis not only look good, but they all have beautiful fragrances too.

Winter is all about maintenance and preparation in order to get ahead for spring. There is lots to be done now, so that when the growing season starts in earnest next year, we are all ready to get going. And don’t forget, if the weather really is too bad to be outside in the garden, then that is always a good excuse to stay inside and plan your sowing and growing for next year.

So, winter doesn’t have to be a boring time in the garden. If you’re in need of some inspiration, be sure to pop over to Bosworth’s, as we will always have something in bloom all year round to bring some colour to your garden.

In the meantime though, here are some gardening jobs to keep you warm while working outside over the winter months.

1. PRUNE YOUR TREES AND SHRUBS

Winter is the perfect time to prune some of the trees and shrubs in your garden.

Pruning might seem daunting, but there are a few simple rules to follow, to keep your plants happy and healthy. Here we will list a few of the plants that should be pruned in winter, but be sure to check as some plants are best left until spring for pruning, while others are summer or autumn.

By pruning certain plants while they are dormant, this ensures that

your plants stay productive, will increase their growing vigour, and keep their growth in check. When the plants are dormant this allows us to see their framework and will help to carry out pruning and other maintenance.

If you have apple or pear trees, these can be pruned between now and March. Pruning them ensures that they remain healthy and productive. If left, you might find that their yields will decrease. When pruning, always remove dead or diseased branches and cut away any shoots from the base. Then take away any crossing or congested branches and try to

create an open framework, with branches evenly spaced rising up and away from the trunk. For bush and climbing roses, cut these back in winter for lots of blooms and healthy growth come summer. Take away dead or diseased branches and thin out congested areas. They can then be cut back to about a foot high from the ground.

Wisteria should be pruned twice

Pruning may seem DAUNTING, but there are a few simple rules to keep your plants HAPPY and HEALTHY.

yearly, once in the winter and once in summer. It is best to prune wisteria during the winter in February. Wisteria needs to be pruned to keep its growth in check, otherwise it can become a tangled mess and flowering will be reduced as a result. When pruning in winter, cut back all sideshoots to three or four buds.

Also in February, Group 3 Clematis can be pruned. These are the clematis that flower mid to late summer and cutting them back will ensure good flowering next year. Prune the plant back hard to about 10cm above the ground.

Fruit bushes, such as gooseberries, blueberries and blackcurrants, should be pruned now to ensure they stay productive in future years. Remove old wood every year and leave the younger, healthier branches to bear fruit. Autumn fruiting raspberries can also be cut back to a few inches and this will mean that they produce lots of lovely new canes next autumn.

2. PLANT TREES

If you’ve space in your garden, why not consider planting a tree. A tree will add a new dimension to your garden, adding height and structure and depending on the type of tree, they can provide you with interest such as blossom, flowers and berries.

Planting trees is best done during autumn and winter. Trees are dormant during the winter and not actively growing, so they will get off to a really good start. As the ground holds more moisture during autumn and winter, your trees will need less watering. However, do try to avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Make sure to dig a hole about two or three times the diameter of the rootball of the tree. Heavy, clay soils can be improved by incorporating some organic matter and a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi

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Trees are DORMANT during the winter and not actively growing, so will get off to a REALLY GOOD start.

to the planting hole and the roots. This will really help to get the roots established and off to a great start.

If needed, install a stake to support larger trees and fill the planting hole back in with soil. Firm the soil around the base of the tree and water in well. Keep an eye on the watering of your tree until it is fully established.

One of these necessary jobs is to clean and look after your gardening tools. By giving them some regular maintenance, this will mean that they last much longer. In terms of cutting tools such as secateurs and loppers, a clean and sharp edge means a better cut when pruning and it will be less likely to let disease in to your plants. Why not also fix those loose spade handles and stock up on other essentials, such as string and wire too.

garden birds. Food is often very scarce, but with the temperatures dropping, our birds need food more than ever to ensure that they have sufficient reserves, as they use up much more energy in the winter trying to keep warm.

With the winter comes the winter maintenance. It’s an ideal opportunity to get lots of jobs done now while there is not very much growing in the garden.

And it is not just our tools, but also our sheds and greenhouses could do with a good clean and tidy up. Remove any greenhouse shading and clean the glass to let as much light into your greenhouse as possible over winter. And why not give your pots a good scrub to lessen the spread of disease too.

4. FEED THE BIRDS

Winter is a difficult time for our

It is therefore really important that we give them a helping hand by putting out high energy foods, such as suet and peanuts, as well as sunflower seeds that are rich in protein and fats. Always remember as well to put out clean, fresh water regularly, as their water sources may freeze over.

Providing food and water like this will be a lifeline to our garden birds and help them to survive the winter chill.

VARIETY OF BIRD FOODS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE IN-STORE

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Try planting hawthorn, hornbeam,beech, blackthorn, Rosa rugosa or a mixture of several different species to form a hedgerow that is attractive to lots of wildlife in your garden

5. PROTECT YOUR BRASSICAS

Brassicas such as cabbages, broccoli and kale are delicious when grown at home or on your allotment. However, the wildlife in your garden also find these crops delicious too.

Whilst cabbage white butterflies, slugs and snails are starting to become less active now that the temperatures are dropping, you will find that it still pays to protect your crops at this time of year in case there are the occasional ones still about.

Pigeons, however, can be a pest to these

6. FORCE YOUR RHUBARB

Rhubarb is a wonderful crop to have in your allotment or garden. It is easy to grow and is

so prolific that you’ll be cropping rhubarb all summer long. And who doesn’t love a rhubarb crumble?

But did you know that by forcing rhubarb in late winter, you can encourage your plants to produce a crop earlier in the year, usually at a time when there is not much to be harvested in the garden.

Forcing rhubarb is to exclude all light to your plants by covering them completely. It is important to only force established plants, as newer ones yet to establish will not have enough energy stored up to produce the forced stems.

To force your rhubarb, clear around the base of the plant, take away any old foliage and give it a feed with some well-rotted manure. Then cover the plant using a rhubarb forcer or a large pot, making sure

that no light can get through to the plant at all.

Check your rhubarb occasionally and then after about eight weeks, your lovely, sweet rhubarb stems should be ready for harvesting. Be sure to remove the poisonous leaves first though.

7. DIG OVER BARE GROUND

Now that winter is here, it’s a great time of the year to look after the soil in your garden. All types of soil can be used for cultivation and growing, whether that be for crops or flowers, but there is always more that you can do to improve them.

Digging over your soil, or cultivation, benefits it greatly as it stops compaction of the soil and gives us the opportunity to add some organic matter to improve it

even further. The more nutrients your soil is holding, the better your plants will grow.

By turning over the soil and leaving the ground bare over winter, the frost will do a lot of the work of breaking up the bigger clods of earth for you. To improve your soil for next year’s growing season, why not try incorporating some organic matter in while digging it over. A wellrotted manure or garden compost is perfect to add some extra nutrients in to your soil.

Organic matter will help to improve the structure of the soil by making it lighter and more open, this is especially true for heavy clay soils. It will also help your soil to retain moisture, which will come in handy during those long, dry summers. By doing this, it will greatly benefit your plants in the long run.

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Christmas Houseplants

And how to care for them.

BY SIMON PODBURY

1. Orchids Did you know that there are over 30,000 different varieties of orchid species that grow in the wild, and many hundreds of hybrids?

The orchids that we sell at Bosworth’s are easy to care for. The most popular are the Phalaenopsis, or Moth orchid. These are ideal for anyone new to orchid growing, as they produce long lasting blooms that can last a few months with minimal care.

As a general rule, orchids require a light, bright spot, away from direct sun, so a north or east windowsill is ideal.

Temperature around 18-22°C. Regularly water and mist with rain water, or cooled, boiled water. Do not stand the orchid in water, as this might damage the roots, and keep them in a sheltered place, away from any draughts. Watering less often during the winter months, but never let the compost dry out completely. When you need to re-pot your plants, they need to be planted into a clear pot, in a bark based orchid compost. If the spent flower spike goes brown after flowering, this will need to be cut back at its base, which will encourage new spikes to be produced in time. If your old spikes stay green, they will need pruning back to a little shoot that will appear on them, this is where the new flower spike will grow from. Cut the stems about ½ “above this new shoot. Your orchid, under ideal conditions should start to produce a new flower spike about 3 months after flowering, if this does not happen, then place your orchid in a cooler spot, which should stimulate it to produce a new flower spike.

Other varieties of orchid available include Dendrobiums, are easy to grow by a south facing window to bloom well around 16-18°C. After flowering, they require a rest period, at slightly cooler conditions, which will help them reflower.

Miltonia, or the Pansy Orchid are heavily scented and require a bright, welllit position away from direct sunlight. Ideally growing about 12-15°C Paphiopedilums, the Slipper Orchid have beautiful mottled flowers, they require a slightly shaded growing environment in the summer, and bright light in the winter. The mottled varieties need a temperature around 20-25°C, and a winter temperature around 10-14°C.

Each year, without fail, we receive houseplants for Christmas. They look great when they arrive- but how do you keep them looking great?

Here are some of the commonly gifted Christmas houseplants, and how to care for them.

2.Schlumbergera (Top) Commonly known as the Christmas cactus, as they flower from November to late January, and produce a riot of colourful flowers. They are ideal as a Christmas gift, or to brighten up your home.

These plants will grow well in a semi shaded spot, away from direct sunlight, in a humid atmosphere. Ideally at a temperature of 1820°C. They will need to be re potted once a year, at the end of March. Once they have finished flowering, they require a resting period, at a cooler temperature of between 12-15°C, and only needed to be watered occasionally, but do not allow them to dry out completely.

New buds should start to appear around September, where increasing the temperature and watering again will encourage another wonderful display of colourful blooms.

3.Planted Arrangements (Bottom) Here at Bosworth’s, we have a great selection of planted arrangements that will add that extra bit of sparkle to your festive decorations. They also make fantastic presents for a friend or loved one. We source great looking containers during the year, and carefully select a range of houseplants, to bring you a great choice of designs and festive colours.

So, whatever you are looking for, we have an arrangement for you. Our planting designs are consistent, so if you want multiple containers, you will find everything that you need.

Plants that we use, to create our great looking arrangements include, Cyclamen, Poinsettias, Roses, kalanchoe, Peace Lily, Ficus pumilla, Hypoestes, Fittonia, Chamaedorea and Chlorophytum, among others.

4. Amaryllis (Top) the Amaryllis is usually available as a bulb from late autumn, or planted up nearer Christmas, and is a very popular gift. With easy care, they will flower for many years to come.

If you buy the bulb, they will need planting in a peat free compost in a pot slightly bigger than the bulb. Plant with two-thirds of the bulb above the compost surface, water sparingly until it starts to grow. This pot can then be placed in a well-lit spot at about 20°C. As the flower develops it should be staked and turned regularly, so the flower stems grow straight. As the flower starts to open move your amaryllis to a slightly cooler spot, between15–18°C so the flowering period is extended.

If you have bought an Amaryllis that is already planted, place it in a cool, well-lit place and allow to flower. Once the flowering has finished, cut back the spent flower spike to the base. Keep the foliage growing, carefully watering and applying a weekly liquid feed. In the summer the bulbs can be placed in a shaded spot outside, or in a greenhouse, while being regularly watered. In late September, stop feeding the bulbs and reduce the watering so that the plant becomes almost dormant. After about 10 weeks, cut all the foliage down to about 4”. Once you have replaced the top 2” of compost, start growing the bulb again. This should keep your Amaryllis flowering for many years to come.

5.Azalea (Bottom) The indoor Azalea makes a wonderful colourful addition to any home at Christmas. To get the best from your Azalea, it will need to be kept in a cool, humid atmosphere where it can get plenty of light, so a cool conservatory, room or unheated porch would be ideal as they do not like being exposed to long periods of hot and dry condition. They are in the Rhododendron and Azalea family, but are not frost hardy, so need to be kept as a houseplant. Once the chance of frost has gone, they can be acclimatized to live outside for the summer months, but this procdure will need to be reversed In September, before the weather gets too cold. Azaleas do not like being dry, so make sure that the compost does not completely dry out. If this happens, then soak your plant in a bucket of water, until it is thoroughly soaked. Once your plant has finished flowering, trim of all the dead flowers and repot, in a slightly larger pot with a peat free ericaceous compost. Keeping your plant in a warm room with temperature around 1316°C, mist daily and water as needed. This will encourage new root development, and healthy new growth. Once new shoots appear, feed with an ericaceous liquid feed until the end of June.

6.

Indoor Cyclamen

(Top) The colder, winter months herald the arrival of this popular Christmas houseplant. The variety is Cyclamen persicum, which originates from the Mediterranean, and some of them are grown for autumn bedding plants but they are not frost hardy. The vast majority have been cultivated as this colourful, vibrant houseplant. Over the years, cyclamen growers have developed a vast array or hybrid plants. Many have striped petals, silver tinted leaves, and some have heart shaped leaves. Cyclamens are relatively easy to grow and should flower reliably with a little bit of care, from mid-October to February. Cyclamens need to be in a cool spot, and out of direct sunlight, and away from frosts. Do not leave them on a windowsill overnight but move away to a more central part of the room. You need to keep the compost moist, being careful not to overwater them. Only water from the base by leaving the plants to stand in a little bit of water, then draining the excess before returning to their original position. Regularly dead head by removing the spent flower stem with a slight twist and tugging motion. This will encourage many more flowers to be produced.

7.

Poinsettia

(Bottom) is the most traditional of Christmas houseplants. They have dark green leaves, and brightly coloured flowers, with a yellow green centre. Most Poinsettias that are grown are red, but there is also creamy white, pinks, and marbled. The colourful flowers are actually modified leaves, called bracts, with the actual flower being in the very centre.

Poinsettias will thrive in an east, west or south facing window, where they will receive bright daylight. The temperature must ideally be between 1621°C for them to thrive, but they do not like fluctuating condition, such as cold drafts, space heaters, as temperature below 12°C will kill them.

Poinsettia plants are relatively easy to look after. Water your plants sparingly as if they are overwatered, this will damage them. Only water your plants when the top of the compost begins to feel dry. The best way to do this, is to place the plant in a tray or bowl with tepid but not cold water. Allow the plant to stand for about 15-20 minutes, then remove it and allow it to drain well, before returning to where it was. If you mist your poinsettia lightly, on a daily basis, this should extend the flowering time.

How we can Garden for our Mental Health & Wellbeing

BY CARLY WOOLFORD

With winter on its way and the temperatures turning frosty, we could be forgiven for spending more time inside and less in our gardens.

And for this reason, winter can be a very tough time for some of us. Spending more time indoors can be lonely and isolating, not to mention that we’re not getting that all-important Vitamin D by staying inside. All of this can take its toll on both our mental and physical health.

Due to its very nature, gardening is a pastime that many of us find calming and healing. It has been proven that gardening is good not just for our physical health, but also for our mental health too and is being prescribed by doctors as a result of this. Our everyday lives have become so filled with stresses and strains that many people are looking for ways to improve their wellbeing. And one of the ways that they are doing this is through the process of mindfulness.

But, what is mindfulness?

Headspace describes mindfulness as ‘the ability to be present and engaged on the task at hand without distraction of thought’. By using mindfulness, it can increase not just our happiness, but our levels of focus and concentration, while at the same time lessening any feelings of depression or anxiety.

And to practise mindfulness, we need go no further than our very own gardens. Couldn’t gardening and being present in nature be one of the best ways to apply the principles of it?

And once we do master such mindful practices in our own gardens, then it is something that we can start to use in our everyday lives. Being fully present, right from when we wake up to when we go to sleep at night.

Scientifically, just by being outside helps to top up our levels of Vitamin D, which is a natural way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. But gardening and being in nature

"also allows us to focus on the present, grounding us in the current moment. It forces us to stop and slow down in a world that is going at a hundred miles an hour.

So, with this in mind, here are just a few ways that we can use mindfulness in our own gardens

By being outside, it helps top up our levels of Vitamin D, which alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Let go of negative thoughts

In this ever connected and modern world, it is so easy to become distracted by negative thoughts. If you start to struggle with the pressures of everyday life or you feel these negative thoughts creep in, it can really help to practice mindfulness while gardening.

By training our minds to become aware of negativity and instead, turning it around to something that is more positive such as gardening, this will do wonders for our confidence and selfesteem. And if we feel happier with less feelings of stress, this not only benefits our mental health, but it will also improve our physical health too.

One of the best ways to let go of these negative thoughts is by checking in with yourself and bringing your focus back on to your gardening at the current moment. By carrying out a task such as weeding, it can lower our heart rate and make us think clearer, reducing any anger and

stress that we may be feeling. It can release chemicals such as serotonin, which not only make us feel brighter, but also improves our cognitive functions.

Focus on the present

Due to its cyclical nature, gardening is an ongoing project. With the weather to take into account and the changing seasons, it is a constant flow and there is always something to do.

Our gardens are ever changing, and by recognising this, it allows us to become more accepting and adaptable to change.

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Our gardens are ever changing throughout the seasons and by recognising this, it can allow us to become more accepting and adaptable to change. This is so useful towards coping with feelings of anxiety and improving our concentration.

But not just this, gardening can also help us by grounding us in the present moment. By focusing on the task at hand, this can promote calmness by lowering your blood pressure and feelings of worry. If you feel your mind start to wander, this is okay. Just become aware of your thoughts and bring them back to what you’re doing in the present moment.

Savour the small

details

Having perspective is a wonderful thing. When things start to feel overwhelming, it does us good to stand back and look at the bigger picture. It can take us away from those negative thoughts and look at things a little differently.

Gardening can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, particularly in the height of summer when there is so much to do. But by slowing down and looking at the smaller details, we can start to feel gratitude and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Study your plants. Look at the details of the petals and the leaves, the wildlife in your garden that use your plants for food and shelter. In this way, we are also connecting

with nature. A great way to lower your heart rate and boost your mood.

So, every once in a while, be sure to stop what you’re doing and find a quiet place to sit and reflect. Enjoy your garden, as well as working in it.

Sow seeds

There is something very satisfying about sowing seeds, caring and nurturing them, while watching them grow into our beautiful garden plants. Satisfying, but also calming and hopeful. Nature and nurture is the very essence of gardening itself.

The act of sowing seeds and creating and maintaining a garden is the perfect way to foster and nurture your creativity. And being creative can improve your mood and in turn, boost your mental health and wellbeing.

Getting your hands into the soil and looking after your seedlings can be very meditative in itself. It is an optimum way to becoming more aware and accepting of change, making us feel happier and ultimately benefitting our immune system and therefore our physical health.

Gardening has been proven to boost our mental and physical wellbeing. Not only are we outside working and moving around in the fresh air, but we are also alleviating those signs of stresses and strains that plague all of our daily lives now. So, it really is worth venturing outside into your gardens, even if only for a short while. It will do wonders both for your garden and for you too.

FINAL CROP

A bit of fun, and whats next...

Flower Power!

Cover Girl!

Fancy yourself as a bit of a photographer? Or perhaps you just love taking photos of your dog? Got a garden that the world needs to see? Send in your photos via askbozzy@bosworthsgc.co.uk or send in your pics to our social media for a chance to be on the cover of our next issue!

A Thank You.

A special thank you to Carly and Simon who have gone above and beyond with their contributions to this magazine- they have given so much of their time and effort to this, and it truly shows. And a massive thank you to everyone else that has helped too- what an amazing Plant Team Bosworths has!

WHATS ON

At Bosworths

Spring/Summer Coach trips - To be announced in the coming weeks Our eagerly awaited coach trips will be announced very soon for the first half of next year.

Have you got any ideas for trips? We're always looking to create new and exciting trips for our customers. Please email your ideas to askbozzy@bosworthsgc.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you all on-board!