Wrap up for Winter

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Call 01832 293755 www.tandeenursery.co.uk Barnwell Road, Thurning, Nr. Oundle, Peterborough PE8 5RH Winter is upon us and as chilly as it is now, the lowest temperatures are likely yet to come. Even hardy British plants will suffer in particularly miserable weather, so whether your garden is already covered in snow and ice, or simply has a slight frosting, it’s time to make sure that it’s wrapped up warmly.

Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to winter damage as their roots are not protected beneath the soil. If the garden soil isn’t frozen solid, plunge any pot that can be plunged. If it’s too heavy to move, then wrap it up well in bubble wrap, polythene or old curtains.

Most shrubs and trees in your garden will be hardy in the UK, but if very harsh weather is forecast or there has been a spell of mild weather that may have encouraged the plant to produce some soft, new growth, then drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well.

A double fleece layer can of course be used on plants in beds and borders too. Weigh down the edges of the fleece well with bricks or use metal pegs at intervals along its length. Larger individual plants in borders can be given good, individual protection if you use four sturdy

canes to create a framework, wrap it with netting or chicken wire, then fill the central space around the plant with dry bracken, straw or leaves.

Many wall shrubs are grown there because they aren’t the hardiest of plants. To reduce risk of damage, make a similar ‘cage’ of mesh around these and again fill it with dry material so that the plant inside remains snug. Make sure you don’t use materials that can’t breathe or the plants will deteriorate. Evergreens in containers and in open ground may suffer from drought as well as foliage or stem growth. Deep mulch applied to the soil surface on the root area before the ground becomes frosted will help immeasurably. Even hardy fruit trees are prone to damage. Although quite tough, the newly opened blossom and the buds themselves may be damaged, with late frosts being most harmful because the buds are further developed. A fleece cover will help here too. If you live in a particularly cold area, buy them from a local specialist nursery who know local conditions, and try to buy late-flowering varieties.

If your garden is windy, try investing in some fleecy jackets for your favourite shrubs. These are made from fleece and are like massive bags, complete with a drawstring at the open end. Alternatively, use a double layer of ordinary fleece, wrap it around and cut to size before clipping or tying in place. Outdoor taps and pipework will need protection too or could result in burst pipes and expensive bills. Ideally, turn outside taps off at the mains, but if this isn’t feasible, make sure any exposed pipework is properly insulated. Your local builder’s merchant or DIY store is worth a visit for this job – wellinsulated pipes and garden taps could save you a fortune.