Pots of ideas
Christmas gifts
House plants are back in fashion and among the hottest this year are the angular mother-in-law’s tongue; the frothy maidenhair ferns (and any potted fern), kentia palms; and the cute-as string-ofpearls succulent. Traditional and much-loved potted Christmas gifts include poinsettias and amaryllis.
Personalise your gifts by doing some research on the plant, such as where it’s from and its horticultural requirements, or a quote about it, or any interesting fact you can unearth, then write it out on a card.
The biggest trend in outdoor plants is shrubs and small trees, which dovetail neatly with the tendency to smaller gardens. Little Japanese maples, miniature conifers, daphne, roses, lilac and (clumping) bamboo are sure to be welcomed in most gardens – and they can stay in pots if need be.
Or for plants that do triple duty – they fruit, look good and are a little different – try Chilean guava (also known as New Zealand cranberries), loquat, mountain pawpaw, or persimmon.
Edibles
Growing cut-and-come-again leafy greens, such as corn salad, dandelion, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, bok choi, parsley, rocket, sorrel and spinach means there is always something tasty to add to a meal. They can be grown in both containers and in the garden. Containers are best at least 45cm deep and 45cm wide.
Thin sowings of vegetables, such as radish, carrot, lettuce. Crowded conditions stress plants and result in spindly growth.
Give citrus trees a nitrogen-rich feed to promote new growth.
Continue to mound up potatoes. Dig them up just before cooking, as early varieties do not store well.
Lime soil in anticipation of planting brassicas. Avoid planting them in the same spot two years running – or risk club root, a soilborne fungus.
Ornamentals
Keep on top of weeds. This is best done every few days, for as the temperatures rise so does the speed of growth.
Step up dead-heading flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals to get them looking in tip-top shape for Christmas.
Should your daffodils need to be shifted, for whatever reason, December is the time to do it.
Plant anemones for winter blooms.
Mulch all the garden as heavily as you are able. Using grass clippings, pea straw, leaf mould, compost, and so on. This will help preserve moisture – especially important if you are going away over the holiday period.
Organise someone to keep an eye on your garden if you are heading off, to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
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