Dormant shrubs and trees are ready for pruning now
Ialways think that deciduous plants have the right idea – shutting down as the days shorten and temperatures drop, only to reawaken when spring arrives. This doesn’t give keen gardeners license to do the same, however, because this spell of dormancy is a key time to carry out a few important tasks.
Winter is the perfect time to tackle larger pruning jobs, not only because it’s best for the health of most deciduous trees and shrubs to be pruned while dormant, but also because leafless branches make it easy to see what you’re doing. Use clean and sharp tools to remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches, then move on to creating an attractive, open shape. Be aware that cutting back hard promotes vigorous growth; this may be desirable when renovating old shrubs or overgrown hedges, but it can be better to stagger extensive pruning of trees over several years. Lightly prune bush roses and tall summer-flowering shrubs, such as Buddleja and Lavatera, this month, to reduce their height and prevent them rocking in winter gales.
This is also the moment to plant deciduous trees and shrubs, because their dormancy and the warmth remaining in the soil gives roots a chance to become established before growth begins in spring.
Ordering bare-root trees, shrubs, hedging and roses from specialist nurseries will give you the widest choice of stock for winter planting, but containerised plants will also do well planted at this time of year. November is an ideal time to move trees and shrubs to new positions in the garden too, although it’s best to wait until spring to move conifers.
A surprising amount of other planting can still be done in early winter, unless we are troubled by an early spell of freezing weather. There’s still time to plant displays of bedding for winter and early spring interest, and it’s amazing how much a simple pot of bright-faced, scented violas can lift the spirits on a gloomy day.
All spring-flowering bulbs can still be planted, but this is the perfect time to get tulips into the soil, because planting them late reduces the risk
There’s still time to plant displays of bedding for winter and early spring
of tulip fire disease. The flowering times of tulip varieties vary, so choose carefully to create a succession of colour and consider opting for shorter varieties capable of standing up to inclement spring weather.
My favourite task this month is planting garlic, which will tough-out the winter given well-drained soil. I plant cloves about 5cm (2in) deep early in the month and then look forward to seeing their green shoots poking through the soil in time for Christmas. n