Wrap up delicate plants to keep them snug for winter
The weather is turning colder and frost is increasingly likely. Tender plants such as pelargoniums or begonias will not survive outside and must be brought inside.
Borderline plants, such as penstemons (right), oleanders and New-World salvias should survive an average winter with extra protection.
Place a layer of bulky organic material over plant roots and round the bases of the stems. Used potting compost or leafmould will be enough to protect borderline plants.
With vulnerable wall plants or climbers, a protective layer of plastic or fleece could help. Remember to protect their roots by laying a thick mulch. Then, if the top-growth is killed, the plant may regenerate from the roots.
Avoid pruning tender climbers until spring. Dense growth will protect some stems during freezing spells.
With tender plants it’s wise to root cuttings. Then, if the mature plants are destroyed, you’ll have replacements. This is handy for non-hardy, fastgrowing shrubs such as fuchsias, shrubby salvias, lantanas or heliotropes.
Tree ferns need special protection. The single growing tip must be kept frost-free. If that dies, so will the plant. Pack straw or dry sphagnum moss round the growing tip. Fold the mature fronds over that and tie them in position. Unwrap your fern in spring.