Help birds as cold weather arrives

Last week I stepped outside early in the morning and was surprised to see a ground frost. I’m not sure why I was surprised – it is November, after all – but the weather has been so very mild for many of us this autumn. But even though there are still bees buzzing around a few plants, it was a sharp reminder that winter is just around the corner. And with that comes a renewed need to look after our local wildlife.

Our bird populations are declining, albeit gradually, and they need all the help they can get, especially over the coming colder months. So it’s time to get out those feeders, give them a good clean and stock them up! But remember we can grow lots of natural food sources for birds in our own gardens, such as bountiful berries and super seed heads. On page 18 we highlight just a few that will be very popular among our avian friends this autumn and winter!

This week Carol Klein (page 20) turns her attention to leaves, and in particular leaf mould – that incredible mulch we can make for free and which can be left alone for a year before it’s applied to the garden.

I’ve been out raking up this year’s supply of fallen leaves while at the same time using the mulch that last year’s leaf bounty has now become, returning it to the garden in its new form – the benefits really are enormous and the process couldn’t be simpler (or cheaper, and right now, let’s face it, that’s even more important than ever!).

As ever, the work in our gardens doesn’t stop but what a rewarding labour of love it is! Have a great gardening week.

Garden News Editor