It’s time to wrap up warm

SOME of the large growing shrubs require protection during the winter months.

This is quite important as replacing them should they get damaged or die can be an extremely expensive remedy.

With that in mind I want to offer some advice and action that can be taken.

For example, cordylines – even the australis, which one of the hardiest types – need to be given some protection.

It is best to gather the leaves together and tie them up securely using the legs of an old pair of tights.

Doing this will ensure that water does not get down between the leaves and cause rot.

Another shrub that needs attention to survive the winter is the tree fern, dicksonia antartica, which needs to be covered over the winter months.

Ideally, cover the shrub in hessian sacking but if you are in any doubt about this you can buy proprietary bags – in various sizes – which can be used to cover these plants.

These are available at your local garden centre.

One protected such shrubs are best moved into a cold greenhouse, shed or garage until winter is over.

All other tender plants should be moved indoors or to a sheltered position and covered with garden fleece which is available at Cardwell Garden Centre.