December in the Garden - Lilybud Gardens by Design: Brighton Garden Designer

There's now fairly conclusive evidence that deciduous trees, shrubs and hardy herbaceous perennials that get in the ground now do better than those left until the new year. So, if like me, you've bought plants over the past month or 2 but somehow, not quite got round to actually planting them - get your skates on. Not only will you feel better not looking at the sorry things still in their confining containers, but the plants will thank you by getting their roots into the still relatively warm soil and growing away.

From a design point of view, have a muse about how your garden is looking right now. When the beautiful autumn colour finally left my front garden I was struck by how bare it is now. It's a young garden, only planted 2 years ago and started out as a holding bed for plants I wanted to save from my back garden, so never really had the design input that my clients' gardens get. I've been thinking lately that it's in need of an evergreen vertical accent - a tall, slim evergreen shrub or tree that can be clipped back to keep it in scale. Yew, Myrtle or Juniper are current favourites. Myrtle leaves smell divine and Myrtles, if pruned, can over time, make the most fantastic small trees with beautiful bark. I think my Christmas present to myself will be to splash out on a nice mature specimen that's already the height I want. off to the nursery then.

For those of you with energy at this time of year, it's a great idea to top up the organic matter (well rotted horse manure or garden compost) during the winter and then mulch well in early spring after a downpour of rain. Current advise is to only buy well rotted horse manure from a source you know and trust, as there have been awful cases this year of people losing every plant in their gardens due to high chemical levels in the manure. I spoke to a national rose supplier the other day who said she's advising her clients to go for the stuff in bags at garden centres. This is probably more expensive, but losing lots of choice plants would be grim indeed. Improving your soil with organic matter helps retain moisture throughout the year and mulching after rain in the spring will 'lock in' the moisture. If you don't like the look of coarse wood chip or cocoa shell, look out for fine grade wood chip - it looks like dark top soil so blends in well with any planting, although for some reason is not so widely available.

Finally a personal recommendation that would make a great Christmas present for anyone who wants to encourage wildlife into their gardens. No nettles required by Ken Thompson got great reviews in the gardening press when it came out last year and having read it, I agree wholeheartedly. It's a concise, witty, no-nonsense book, based on a 3 year study of urban gardens in Sheffield carried out by the university there. I know I've recommended it before, but it's a great book.

Glad tidings to you all over the festive season.

Best wishes,

Lisa

For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk