Delicate and frozen plants will recover beautifully for spring if gardeners add one item to them now
MANY of us leave our gardens and flowers alone when the sunshine fades and the colder months kick in.
Winter can be a brutal time for our beloved gardens as the frost and freezing temperatures can make it too difficult for anything to grow.
Not to mention that the heavy rain and snow can cause our gardens to become waterlogged, which can result in puddles and squelchy soil, as well as encourage algae and moss.
And experts have warned that the cold, dark nights can actually cause lasting damage to our spaces and lead to a considerable amount of plant loss.
This is because plants that have been frozen or that have experienced extreme temperature changes can be very delicate.
Luckily, they have revealed what homeowners need to do to save their gardens ahead of spring – but you need to act now.
Samantha Richards, garden gazebo expert at Gazeboshop, shared the necessary steps to follow to recover any damage and prepare for the upcoming cold weeks.
And it’s all about adding one garden essential around your plants to help them recover.
It’s important not to stress the plant further when attempting to recover any damage
Samantha Richards
Samantha said: “It’s important not to stress the plant further when attempting to recover any damage.
“If you haven’t already done so, apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain soil warmth and moisture.
“Apply a 2-4 inch layer of either garden compost, wood chippings or leaves to the base of the plant.
“Avoid piling mulch directly on the stems and trunks of the plant to limit rotting.
“Mulching is also beneficial for allowing rain to penetrate the soil in the winter while also improving the uptake of nutrients.”
The garden pro also shared other things that homeowners could do to help their plants recover after freezing weather.
Pruning and timing away dead or damaged foliage can help prevent diseases or pests.
But she warns: “Be cautious not to prune too early, especially for woody plants and shrubs.
“Instead, wait until the new growth begins in the spring to prune heavily as cutting too early can stress the plant further.
“For perennials, cut back frost-damaged stems to encourage fresh growth in the spring.”
Samantha also said it is key to protect plants before the next spell of cold weather as well.
She continued: “As temperatures continue to remain low and many areas of the country expect continued flurries of snow, you can act now to prevent any further damage.
Five flowers you must plant now so they ‘settle’ in time for spring
Instead of more naturalistic planting with neutral tones, people are opting for vibrant, bolder gardens.
And if you’re looking to get in on the trend there are some flowers you will need to plant now so they can “settle” in time for spring.
Morris Hankinson, Director at Hopes Grove Nurseries has lifted the lid on his favourite colourful winter-flowering plants.
They are:
- Witch Hazel has bright yellow, red or orange flowers and the scent is stunning in mid winter. It’s also medicinal and wildlife will enjoy it too.
- Camellias that flowers in winter will provide big red, white or pink flowers and evergreen foliage. The yellow centres are also bright and bold, altogether bringing plenty of colour to a winter garden.
- Cyclamen flowers are red, pink, white or even a mix of all colours and look great in pots and containers or at the front of beds and borders to bring winter colour.
- Hellebores flower in white, pink, red – there are so many! They are good for shady areas in the garden, so will brighten up even the darkest corners.
- Winter Jasmine has bright yellow flowers that stand out because they flower on the bare stems. This brings some sunny colour to a winter garden
“To keep your exposed plants warm, add a few layers around them to keep them warm.
“Use materials such as horticulture fleeces, straw, old sheets or polystyrene during the winter and then remove the cover once the weather warms up.
“Make sure to use breathable materials to avoid trapping moisture, as this can lead to mould.
“Secure the covers with rocks or stakes to ensure your covers don’t blow away!
“Additionally, before the temperature drops again, ensure your plants get enough water, as moist soil, even once frozen, will retain heat better than dry soil.
“In the winter, plants grow at a much slower rate, meaning they require less water. So be aware of over-watering, as too much water can lead to dampness, and then further down the line this can cause rotting.”