After filling up on sherry and mince pies, it is hard to think about getting motivated again, particularly when it comes to the garden. The garden looks like it is feeling a little down in the dumps too! Its experienced a few frosts, and it seems the the final signs of life have been wiped out. Only the evergreens persist as usual, supported by the most robust grasses and seed heads that manage to stand up against the bitter winds. There aren’t too many perennials that have the constitution to weather through the winter. My Geranium ‘Rozanne’ fought till the bitter and then went underground for some well earn rest.

                         Geranium ‘Rozanne’ fighting till the bitter end! Now gone to ground.

If you peek closely though, you can see that the garden is getting ready to perform. Some bulbs are poking their leaves through the ground – waiting for the first signs from nature that it is time to shine! Plants such as Ophiopogon really stand out now, and those long forgotten cyclamen show their little vibrant heads again through the decaying foliage of the other plants.

A ‘gathering’ of pots with a mix of corms, evergreen and bedding

Buds on shrubs are also primed, ready to burst open. Some, such as Viburnum bodnantense are even offering up some flowers.

A Viburnum bud waiting patiently for the right time to burst into leaf

So, with this little show of optimism from the garden, I think it is time to shake out the dead spiders from the wellies, and for all of us to get outside and start thinking about what we can do.

1) First off, while the weather is on the mild side, have a final hoe of those persistent weeds. It doesn’t take long for them to carpet any bare earth. While you are at it, clear up any dead matter no longer attached to its parent plant!

2) Mulch. Mulch mulch mulch. Giving your garden a good covering of mulch now not only reduces germination of weeds, but also has an effect of tidying the beds and borders. It will also help add nutrients to soil, improve soil structure and help retain moisture (that may not feel entirely relevant now, mind!)

3) Cast your eye across the garden. Winter is a great time to visualise the backbone of the space. You can see clearly now, in the absence of all the perennials, where it would be good to have some evergreen shrubs, perennials or grasses to create interest and structure.  You may consider some features such as vintage obelisks, or even some sculpture. Maybe some well sited pots or urns, a water bowl, or even a well positioned seat may help bring more visual interest and points of reference into your garden. Also, where would those first flashes of spring colour look good from the house?

A wintery corner with a rustily metal planter full of evergreens, with a sprinkling of wind blown leaves

4) Dig out your tools (pardon the pun!). I know mine are still caked in mud from 2014. So gather them in and give them a good clean. Oil any moving parts, feed any wooden handles with a good wood oil (linseed will do). Just generally clean off any mud. Shake out and wash the plastic trugs, brush off the wooden ones!

5) Think about seeds. Yes, I know! It is too early to sow, but now is the time to check the packets, chucking out any out of date ones. Think about what you want to purchase. For me, this year it is Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing’ and Orlaya grandiflora.

Check your seeds are in date and purchase other ones. These are for clients, for my allotment and my garden.

6) It is a good time to make note of the plants you need to lift and divide, remembering it is better to divide spring flowering plants after they have flowered – so hang fire on these. Also note plants that need moving. Sometimes a plant may only need moving a few cm. It can make all the difference. You don’t need to do this yet if the ground is too cold or wet – or frozen!. But get your plan ready.

7) Prune. Prune those shrubs that flower on new growth, and tidy up the unruly stems. Cut out the 4Ds – Dead, dying, diseased and damaged. All fruit apart from stone fruit can be pruned now too. The RHS give great advice on pruning if you are a little unsure.

8) Prepare for any major changes! Plans always come to effect best after good planing and preparation!  If you are thinking about changing a border completely, say, or creating a cut flower garden or kitchen garden/potager, maybe replace the lawn with a no mow option, plan now. Do your research, gather up images of what you like, and what inspires you. You may need some help (number below!!) or you may take this on as a project yourself. Whichever it is, get it down on paper and start planning!

A pretty wintery entrance to a house. The russet tones bringing the bricks and victorian tiles into the fore

COMING SOON: Jobs to be getting on with in February