What do gardeners do in the winter?
Winter gardening work includes:
- Shrub regeneration and stooling
- Seasonal pruning
- Bare root planting
- Soil preparation
- Landscaping repairs
- General
garden tidy, storm repairs, pressure washing etc
- Garden renovation and
clearance - doing all the
big jobs you don't have time to do during the growing season.
- Ivy removal
- Bramble removal
- Snow clearance
- Leaf clearance
- Glass house preparation
- Weeds are
still growing. Weed borders before spring bulbs flower (harder to do when they
flower)
Plant Regeneration
Have you ever seen a hedge that is all woody underneath with a thin layer
of greenery on its domed top? Regular hedge trimming will keep a
shrubs surface shape, but the woody stems will thicken and harden over time.
These look ugly and may eventually result in unnecessary deterioration of
the plant.
Hedge regeneration involves
either pruning out the old stems and/or pruning back all branches to
encourage fresh shoots in spring. The extent of the pruning will depend on
how it has been pruned in the past or vary with species.
Roses are
an example of a plant that benefits from regeneration (but not all roses).
Winter Tip: Now that the
leaves have fallen, it is a good time to remove unwanted plants or have a
big garden makeover. There is less plant to dispose of and you can see what
you are cutting.
If Ivy or brambles are a problem, the winter can be a good time to remove them as they are easier to see among branches that have lost their leaves.
Seasonal Pruning
Did you know? All wild nesting birds are protected by law. These
means that you cannot deliberately disturb a wild birds nest between 1st
March and 31st July. For many woody plants, winter is the best time for
pruning and it avoids disturbing wild bird nests.
Winter pruning often includes plants that need to be pruned very late in the
autumn, during winter and some very early in spring. If you only a hire a
gardener in spring, your gardener may not have time to do everything that
needs to be done.
Different trees, shrubs and climbers all have different needs and at
different times of the year:
- Some plants need to be pruned in late Autumn/Winter to reduce the chance
of wind damage.
- Some plants need to be pruned when they are dormant to reduce stress.
- It's hard to prune properly when plants are covered in leaves.
- Some plants are pruned in winter when they are not much to look at! Why
prune them when they look their best?
- Some plants need to be pruned when dormant to avoid vulnerable new shoots
sprouting when frost is likely.
- Some plants flower in winter on old growth and are therefore pruned soon
after flowing.
- Some plants are pruned in winter to reduce competing branches that may
reduce yeild and block sunlight.
- Some plants are pruned in winter to encourage the growth of new shoots in
spring.
Winter pruning often involves woody growth and therefore takes longer and results in large amounts of cuttings. However, by doing these heavy, more intense tasks in winter, your gardener can concentrate on regular maintenance during the growing season. This means that your garden looks better and you spread the cost.
Did you know? David Austin Roses do all of their rose pruning in January.
General Tidy after Windy Weather
The winter is typically a time for storms and strong winds. Your gardener
will be able to keep leaves cleared during these winter visits. Good garden
hygiene also helps to reduce diseases. Decomposing leaves and other debris
on hard standing will supply enough nutrients for weeds to self seed in
cracks, grow and then spread. They can also makes paths slippery.
Weeds will continue to grow during a mild winter. Your gardener will be able
to keep borders weed-free during winter visits. Remember, when your spring flowering bulbs
and border plants start to flower, the borders will be harder (more time
consuming) to weed. It makes sense to keep them tidy before spring. Also,
many weeds are seasonal. Weeds make more weeds. Regular weeding means less
weeding.
Winter Planting
Some plants are dormant during the winter so they can be supplied as bare root plants (with no soil). Roses are often bought this way.
It might be possible to safely dig up and move dormant plants to another part of the garden.
As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged, these dormant plants can be planted before they 'wake-up' in the spring.
Bulbs are often planted in late autumn. Herbaceous plants are often divided and replanted in early spring. When this actually happens will likely depend on your local climate.
Lawn seed can be applied in the winter. Grass grows above 5 degrees.
Only heavy frost and snow slows down a professional gardener! Some members may offer snow clearance and grit supplies.
Soil Preparation
Winter is a good time to dig a new border. Leave the soil in clumps. The winter rain and frost will help to break it down naturally. This will also expose any pests to natural predators and the cold.
Digging over vegetable plots or preparing new ones can also be done during winter for the same reasons.
Is your lawn bumpy? The winter is a good time to remove sections of turf, add/remove soil and relay.
Landscaping Repairs
Now that you can see your garden in its bare bones, what repairs are needed? Plan ahead, what plants will need supports as they grow? Add them now.
- Does your shed have a leaky roof?
- Do you have a water-butt in
readiness for summer?
- Do you have a compost bin in place?
- Has your fence blown
down?
- Will newly planted climbers need new trellis or supports?
- Loose
paving?
- Slippery paths can be pressure washed.
Now is the time to do these tasks - your gardener might not have time during the growing season.
Snow clearance
Our members are given advice about how to prepare themselves and their
vehicles for snowy weather. Our members are also given access to advice for
personal safety in cold conditions and to look for signs of cold stress
amongst their older customers.
Members are also given access to snow
clearing sample risk assessments, a staff training guide for snow clearance
and have access to a Health and Safety legal advice line.
Our
members are also aware of key suppliers of snow clearing equipment and
salt/grit.
In short, our members are prepared to help their
customers keep paths clear and safe.
