Winter in the garden

Whoever said that winter was a time for gardeners to relax somewhat certainly did not leave my place! The extended long and dry summer seems to have tricked my deciduous trees into thinking that autumn had not arrived yet!  Consequently they are still dropping their leaves. My Melia Azedarach (known by many other names, white cedar, persian lilac, cape lilac, chinaberry, bead tree and rosary tree!) is still dropping leaves. 

Around this tree is a seating area which has a topping of small stones, as does our driveway. I must admit that I am not normally a big fan of “leaf blowing” machines. I obtain great pleasure in raking up leaves and sweeping my paths with a good old fashion broom. But I have discovered how great a leaf blower is around stone areas! I can ‘blow’ the leaves off said stones and rake them up from the grass area.  So much better than raking up half my driveway along with the leaves. 

Enjoy your wintertime in the garden. Prune and tidy up as well as moving those plants that are not quite in the right spot, while they are dormant. Bare-rooted plants are now available and should be planted as soon as possible once you bring them home. Give the roots a good soak in a bucket of water prior to planting. Now is also a good time to liquid feed bulbs which are now appearing. 

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