MONTHLY TIPS

DECEMBER

Many people desert the garden at this time of year, but there are still things to do, and things to see. Winter pansies, (We've still got some for sale) give good reliable colour all winter, but there are other plants that can look good at this time of year.

Mahonia japonica has beautiful yellow flower spikes that start to flower in December. The flowers have a strong lilly-of-the-vally fragrance.

Jasminum nudiflorum the winter jasmine is a mass of yellow flowers at this time of year.

Viburnum tinus A really excellent shrub for winter interest. We have one growing here at the nursery, next to the car park, and it's just starting to burst into flower.

All the above plants are generally available at the nursery

Other things to do in the garden this month

VEGETABLES

Cover celery with a loose layer of straw to give protection against frosts. Lift and use parsnips after frosts, the flavour is improved by frost. Pick off dead leaves from winter greens and protect from birds.

FRUIT

Check stored fruit and discard any showing signs of rot. Winter prune fruit trees and bushes. Cover with netting to protect from birds.

FLOWERS

Deadhead winter flowering containers. Plant trees and shrubs when conditions allow. Check all stakes and ties.

GREENHOUSE

Protect plants from frost Ventilate except in cold weather. Prune grape vines.

LAWNS

Lightly mow if conditions are right. Scatter any worm casts. Prepare ground for laying lawns in spring. (Turf can be laid whenever the weather is fine).

GENERAL

Collect leaves for composting.

Get the mower serviced and clean and oil any tools used in winter.

Create ice-free zones in ponds.

Continue to dig whenever the weather allows.

Above all, now is the time to plan next years gardening

Look through the seed catalogues, gardening books and magazines, for ideas and inspiration.
Speak to us at the nursery, if you have any thoughts on planting schemes or colour themes.
There are lots of new exciting plants being introduced all the time, if you visit us or our web-site we will keep you informed of what we intend to grow for the coming season.

 

Blenheim Nurseries was established about 20 years ago.
Specialising in growing a range of garden plants.
The nursery has grown steadily over the years attracting more and more customers from the local area. We produce a range of top quality bedding plants, basket plants, shrubs and perennials. In spring and summer the nursery is a mass of colour with hanging baskets, tubs etc many made to order for customers who have been coming back to us for years.

At Blenheim Nurseries the emphasis has always been on customer service.
Because we grow most of the plants that we sell we are able to give informed advice to our customers.
So if you need any help or advice on any of the plants that we sell, please ask, we like to try and help.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon

Bromley Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7SF
Telephone: 01206 870605

 

Contact us: johnharris@blenheimnurseries.co.uk

 

Opening times vary according to the seasons.
We are open:
Mon-Sat 9AM - 5.30PM or untill dusk
Sunday 10AM - 4PM