MONTHLY TIPS

JANUARY

Much of January is too cold and wet for much active gardening.
But if we do get some decent frost free days there's still plenty of things that can be done in the garden.

There are also a few plants that are at their best this time of year.

Jasminum nudiflorum, the winter flowering jasmine is in full flower at this time of year. An ideal shrub to train against a fence, wall or trellis. It can also be left and allowed to trail over unsightly banks as ground cover.

Lonicera fragrantissima is a mass of creamy-white fragrant flowers. On a still day the scent can be suprisingly powerful. An excellent semi-evergreen shrub that gets to about 8ft in height.

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' is a dwarf conifer that is conical in shape. The bright golden foliage of the summer has turned to a wonderful copper colour by winter. One of these in a pot and edged with bright yellow winter flowering pansies will really cheer up the patio in January.

All of the above plants are generally available at the nursery

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

VEGETABLES

Plant broad beans. Check stored vegetables. Sow early vegetables under glass for planting out under protection.

FRUIT

Prune blackcurrants and other fruit bushes. Plant new fruit trees and bushes as long as the ground is not frozen. Prevent bird damage by placing netting over tree and bushes.

FLOWERS

Sow early half-hardy annuals. Sow begonias. Mulch perennial borders with compost. Carry on dead-heading winter flowering tubs and containers

GREENHOUSE

Check any heaters daily. Ventilate as much as possible. Water plants sparingly.

LAWNS

Lightly mow if conditions are right. Sweep up all dead leaves. Now is a good time to get the lawn mower serviced.

GENERAL

Keep water pipes drained and lagged.

Continue digging if soil and weather conditions allow.

Clean and sterilize all pots and trays.

Now is a good time to clean and oil all of those garden tools, while you still have the time.

Spring is just around the corner!

Remember if you have any specific plant requirements for the coming season let us know soon.
We are ordering and sowing seed and plants now and are happy to grow plants to order for our customers.

 

Above all, now is the time to plan this 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