The run-up to Christmas can be a busy time – not to mention cold, damp and possibly muddy, icy and leaf-littered outside – so it might feel like you’re giving your garden a lot less attention than other times of the year. But are there some essential jobs it’s best not to neglect as we head into the festive season? After all, your future self will thank you for laying the groundwork for next spring by keeping things in decent shape now. Plus, with a little bit of TLC and some artfully placed outdoor fairy-lights and perhaps a wreath on your front door, giving your garden a welcoming festive glow could be easier than you think.
“Christmas doesn’t mean we have to sit back and wait for spring, as there is a lot that can be done to keep the garden looking good over the festive period,” says Belvoir Castle’s head gardener, Andy Tudbury. “It’s also a good time to run a hoe around the borders and kill off a few unwanted weeds, and give your patio and paths a sweep before you settle down to the festivities.” Here’s a run-through your garden tick-list as we head towards Christmas.
.. Plant care essentials “As we head towards the festive period, there are several key plant care jobs to focus on in the garden.
Start by applying a thick layer of mulch to insulate plant roots and retail soil moisture, which will help prevent frost damage and soil erosion,” says Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres . “Be sure to cover vulnerable plants with.