AT this time of year berried crops, country hedges and
other food sources have become scarce.
A bird table will
attract lots of birds, including local thrushes and blackbirds,
especially if you provide protein and energy rich foods like
peanuts and a small dish filled with water. It is important to
continue to feed the birds right through the winter.
jobs to be getting on with around the garden include, planting
bare root and root-balled plants such as thorn quicks, privet
and oak as weather conditions permit.
Terracotta pots and
containers may be vulnerable to frost damage so it would be
advisable to empty them and store under cover. Alternatively,
they can be wrapped in sacking until the risk of frost has
This is a good time to mend garden structures and
tools. Replace broken stakes and ties on trees, point up broken
paving, stone walls and concrete paths.
Repair damaged fences,
posts and pergolas as they need to be secure enough to withstand
Always keep the glasshouse clean and tidy. Clear
out all the plants and give the glass, benches, floors etc. a
good scrub down, removing algae, moss and debris, which will
harbour many pests if left until the spring.
growing seasons dead or diseased plants in the garden need
rooting out and discarded. Burning is a quick and easy way of
disposing of combustible waste materials.
An open bonfire or
incinerator is the ideal way of turning waste quickly into ash,
which is both easily handled and easy to incorporate into the
soil. There are several type of garden incinerators available
including the wire mesh, dustbin and collapsible wire cage.
well-kept garden can afford to be without one.