November 2024

Gotta get out and prune!

I don’t like it.  I don’t like the cold and the damp, but I know it’s got to be done - it’s better for the  plants in harsh winter conditions.

Fortunately, I don’t have too much to do 

So out with my secateurs to these plants

Roses

My garden’s a bit of a pain - North facing and a wind tunnel from over the open fields (no, I’m not complaining, that’s what gives us our lovely outlook).

But the roses are exposed to wind, so I need to cut back any long or straggly growth to prevent wind rock and damage to the roots.

Fruit

My raspberries are reaching the end of their productive lives, which is very sad, as I can’t replace in the same soil for fear of viruses in the soil. I’ve a couple of blackcurrants growing, but they are still too small to need a prune, but I do need to look at the redcurrant - fantastically prolific this year.

Summer-flowering shrubs

My buddleia needs pruning hard, so I’ll be cutting it back to about a foot off the ground.  The fuschias have been a problem, because they’re till flowering, but I think I need to do it now, to make sure they grow well next year.

Peonies

Well, I was ready to cut back, but there’s very little old leaf left, so I’m just going to tidy up.  Should I be worried?

Hydrangea

My first hydrangea! Saved from a pot gift in the summer. I’ve no idea whether it will survive.  This part of the garden is usually under water for 2 or 3 days at a time a couple of times in the winter. And I’m getting conflicting advice about cutting off the old dry blooms.  On balance. I’m leaving them on till spring – they look pretty.

Tidying

All that remains to do is put some daffodils in pots for a spring show on the patio, and empty out any remaining compost in old pots.

Then I can nip back inside sharpish for tea and toast (gluten free, of course!)