Winter is fast-approaching, and there’s definitely been a change in the weather.
While we’re all starting to feel the cold, it’s also becoming a more dismal time for our gardens. It’s the time of year when plants get battered and beaten by frost, wind and rain – and it can cause people to worry.
Nobody wants their garden to look under the weather after a summer full of colour and brightness. Luckily, there are some things you can do to ensure your blooms continue to colour your day.
Sophie, known as looksinsidemygarden on TikTok, is known for sharing handy hints online. Recently she revealed how to plant some super beautiful pots that will “last until Spring”.
To make the perfect autumn pot, it only takes three simple ingredients, so it’s not tough to pull off. It’s a simple way to keep your outdoor spaces looking beautiful during the drearier months.
Sophie said the ingredients are “magic” and can work wonders when it comes to creating a colourful garden. It’s super simple to achieve too.
She said: “First up, you want to chose some things which are going to look amazing for many years to come. This includes ferns, primulas and, of course, ivy.
“Then you want to chose something that looks pretty. Now, these are your bedding plants, and then you want to add some bulbs and mixture to flower at different times.
“I always recommend that you play around with the placement of your plants before you actually plant them in, and pay attention to how tall and wide they are going to get. When you’re happy, it’s time to take them out, and get them planted in place.”
She said it’s key to leave some space to allow your plants to poke through, and noted that bulbs should be planted with the pointy side up. Once completed, she said to give the pot a really good water.
When it comes to protecting your gardens during the winter months, there are lots of things you can do. It’s always best to water plants before a predicted freeze, as this gives them a better chance of surviving.
You can also use frost cloths to cover plants. Meanwhile, moving pots closer to the house can benefit them too.
Some people choose to use mulch to insulate the soil, keep it warm and to guard the plant roots. It also aids in maintaining moisture and preventing waterlogging.
It’s also wise to be mindful of what you grow. For example, perennials are hardy plants that can withstand frost and snow. They also return year after year, so you get your money’s worth out of them.
During late winter, pruning will also help to promote a strong scaffold and rid impediments to new growth. Gardners should prune roses in January or February before the leaves emerge.
