There is a lot to do in a winter garden

As in summer, winter gardens need three basic things to survive and thrive: plenty of sun, good soil and water as needed.

Ideally, plants should receive six hours of sun per day, so be sure to place your plants in a suitable spot where they can get as much sun as possible during the day.

• Winter is the time to ensure that all tender plants are covered against the frost, either with sheets of frost cover or frost bags, available per meter or in pre-packed sizes. This will protect plants to a temperature of -3°C, while still letting in light, air and water, so it can be left on the plants during the daytime. Remember to also cover tender climbers and your bonsai – we tend to forget those.

• Cut down on watering and if you have an irrigation system, ensure that it is programmed for reduced watering now. Most larger shrubs, trees, perennials, climbers and the lawn will only need a good watering every two to three weeks. However, rose bushes as well as spring flowering Camellias, Azaleas and Magnolias need to be watered weekly to prevent bud-drop.

• Water the garden early in the day to allow leaves to dry and for the soil to dry out a bit before nightfall. Spread a thick layer of mulch in all beds or top up the existing layer to protect roots against the cold. Harsh winter conditions can take their toll on their soil.

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• Spreading mulch in your garden will help protect the soil from damage caused by wind, cold or frost. Mulches also protect the ground from soil erosion and compaction from heavy rains.

• Winter annuals will be in full bloom. Feed with a fertiliser of your choice and pick out all dead flower heads to ensure that their colour brightens up the garden for as long as possible. Into winter, continue planting more colourful winter flowering annuals to fill gaps and liven up the garden, applying a foliar feed fortnightly. Brighten up your winter garden with these winter flowering plants: azaleas, phlox, camellias, proteas, daisies, roses, gladiolus, snapdragons, pansies, strelitzias, primulas, tulips.

• Plant new rose bushes or transplant existing roses now if necessary. Deadhead now, and water once a week. July is the best time for planting and transplanting rose bushes and deciduous trees, like maples and birches, while they are dormant. This will give them enough time to settle and reward you with their beautiful bright foliage next autumn.

• Winter flowering aloes will add instant colour and attract nectar-feeding birds to the garden. Treat aloes for white scale.

• Divide perennials, cut back dried leaves and replant in freshly composted soil.

• Tie sweet peas to trellises or obelisks at regular intervals. Nip side shoots and pick blooms when they appear as frequently as you can to encourage more flowers. Water copiously.

• Weeds will show off clearly now against the dormant deciduous lawn. Use the opportunity to manually remove as much as possible. While it may be tempting to reach for a chemical solution, we recommend using eco-friendly remedies. Mix four cups of white vinegar with one cup of salt and ½ teaspoon of liquid soap. Then spray this solution over the weeds, preferably on a sunny day, taking care to protect any nearby desirable plants.

• Using garden shears or a clean pair of scissors, remove any withered or dead foliage from plants and flowers. Similarly, prune overgrowing branches or stems from trees and shrubs. Besides improving the overall appearance of your garden, pruning will improve the plant’s health and yield by allowing for the even distribution of nutrients.

• Continue feeding and providing water for our feathered friends as food is in short supply during the winter months.

• The quieter winter months are also an opportune time to do some general maintenance work around the garden. Rake up any remaining autumn leaves, spring clean your garden shed or greenhouse, give the outdoor garden furniture a good wipe down and clean all your gardening tools and equipment. Repair and sharpen tools, install or fix water features, paving and retaining walls or create that special corner in the garden that’s been on your to-do list.

(Tips supplied by Sean Granger, GM of Granny Mouse).

* Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands is the award-winning Granny Mouse Country House & Spa. On their return home, a stay at Granny Mouse leaves many guests feeling inspired to create culinary delights and transform their gardens into beautiful works of art.

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