Now that the mower is about to be stored away for the winter (maybe a couple of more cuts ) why not tidy up those containers, discard old spent annuals and plant some winter colour, pansies , cyclamen, skimmer japonica. Skimmia  is an  evergreen shrub and offers winter colour and grows well in pots. Another of my favourites is Viburnum which produces fragrant  pink flowers from October to March. After planting your plants arrange them together in groups and give the ones at the back some height by placing on bricks or upturned pots – well worth the effort for a colourful winter display.

VINE WEEVIL – This year I planted some heucheras in pots and they came on a treat until one day some wilted. I knew immediately the dreaded weevil grub had attacked. Investigation revealed the roots had been eaten away and small white grubs were visible amongst the compost. Their favourite plants are container grown  primulas, euonymus, rhododendrons and geraniums. Notched leaf margins are evidence of infestation. these wingless weevils don’t do any harm other than eat edges of leaves –  it’s the grub that does the damage and the only way to control them is use Provado –  a compost drench. Just apply with a watering can. One tip is to check your primulas, if they look a bit sick, and take the plant out and look  for the white C shaped grub –  they love primulas.

I am going to try some winter vegetables this year and will be making some raised beds with decking boards. It’s too early to sow yet but January is the best month. I will  be planting some Kale. It’s a very nutritious and contains lots of vitamins and minerals much more than Broccoli –  watch this space .

Lawn Care – aerate  the Lawn now and  it will it will prevent moss forming. Many people  believe that you shouldn’t apply fertilizer in winter  but I believe the grass gets stressed during the cold months and a feed now and a light sprinkle in winter months helps the lawn to grow fast in the spring. This is something I tried last year and my lawn has been perfect. DONT USE WEED AND FEED as this will scorch the lawn –  use only a fertiliser. My favourite is ‘After Mow’. It can be used without mowing and does not scorch.

Any questions or advice please email or phone and I will be happy to answer your questions.

Norman.