This has given us the chance to do some more jobs in the beds where it wouldn’t be a good idea to work if the soil were frozen, even if you were tempted to garden on frosty days.
We have been able to lift more clumps of bearded and Siberian irises which had become congested.
There is always a telltale gap in the middle of the clump when they need to be thinned out and they will flower so much better with a bit more space next year.
Christmas wreaths making (Image: Norfolk School of Gardening)
Likewise we have lifted and divided clumps of Lysimachia clethroides, the gooseneck loosestrife which is lovely but just a bit too vigorous to be left to its own devices.
Prolific self-seeders including giant scabious and Knautia macedonica have been dug up where they were too close to other plants, and either replanted or offered to friends.
And the last of the volunteer nicotiana, which turned up in odd places but flowered so wonderfully for months on end, was composted, having really got past its best.
We very much hope they have left some of their offspring to grow in the borders next year.
As ever it is tempting to cut back some plants which are looking tatty but which are much more likely to succumb to prolonged cold if pruned right now.
This includes most salvias such as Salvia ‘Amistad’, Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy’ and Russian sage, Salvia ‘Blue Spire’ perovskia.
Their hollow stems mean that rain could reach the crown then freeze and they would be unlikely to survive.
Phlomis russeliana seedheads (Image: Norfolk School of Gardening)
Other decisions are easier.
We leave plenty of seedheads for birds to eat and invertebrates to use as habitat, including Phlomis, fennel, Echinops, sedums like Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’ and even some Echinacea.
There will be plenty of time to tidy them up in late winter/early spring and they provide lovely structure alongside the tall Miscanthus and Calamagrostis grasses and the spidery clumps of evergreen Stipas.
Our final festive wreath making workshops were a big success and we are delighted to see photos of the wreaths adorning doors across the county where they add a unique seasonal flourish.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for next year’s dates and book your spot early before they book up in the spring.
And finally, a little reminder of the perfect present for the gardener in your life: we offer personalised gift vouchers for any value you choose.
Phlomis russeliana seedheads (Image: Norfolk School of Gardening)
We can email them or put them in the post to reach you in time for Christmas. Let us know if you would like one!
Upcoming courses:
– Introduction to Garden Design – from 8 January
– Certificate in Practical Horticulture – from 9 January
– Advanced Practical Gardening – 14 January
– Chainsaw Use & Cross Cutting – 25 February
Plant of the Week
mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ (Image: Norfolk School of Gardening)
Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ is a superb winter-flowering shrub that brings vibrant colour to the coldest months. Its bold, architectural form is enhanced by glossy, spiny evergreen foliage that provides structure year-round.
From late autumn into midwinter, it produces striking upright clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators on mild days.
These are followed by attractive blue-black berries, loved by birds. Reliable, shade-
tolerant, and easy to grow, ‘Winter Sun’ is perfect for brightening north-facing borders, woodland gardens, or difficult corners.
It’s a resilient, high-impact plant that delivers interest precisely when most gardens need it most.
Even if you are yellow flower averse this is definitely worth considering for some winter cheer!
Contact us via www.norfolkschoolofgardening.co.uk or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
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