Gardens in December

December may not spring to mind as a month to spend any time in the garden but hopefully I can convince you that there still things to see and do and to leave the warmth of the fire. Yes it’s the month when we’d all like to be in the warm eating mince pies and drinking mulled wine but such treats can also be found in the garden. This is the time when we can all appreciate a winter gem. Nature’s palette is no longer a rich array of vibrancy but some plants aren’t told this and break the rule, these are our ‘winter gems’

The plant which is the focus for this month is called Chimonanthus Praecox or more commonly Wintersweet. This chinese shrub is not commonly seen because it doesn’t flower when it is young and therefore it is not shown in garden centres. It takes several years to finally start flowering, but when it does it has pale yellow flowers hanging from bare stems. It has an unusual see through appearance and boasts a sweet scent. It will eventually grow into big open shrub to a size of approximately 2 x 2metres. It likes a sheltered spot in full sun in well drained soil. I have planted this in both clay and sandy soil with good results by simply adding good organic matter (good home grown compost).

Other plants looking good this month are Taxus baccata (Yew) It is useful for making festive wreaths and garlands. Not forgetting variegated hollies (Ilex Xltaclerensis) which is both colourful and useful this time of year.

Chimonanthus praecox (above)

Things to do this month – Fork over vacant ground. Rake up the last of the leaves. Take hardwood cuttings; why not try Dogwood, Elder, Forsythia, Honeysuckle or Willow.