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Downtime home and Gardening-National News IN THE GARDEN WITH THE WEEVIL - issue 224
| IN THE GARDEN WITH THE WEEVIL - issue 224 |
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| Monday, 21 January 2008 | |
 Cadeau de janvier, ingratitude de février Sécheresse de janvier, richesse de février Mieux vaut voir chien enragé que soleil en janvier Garden time in January is largely devoted to planning, although tool tidying, cleaning and repairing can also take up a lot of time and energy, especially if you are meticulous. It’s a good moment to embark on projects like laying a new path. If you go ahead before more clement times arrive, remember to protect new cement from frosts. Plan away, dream about infilling for borders, spring plantations etc. Sketch your ideas, preferably on graph paper, or at least to scale. Don’t forget the height of plants – small ones hiding behind the biggies will usually look silly – and take into account the height of hedges or fences. If you have kept a diary of when different plants bloom or look their best this is a great help when planning companion plants of harmonising or contrasting colours. Avoid the silver bells and cockle shells effect of too many flowers of too many colours. Larger groups or swathes of one type of plant are more effective than dotting the same plant here and there. Plan your veggie garden for a succulent succession of produce. Prepare your orders for seeds, perennials, shrubs and trees. Don’t allow anything to be delivered too soon while it is still too cold for certain subjects, especially if you’re using mail order (VPC – vente par correspondence). Take particular care with new companies who may be less knowledgeable about what should be sent when. I don’t use my normal credit card with new computer companies – I get a ‘one-off’ credit card number from my bank to be on the safe side. Look after your tools and machinery: these days they seem to be what’s most often pinched and need locking away on a regular basis. Don’t lend them out unless you’re pretty sure of getting them back before you need them again. Soil left on iron forms rust crusts while the tools enjoy their winter rest. If you haven’t already cleaned all your tools get going with a wire brush, not forgetting the difficult corners. Treat any damage with a coat of anti-rust (anti-rouille) or some kitchen oil. Repair wooden handles. If you need to replace them, take this tip from my husband: fit the handles into the slots and soak them in water for 24 hours. This makes for a much better fit which lasts for ever, or at least for a good long time. Splashes of colour are welcome in this grizzly time of year. If you have prepared neither hyacinths nor tulips, go and buy some if you’ve any money left after the festive season, or if some kind soul has sent you some you could even splash out on an azalea. Don’t overwater or the bulbs might rot. For azaleas, use soft (non-limey) rainwater. |
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