JANUARY’S GARDEN Sarah Gray, Secretary, Chessington Horticultural Society.


Happy New Year! As I write we’re just recovering from several days of snowy conditions, and the garden is thawing to a frost between the lingering white, patches of ice lurking to snag the unwary. This was proper snowfall, deep and powdery, not the thin crackly stuff we used to expect once per winter! It will probably recur (maybe while you read this) so maybe we shall all have to get used to planning for it; more brooms and shovels, more hands to help – why not team up with neighbours to clear a safe path all the way along the pavement, even the street itself - a little co-operation goes a long way.


But what happens to plants in freezing conditions? There are two problems: firstly the actual temperature and secondly the lack of water.


Tender or half-hardy plants (bedding plants and most houseplants) need a certain minimum temperature, so will not survive unless in a heated indoors (windowsill, conservatory, heated greenhouse). Some hardy plants die off and regrow from the roots (eg herbaceous perennials) as long as the roots and ‘crown’ are protected, this includes strawberries and tree ferns; use straw or horticultural fleece. I once had a semi- hardy fuchsia growing outdoors, and in a hard frost its fleshy stems actually split and froze burst open (new shoots came up from the roots, luckily).


As all leaves lose water through their leaves, they need to replace it by drawing up water through the roots. Deciduous plants simply drop their leaves in advance, while evergreens from the colder regions of the world have very narrow and often resinous or waxy-coated leaves (conifers of course), as do some plants that can cope with drought (eg phormiums, yuccas).


Although we speak of the ground being ‘frozen solid’ its usually only the top layer, and plants with sufficiently deep roots will be able draw water deeper down (such as trees shrubs, hedges). Plants in pots will need your help here: wrapping bubblewrap around the pots will prevent the small mass of soil freezing solid and cracking the pot. Keeping watering to a minimum will help, but all potted plants will need some watering, especially on mild days. Also standing pots next to a wall or housewall is a good idea.


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But there is one thing that you need frozen conditions for: the germination of hardy tree seed (eg conifers). The seed is tough and needs to be stratified so dormancy can be broken and germination can begin; you can do this in a freezer but when garden conditions are ideal do it outdoors. The seeds need gritty soil; protect from mice birds and squirrels.


Knocking snow off weighed-down shrubs and tree boughs will pre- vent breakage; remember to stand to one side or be prepared for a face-full. Brush snow off green-


house roofs too. Avoid using salt on paths close to precious plants. Don’t forget to feed the birds!


There’s not much actual gardening to be done this month unless you are preparing for shows; its time to clear out and clean up (sheds, tools, pots), to plan garden layout changes or this year’s vegetable plots, and take advantage of mild days to do pruning or repairing jobs.


Winter Pruning Jobs : Prune wisteria back to finger-length shoots off the main stems. Prune soft fruit bushes – take out one or two of the oldest branches only. Prune top fruit trees (apples, pears) just enough to retain an open shape. Don’t prune espaliers or cordons, or stone fruit (cherries, plums, peaches).


Preparation for Fruit and Vegetables Set young strawberry plants outside to prepare for forcing under glass later. Chit seed potatoes indoors (somewhere bright). Empty out and mix up compost, and refill bins for use later.


Members note: our Trading Hut will re-open on Sunday 9th January. Please see our new website: www.horticultural.moonfruit.com


To advertise email sally@chessingtonchat.com or call 020 8942 4821


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