In the Garden this Winter
Gardening is usually the last thing on peoples’ minds at this time of the year but there can be loads to do.
Gardening is not just about plants, cutting lawns and all the other commonly associated spring and summer tasks.
Given the weather we are experiencing in the UK, gales for instance, it is worth taking time out to check any garden structures you have.
Greenhouses for instance, check the glass has not moved, cracked, broken or fallen where a child or animal could step on it.
If you are overwintering plants and cuttings in the greenhouse, check them regularly, keep the temperatures steady and don’t over water.
Fences can easily be blown over at this time of year, worth having a quick look at.
Garden sheds should be checked, make sure that they are well secured, we are heading toward the time when thieves will be looking for garden tools and machinery to sell at forthcoming boot sales. Also worth checking that no animals have got into the shed and got themselves trapped, as happened a few years ago in my shed where a neighbours cat had gone in just before I locked it up and was stuck in there for a few days!
If you have a large garden with mature trees check that no large branches have been dislodged in the high winds that might fall and cause damage to someone / something.
Finally for now, look after the wildlife, as they help to look after your garden for you.
In the colder weather when natural food is hard to find give them some high energy feed, which can be purchased at proper pet shops, and will be available here in the early part of the New Year, birds especially, need to keep their energy levels high in freezing conditions in order to survive long cold nights.
Ensure a good, clean and fresh water supply, both for drinking and bathing.
In the summer birds use a bath to keep cool, in winter they need to bathe to keep their feathers clean which in turn aids insulation from the cold.
Don’t neglect fish ponds in frozen weather. Make sure there is a hole in the ice, usually done by floating a tennis ball or similar on the water prior to it freezing.
So plenty to do!
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