Get fit in the garden
Gardening provides some good, gentle exercise, so if one of your New Year resolutions is to get fitter, why not put that into action AND get your garden in good order for the new growing season?
Here are five jobs that you can be getting on with this week…
1. Put your Christmas tree to good use by shredding it to use as mulch.
2. Remember to feed garden birds too – food gets pretty scarce at this time of year – and as people go back to work after the festivities they will have fewer bird tables to choose from.
3. Get busy digging over any empty plots that haven’t already been dug.
4. Reshape and repair any edges on lawns.
5. Check that stored tubers of Begonia, Dahlia and Canna are not rotting or drying out.
Get growing
It may only be January but you can get a head start on the growing season by sowing some flower seeds this month. If you have a heated propagator or greenhouse, you can start off by sowing Pelargonium, Salvia, Begonia, and Lobelia. Sweet peas can also be started off this month – and any that you sowed in the autumn should be ready to pot on. Keep them somewhere that they will get lots of light – a sunny window or in the greenhouse on a high shelf. If the weather is mild you can also plant lily bulbs either in borders or in containers. You can also sow seeds that need to get frosted in order to germinate – this includes alpines and native shrubs and trees.
Butterflies in the Glasshouse
Come and see the beautiful butterflies in RHS Garden Wisley’s famous Glasshouse. Watch these stunning creatures flutter around an exotic paradise – a great photo opportunity! The event runs from 17 January until 8 March and booking is now open – don’t miss out – book your ticket today!
What now at RHS Garden Rosemoor
Not sure what to do in the garden at this time of year? Come along to this useful workshop where you will get tips, hints and techniques on seasonal jobs to help get your garden in shape for the new growing season. Mulching, rose pruning and shrub renovation are just some of the topics to be covered. 16 January, 11am-12.30pm. £12 for members, £22 for non-members. Call to book on 020 31765830 quoting ref 11472
Get listening
Listen to our latest podcast, featuring news and expert tips from the RHS at http://www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
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