Everywhere is wet. The ground is saturated from the recent storms and snow. The rivers are flowing with all the run-off water. These are typical winter conditions.
For many, the wet weather is a good excuse to stay indoors and ignore the garden, and we recommend this course of action to our customers at this time of year. Treading on grass or flowerbeds when they are so wet, risks compacting the soil making it difficult for plants and grass to grow well when the spring arrives. Now is a great time to study the garden catalogues, plan what you want to plant this year and get the seeds and plug plants on order.
There are things you can do in the garden even when everywhere is wet. Trimming hedges and trees now means they are a good shape when they start to break into leaf and grow. Cutting now will have little impact on wild birds as they have not started to nest yet.
An alternative job for the garden is stripping ivy from trees, hedges, walls and fences. Doing it now minimises the impact on other plants and wildlife, although if your ivy is in flower, if you can, leave some for any insects.
Finally, this wet weather can lead to a build-up of slippery slime, lichen and moss on paths and patios. On a drier day if you want a garden work out consider cleaning your slabs. Most of us will use a pressure washer, but for a real work out you could use bucket of water and a brush; it will take the longest and burn off the most calories!
If you have a hedge or tree you want cutting, reshaping or just a second opinion on its position and usefulness, contact us at Chopwell. Our friendly professional team are waiting to help you make your garden a place of sanctuary and joy in 2018.
