December 2012 News from The Nursery

December again how time flies! At this time of year we start wondering about the winter weather, as we have now gone cold and frosty. There are numerous scary forecasts out there for December and January. One thing we don't want are any more wet spells - for a few weeks we need the land to drain and the rivers to return to normal levels.

There is not a lot to be done in the garden when the weather is frosty, but one can always admire plants plants that shine at this time of year.
Plants like the winter flowering Viburnums or the Camellia sasanqua which are still flowering with more buds to come.
Chimonanthus praecox is a plant that flowers in January and February on bare branches, the fragrant flowers are pale yellow with a maroon blotch. Best planted near a pathway in a sheltered place in order to enjoy the perfume.

This may be a good time to plant a fast growing tree like Pinus radiata in coastal areas if there are concerns that existing ash trees might succumb to Ash Die Back (Chalara fraxinea). We have plants available in 9cm and 2 litre pots.
A very good plant for growing in containers is Ligustrum japonicum Rotundifolium It is slow growing with rounded leathery dark green leaves close together on the stem - giving a ''full'' look. It is just as smart as Box and easier than Bay or Olive.

The Mahonia japonica are all in bud now and would make an excellent Christmas gift - they make a rounded bush, with very fragrant yellow flowers.

What ever the weather we would like to wish all our customers lovely Christmas and New Year. Thank you for for your custom and all the nice comments we get. Quite a few people seem to like our bubble wrap!

Our Gift Tokens are available for gardening friends and family - and we will be happy to help recipients with choices and information if required.