Our Guide to December Gardening.

December is usually a quiet month for the gardener.

There are the usual winter tasks of shaking off snow and generally keeping an eye on your plants and trees.

Hardy Perennials.

If soil is not too wet, finish any digging. Improve clay soil with sharp sand and compost. Weather permitting keep the ground clear. Fork over the soil leaving it in lumps for the weather to break down over the winter.

Hardy Annuals - Biennials - Half-Hardy Annuals

Order seeds from catalogues and garden centres.

Shrubs - Climbers

Plants that are not completely hardy can be protected with screens, or covered with straw or sacking.

Trees.

As for November. Continue with routine tasks such as checking ties and staking.

Hedges.

As for November. Gently shake off any snow to prevent damage to branches.

Heathers.

Remove fallen leaves regularly to prevent the plants underneath from rotting.

Protect cuttings from winter weather and do not over-water. Refrain from watering at all if you are unsure.

Propagate plants by mound layering.

Bulbs and Corms.

Keep beds clear of debris and check on potted plants as before.

Alpines.

Continue with routine tasks.

Lawns.

As for November.

Plants that are in flower in December.

Annuals and Biennials:

Viola

Border Perennials:

Iris stylosa

Rockery Perennials:

Polygonum vaccinifolium

Bulbs:

Cyclamen coum

Shrubs:

Erica darleyensis
Hamamelis mollis
Jasminum nudiflorum
Mahonia bealei
Mahonia japonica
Viburnum bodnantense
Viburnum fragrans
Viburnum tinus

Trees:

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'