Now that the colder weather is fast approaching, it is time to start preparing the garden for the onset of winter. Here is our guide to essential jobs to keep things shipshape, protect your fence, and be ready for the burst of activity next spring!
PRUNE THOSE BUSHES – Throughout summer you may have used your fencing or trellis to support climbing plants. It’s important to clear away and prune plants, to ensure the integrity of the timber fencing is not affected. Leaving plant matter on your fence over the wetter winter months can create ‘in-ground’ conditions and can start to damage the fence itself. When pruning, it’s a good time to cut back any trees that are located near your fencing. If a bad storm hits and the branch breaks it could damage your fencing.
MOW YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER – In winter, the wet and lack of sunlight affect the lawn. As the leaves fall, rake them away regularly. You should complete a final mow for the year around the beginning of November, when there is a dry spell.
LEAF LITTER AND GARDEN DEBRIS – It’s important not to allow build up of dead leaves against timber fencing. Gravel boards are the unsung hero, there to stop fence panels coming into contact with the ground.
MAINTAIN GARDEN BORDERS – While the soil is still warm, now is a good time to review any plants which may have been struggling in their current location and move them to a spot better suited to their favoured growing conditions. Pansies and wallflowers can be planted now to deliver an impressive display of colour early next spring.
WELCOME WILDLIFE – Don’t cut hedges back until the very end of winter so that any visiting birds are able to benefit from their shelter – as well as forage on any berries. For the same reason, leave in situ any ivy that is weaving its way up walls and fences in the garden, insect eaters such as tits will thank you.
HELP FOR HEDGEHOGS – Allow hedgehogs to roam freely from garden to garden in their search for food and mates by creating a simple hole in gravel boards. You can also create a hedgehog house, a great activity to get young people involved in.
ALL HANDS-ON DECK – A deck can come into its own during the winter, providing a convenient way of experiencing the outdoors without all the mud and dirt associated with a traditional garden setting. However, don’t forget to give the deck a good clean using a pressure washer or a stiff brush or scraper to remove any moss or lichen on the boards, which can represent a serious slip hazard.
Worcester Timber Products are experts in fencing and landscaping, and a manufacturer of sheds, log stores and garden buildings. Visit worcestertimberproducts.co.uk, or display area on Hartlebury Trading Estate, DY10 4JB. Free delivery is currently available for orders more than £500 to all WR and B postcodes.
