Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Guest Post – 5 ways to make your garden a festive Christmas haven
This week’s guest post comes from Scotland and offers a little insight and a few tips into Christmas gardening. Jen Byiers is from Gardens Galore, a small award-winning and family-run landscaping gardening company based in Perth, Scotland. And, if you’re looking to bring some festive cheer to your outside space, she has some great tips for you.
*****
Unfortunately Christmas isn’t the best time of year to have green fingers as only the hardiest of plants and shrubs last through the winter, meaning gardening jobs are few and far between. That being said there are still hundreds of ways to use and enjoy your garden over the winter months, even if it does mean bundling up and braving the cold.
Don’t worry; just request a hot mug of hot chocolate be waiting for you inside when the garden deeds are done. We’ve put together some quick and practical ways to turn your garden into a festive Christmas haven that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Winter herb gardens
Rosemary is ideal for winter gardens – © dnak – Flickr
Most people wouldn’t bother planting herbs throughout the winter thinking that they’ll only die a few days later. There are in fact, a good number herbs that are suitable for the Christmas period and winter herbs can be planted in an outdoor window box to give them a little added protection from the elements. That way they can be easily moved inside if the temperature plummets below freezing. Suggestions for winter-friendly herbs include:
• Sage – a sharp, fragrant herb which goes fantastically with poultry and pork dishes. A real favourite for winter recipes.
• Rosemary – pretty much the classic Christmas herb and perfect too because it’s one of the hardiest herbs out there, easily grown year-round. Work magic with rosemary by combining with garlic and sea salt to create a simple but delicious meat rub.
• Thyme – this diverse herb is a godsend during the winter period, mix with lemon and use to season roasting birds, you’ll never look back.
All the above will survive very low temperatures and don’t need much attention apart from pruning and watering now and again. Don’t be caught out this year when all the supermarket herbs have sold out, grow your own!
Tree decorations
Tree decorations don’t have to end with the Christmas tree in your living room; don’t forget your outdoor trees as well. They might look a bit glum and sad without leaves but can make the perfect statue for hanging fairy lights and outdoor baubles from. Wrap tree trunks with Christmas ribbon and hang edible ornaments from the branches for hungry squirrels and other wildlife trying to get through the colder months.
Create a rustic wreath
Pinecones are ideal for rustic wreaths – © theogeo – Flickr
The fallout of autumn means that there will be a lot of garden debris to clean up during the winter months, we’d suggest trying to recycle most if not all of it. Always leave a small amount of garden waste on the ground if you can as it can provide vital shelter and nutrients for wildlife and insects throughout winter. For the rest you can either place in a compost bin or use to create a festive and rustic wreath.
Pinecones, holly, rosemary, dried lavender and garden twine and twigs can easily be spun into a simple wreath perfect for hanging on your back door. To add an extra festive touch, weave in dried orange and cinnamon sticks so that the wreath smells beautiful as well as looks beautiful.
Make an edible wreath for the birds
On the topic of wreaths and while you’re in a creative wreath-making mood you could make an edible wreath for the feathered visitors to your garden, the inedible foliage used could provide the birds with much needed material for shelter and nests. Most of the materials can be found around your back garden including assorted berries, holly, cedar and pine. If you really want to make the birds your friends add in pinecones smeared with peanut butter and sunflower seeds. You could weave these into a simple wreath ring or create something more impressive such as a sparkling ice wreath. Simply hang from your favourite tree and watch the birds assemble a queue.
Christmas-themed garden features
We’re talking fire pits, bird houses and warm water garden features. I mean, wouldn’t a roaring outdoor fire companied with a warm woollen blanket and a glass or two of mulled wine convince you to sit in your garden all evening, all day even? Most reputable garden landscaping companies work year round so there is always someone at hand to design your perfect garden feature; whether that’s a permanent raised fire pit or a stunning water feature that can run water year round.
Fire pits are ideal for festive gardens – © Vaya B – Flickr
All the above with surely help you to appreciate and enjoy your garden over the festive period and are easy to create or organise. So get started by planting the winter herbs of your choice ready for your Christmas day roast.
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Leave a Reply