“Now is the time of fresh starts, This is the season that makes everything new. December has the clarity, the simplicity, and the silence you need.” Such a lovely quote, because yes, December in our garden is normally a time for reflection and taking stock. It’s when the garden puts itself to bed (with some help) and we can see the real structure, without all the busyness of Spring, Summer and Autumn seasonal growth. And yet, even now, there’s still colour bringing some festive feels. So, for the last time this year, a very warm welcome to December in our garden.
What’s flowering this December?
Alongside the pretty little red cyclamen (cover pic) in the woodland area underneath our weeping pear tree, we have some pink cyclamen. I really love cyclamens’ delicate curled petals and heart-shaped leaves. As you may have seen on my Instagram, I have some in pots by the front door too. And after Christmas is over I’ll transplant them to join their woodland cousins. Also giving a lovely splash of colour and scent by the back door is this beautiful purple stock, grown from seed a few years ago.
And I’ve spotted the first primroses lighting up some dark corners – the white one I bought a couple of years ago, along with some purple ones. The yellow one has naturalised from who knows where, and I couldn’t be happier, she’s simply beautiful, don’t you think?
Speaking of fragrance, on the left is our beautiful winter-flowering honeysuckle by the front door. Such a welcome sight and scent to come home to. And on the right is my glorious daphne odora with her perfumed, pale pink flowers, which look stunning against the glossy dark green foliage. Fun fact: in Korea, the plant is also called “churihyang” – a thousand-mile scent. Very apt, her fragrance follows you all around our orchard.
How festive does our chaenomeles (Japanese quince) tree look? I know we had some frosts earlier in the year but it’s been so mild recently that she’s burst into flower again. And I managed to use the five quinces I eventually harvested back in October and November. Reader, I made some quince and apple sauce, and it was DELICIOUS.
What’s fruiting this December?
Not very much. At least, not that’s edible for us anyway. But the ivy next to one of our bug hotels has plenty of berries for the birds. You do need to keep an eye on ivy though, it can quickly take over, cause a wall’s mortar to crumble, and is usually growing in the wrong place…
And I think, I hope, we might be in luck for some sprouting broccoli leaves on Christmas Day. These two plants on the left are the only ones that survived the combined caterpillar and pigeon onslaughts earlier this year (18 plants I had originally, grrr). Next year I will net everything, lesson learned. Over on the right, the leaves from the self-seeded nasturtium make a tasty winter salad. And behind that, the lemon balm, whose leaves we’re still enjoying for herbal teas too.
Indoor garden jobs for December
No indoor jobs this month, except for bringing in our three pelargoniums at night when it’s frosty. I think I’m going to keep them in our conservatory over winter. It’s cool enough to restrict growth in there, but not cold enough to kill them. Plus they’ll be on hand for rose or orange flavoured herbal teas as well.
Outdoor garden jobs for December
December in our garden saw me breaking my back potting up the 100 tulips bulbs I rashly bought earlier this year. The eight pots overwintering by our summerhouse are ready to go in strategic spots around the garden once they start flowering from April onwards (hopefully). I used a mix of compost, garden soil ,and a top dressing of leaves. That way, if I decide to transplant them into the ground, it won’t be such a shock to their systems.
I’ve made a start on pruning away the dead foliage on some of our plants, not a minute too soon, it seems. We have new growth already on the Hesperis matronalis (sweet rocket) by the pond. And I’ve cut back our dahlias to a few inches above the ground, ready for mulching after I’ve finished clearing and feeding all our flower and vegetable beds later this month.
We also need to be super careful when walking around the orchard as some of the spring bulbs are also poking through the grass, and in one of my new vegetable beds too. Spring seems to come earlier and earlier these days. Although I think December beats all previous records! No matter, it’s a lovely reminder that better times are on their way.
And of course, just because it’s December in our garden, that doesn’t mean the deadheading, pruning, weeding, and tying in will stop either
Wildlife
Alan’s been feeding the birds daily for a few weeks now. A mix of seeds, suitable for garden birds (garden centres will have some). And we’re keeping an eye on all our ponds to make sure when it’s really cold that there are a few breathing holes in any ice that forms.
Top tip: a dog or child’s ball in the water will prevent a solid edge-to-edge ice sheet forming so any frogs, newts, or fish won’t suffocate. But if you do find ice, please don’t shatter it as that will send shock waves through the water, and alarm any hibernating amphibians or fish, or even kill them. Hold a saucepan of boiling water on the ice for a few minutes to melt it This works just as well and is a far more subtle approach.
I mentioned last month that we’ll be leaving a few leaf piles in corners of the orchard, for the hedgehogs to have somewhere to hibernate safely. And I’ve also cleared the undergrowth away from two hedgehog holes in our orchard fence, so they can come and go more easily until then. Top tip: if you’re getting a boundary fence, please do consider cutting a hedgehog hole at the bottom. Hedgehogs have huge territories and can travel miles in search of food. So, let’s not make it harder for them.
Flora’s garden
Technically, I suppose the picture of strawberries and garlic really belongs in the “What’s fruiting” paragraph, but they are fruiting in Flora’s garden. And there’s no other picture to share otherwise, so here we are 🙂
December in our garden
And there we are, December in our garden. What a year it’s been. I wrote last month about how very grateful I am for my happy place, no matter the weather. And I think that’s never been more true or heartfelt than throughout 2020. Spending time outside, watching the magic of the changing seasons, enjoying the fresh air (as evidenced by the lovely lichens on our apple tree, an indicator of clean air). All this, plus being able to nurture and grow things both for food and for pleasure, is something I will never take for granted. Thank you to those of you who leave me such lovely comments on my gardening posts. I’m absolutely thrilled that you enjoy them as much as you do.
A year in reflection
Because 2020 has been such a strange year, I thought it worth mentioning an article I read recently. According to the Horticultural Trades Association, almost three million Brits took up gardening during the first lockdown. And very excitingly, the survey found 49% of gardeners are now under 45 years old. I write so often about gardening having mental and physical health benefits that we can’t ignore. So, allowing the garden centres to stay open during England’s second lockdown meant that many more of us got to feel the excitement and wonder at learning a new skill, and being outside in the fresh air. And with that in mind, I think this reminder that Spring will hopefully bring us some much needed better tidings, is the perfect way to conclude my December in our garden diary update. My very best wishes to you all.
“I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September.”
Are you one of the three million who took up gardening this year? Do you have any gardening highlights to share? Which has been your favourite of my monthly garden diary updates in 2020?
Your garden is absolutely beautiful. My garden is so lovely but I must admit, I’ve not been out there in a while!
Rosie
Thank you, Rosie, that’s so kind 🙂 And I feel you, the weather doesn’t exactly scream, “Get outside now!”
I can’t believe how much life you still have in your garden at this time of year Lisa. Sign of a very good gardener!
I love hedgehogs, we have a few big ones that find their way in to our garden which is amazing seeing as its split level with walls all the way around! My cat doesn’t like it when they get to his food before he does!!
Aw, thank you, Claire, that’s very kind – I think we’re just lucky! We haven’t seen any hedgehogs for a while but I guess they’re into their hibernation mode now. And yes, they do love cat food, haha! x
You have a lovely garden! So many colorful and fresh flowers. By the way they look, I can tell you’ve taken good care of them. It’s good that you’ve used up your time to hone this skill of yours in gardening because apparently, you’re doing great! Have you tried making a profitable business out of it?
Thank you so much – I wouldn’t call myself a professional by any means, just an enthusiastic amateur, but that’s very kind of you 🙂
Your garden is full of such lovely flowers. I didn’t even think about how many beautiful plants and flowers are growing in the colder months.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
I’ve been surprised to discover how many plants flower in Winter too, luckily for us and the bees 🙂
You have so many flowers in bloom, that’s amazing. I love the hedgehog gap you left, it’s important for them. Also, it’s very interesting that half of the people who took up gardening are under 45, that’s really good. Working in the garden makes people happier and it is better for the planet too, as more flowers means more food for struggling pollinators and maybe a bird feeder or two would help the birds as well.
Yes, it is, we are very lucky, thank you, Anca. And yes, I agree, working outside is better for us and for our planet. We all need to do our bit for Nature and gardening is such an easy and rewarding win.
Oh wow, your garden is so beautiful! I love the Primroses, especially the white ones, they’re gorgeous xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk
Thank you, Hannah, they are sweet little flowers! x
Love your pond! Someday I’ll have one. My garden is in dire need of more clean up in December. Not much blooming here in the Midwest, alas! I have indoor lemon trees that are bearing fruit, so I’m excited about that. Thanks for the fun post.
We are so happy with our new pond 🙂 And I’m very impressed you’re growing lemons, my indoor house plant game is terrible!
Such a lovely garden! Even in the colder, harsher months, there is still plenty of life. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Erin, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post.
I absolutely love your garden and most of all how many uses of it you have! I miss having a garden, but indoor plants have to make up for it for now!
Thank you, Cristina, that’s very kind – I do hope you can have an outdoor garden again sometime soon 🙂
These are so gorgeous, I love these images of your garden! Thank you for sharing x
Thank you so much, Eleanor, that’s so kind x
I got sent a pot of cyclamen flowers from a florist a while back and they really are beautiful flowers! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
They really are, the quintessential cute festive flower! x
I can’t even believe your garden is still green and flowering! Everything here is not flowering or green LOL I loved seeing these pictures, your garden is always beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Well, we have had a LOT of rain! But thank you, Giulia, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post.
You have a wonderful garden and also indoor, that’s awesome. As it’s a little tiring work, it’s fun to work on gardens haha.
Thank you, Jack, it sure it a lot of work 🙂
I live in Virginia so my garden is all bedded down (for the most part!) for winter! We dug up two of our long beds and lined them with wood to help retain moisture; it will be interesting to see how it helps come spring.
I am envious that you still have flowers blooming and your quince and apple sauce sounds divine!
Thank you also for sharing some timely advice on melting the ice on ponds. 🙂
If you’re in Virginia I guess you’ll get snow? Flora would LOVE snow but I don’t know if we’ll be that lucky this Christmas. But snow is a great insulator so prepping your raised beds with wood is a great start! Happy Christmas, Jaya.
Wow beautiful flowers, even the primroses are here. Congratulations for the broocoli, love the lake too..
Thank you, Gabi, that’s very kind 🙂
Wow, your garden is incredible Lisa! You definitely put mine to shame. I love the idea of a little hedgehog hole in the fence I never even thought about this! thanks for informing me. Now I can make sure any little guys near me are able to get through happy and safely!
Ashleigh
Aw, no, I’m sure that’s not true! But thank you so much – and I’m glad you like the tip about the hedgehog holes!
Wow. Your garden looks lovely even in December. I love that you have a bee and butterfly house too. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Brooke, we will try!
Love your garden! Thank you for sharing its beauty! Happy Holidays!
Thank you – happy holidays to you too 🙂
It’s so great to see something blooming in December. I live in PA where we have nothing but snow. Thank you for sharing your space!
Thank you – I know my daughter would LOVE some snow this Christmas though so swings and roundabouts!
Wow, your garden is looking amazing in December. I love seeing so many plants this time of year, and admittedly it does make me a tiny bit jealous. I shall have to live vicariously through your garden during these cold months. That pond tip is also really helpful, I would have never thought about how cracking the ice would disturb the hibernating critters.
Ah, thank you, Sarah! We’ve been lucky with some fairly mild weather recently, which bas helped. And I’m glad my pond tip was useful – Happy Christmas!
I always look forward to your garden posts Lisa! It’s amazing how much life there is despite the winter conditions. I had no idea that cyclamen can actually flower in December! I must try to find a hardy variety for my Vancouver garden.
Thank you, Jodie, that’s very kind. And yes, cyclamen are pretty hardy – try some cyclamen coum, which should naturalise in the grass or better still under a tree, and come back year on year – good luck!
Thanks for sharing what has been going on it your garden this month, most plants have finished although one of my roses has budded which is confusing!! Hope you enjoy the winter flowers this year 🙂
Roses are very hardy, a couple of ours have started budding again too – isn’t Nature wonderful!
You got a lovely garden, and your winter flowers are awesome as well. I hope the tulip will come fine incoming spring. Glad to know that many in the UK have enjoyed gardening during lockdowns. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful virtual tour of your garden and its surroundings. Wish you guys an awesome time this coming Xmas.
Thank you, Sara, that’s very kind – keeping my fingers crossed for the tulips next Spring! I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post and best wishes for a Happy Christmas 🙂
I actually have learned so much, I never knew that people would still garden during winter times. Also, your garden is very beautiful. You have nourished those flowers so well. I love the colors that it brings. I am in love with those winter flowers *.* So joyous!
That’s very kind of you, what a lovely thing to say, thank you!
Your garden looks amazing! I love the picture update and loved reading about everything going on!
Thank you so much, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Hi Lisa. How lovely to still have so much colour in the garden at this time of year. We really must make an effort to emulate you and buy some appropriate plants. I guess with gardening, as with many things, you get out what you put in – and you clearly put a lot of work into looking after your garden and are rewarded appropriately. Thanks for sharing (and educating).
Thank you, Richie! Yes, our garden is a lot of work but we love it so for us it’s worth it. Never more so than this year I think. Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Beautiful garden you have. Loads of beautiful flowers blooming in you garden this month. That’s amazing. Thank you for taking me on a virtual tour.
Thank you, Fadima – we are so lucky this month and I’m glad you enjoyed your virtual tour!
I love your garden diary posts & especially seeing all the flowers & other plants growing!
Hedgehogs are so cute & there’s one that actually lives near my apartment.
Oh thank you so much! And wow, a neighbouring hedgehog, you are super lucky!
What a gorgeous garden, especially in December. Thanks for sharing,
Thank you, we’re very lucky 🙂
That’s the first time that I’ve heard that tip for creating a hole in the ice on the pond. I’m definitely going to store that one away in the back of my mind moving forward. We don’t currently have a pond but we’ve been talking about how nice one would look at one spot in the yard. I’ve never stopped to consider the shock waves that would be created from breaking the ice in the more traditional way.
I’m so glad to hear you might be getting a pond, how exciting! And yes, the shockwaves can be quite upsetting for hibernating creatures, so I’m glad to share that tip 🙂
I’m in love with your garden, it’s super beautiful and magical! Thank you for sharing with us – simply beautiful!!
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
Wow, thank you very much, that’s lovely to hear!
Merry Christmas!!
Oooh I love that you have plants growing year-round in your garden! Love the different types of flowers you have going on. Big fan of the honeysuckle and pale pink flowers!! Looks very majestic. Love that you’re growing some vegetables too! I am LOVING your garden. The skeleton in the back is so funny. Thanks for sharing your lovely garden~
Nancy ✨
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Nancy! Thank you so much for your lovely comments. we are very lucky with our wonderful garden 🙂
So beautiful!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas 🙂
Thank you Nikki 🙂 And yes, we have, hope you did too!
Your garden is so beautiful!
I’m not greenfingered at all I wish I was
Aw, thank you so much, Alice, that’s so kind!
Your garden is still so gorgeous and colourful, even in winter!
The most I’ve done in my garden is put some seed out for the birds haha.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Aw, thank you, Cora, that’s very kind!
Your garden looks so pretty with those lovely colours and brightening up even the coldest and darkest Winter days. Unfortunately our front garden a lot of things have died over the Winter period. I am actually looking forward to buying my own place in the next year or so and actually getting to really take an interest in my garden. I would love to grow my own vegetables. Thank you for sharing what is growing in your garden. I look forward to seeing what your garden has this month. Thank you for sharing Lisa.
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren! Whatever has died in your garden may well come back in Spring – in fact lots of plants look like they’re dead but they’re probably just dormant. And how exciting to be making plans to buy your own home, what a wonderful thing to look forward to! x