Eryngium giganteum better known now as ‘Miss Willmott’s ghost’ is my reminder to get ready for colder weather and Christmas. I have disconnected my hose pipes, lagged outside taps and cleaned up at least one water feature.
For some reason one job I procrastinate over is protecting my pots, containers and ornaments from hard frosts. I know it is time to insulate or put them on to legs to provide some protection. At least they are already grouped together, sheltered from high wind and some of the worst weather.

The greenhouse is used through winter as a cold frame and I have moved some succulents and Auriculas into shelter. When the last of the greenhouse Chrysanthemum flowers are finished all the stools will be put under the bench. On a warm day (or less cold day) I will wash down the windows, clean up any debris and try kill off any pathogens.

My spring compost is not as well rotted as I would have hoped to mulch the beds. This is probably due to the dry summer and lack of microbe activity that I belatedly tried to remedy with lashings of Garrota. As extra protection this year I am using some Strulch as a type of thermal blanket.The recently planted trees will get some mulch as root protection before the ground gets really cold, it will be no use sealing in frozen soil.

There is not much I can do to prevent snow other than be like the scouts and ‘be prepared’.

Belated Christmas Lawn Tips

• Do not walk on the grass when it has been frosted. The leaves will snap and it shows.
• Walking on soaking grass will compact the soil and drive out the air. It will be prone to moss infestations. Waterlogged soil needs some drainage treatment next spring.
• A late trim with the blades set very high will pick up some remaining leaves and make the lawn look tidy.