2. Wrap up any pots which contain shrubs as their roots are at risk of cold damage
Chris Margrave, head gardener at Clumber Park, says: ‘Protect any shrubs growing in containers from winter frost by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap. For appearance’s sake, and to give a double insulation layer, you can cover this with hessian sacking. As well as protecting the roots, it will also help prevent the pots from cracking.’
3. Leave some herbaceous perennials to create a winter habitat for your garden’s wildlife
‘Occasionally we just need to do nothing,’ says Amanda Thackeray, head gardener at Wordsworth House and Garden. ‘The garden at Wordsworth House is a rich habitat for insects and we have to consider their needs over the winter months. So instead of cutting back all of our herbaceous perennials, we leave a selection as a winter habitat for insects, such as our ladybirds. However, we do cut back most of our tall herbaceous plants to stop wind rock.’
4. Cover tender, newly planted woodland plants with fleece or enviromesh
‘I usually create a wigwam out of canes and tie on the material, embedding the bottom in the soil to anchor it down,’ says Neil Porteous, head of gardens at Mount Stewart. ‘This keeps the rooting zone drier than if left uncovered and it is this which greatly influences these young plants’ chances of survival. In mild weather, when you remember, lift up the covers periodically and check the rooting zone is not too dry. If it is, water the plants and re-cover.’