As the evenings get darker and the days get colder we often forget about our gardens but this year we have some top tips from our Head Landscaper here at Croxley Park.. 

• Beds and borders should be dug over by the New Year so that there is plenty of time for the soil to be weathered by the wind, rain and frost.
• Garden furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and put away. Some quality hardwood furniture benefits from an annual oiling with linseed oil.
• Clear out your shed, and organise and clean your tools. Ensure that the lawn is kept free of wind blown fallen leaves.
• Winter flowering shrubs like Jasminum nudiflorum and Viburnum bodnantense can be lightly pruned and some of the blossoming growth taken indoors for floral decoration.
• Prune the apple trees as soon as the leaves have fallen and take out any dead, broken or diseased branches.
• Collect remaining organic matter and add to the compost heap.
• Put out bird seed and fat balls to feed birds through the winter and if the weather is freezing, ensure they have water to drink.
• Stand your Christmas tree in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot outdoors until its time to bring it indoors.
• Order well-rotted manure or mushroom compost to dig in over winter or spread over bare soil for worms and take down.
• Order summer-flowering bulbs such as lillies and gladioli. 

If you have any questions, we'd be happy to pass them on, just email whatson@croxleypark.com