There is still work to do when the garden is dormant

In the December garden, frost-encrusted berries resemble rubies as if to decorate the garden for Christmas. With the dwindling amount of daylight the amount of work in the garden also dwindles, but there are still jobs to do. Reduce the height of shrub roses to prevent wind rock. Leave the pruning to March. Remove accumulated debris from gravel beds. If left, this debris will rot down and provide a growing medium for weeds and mosses. 

Remove with a rake and give all the gravel a gentle stir.

Garden tools should in theory be cleaned and put away each time you use them, but this never happens. Now is a good time to do this as you use them a lot less than in busier times. Choose a wet day. Wash down and scrape off hard set soil then use a wire brush on the metal parts. 

Wipe wooden handles with a clean rag dipped in boiled linseed oil. When dry, coat the metal parts with WD40 or whatever lubricating spray you use. While you have the can in your hand spray all your locks, latches and hinges on garden gates and sheds, and anything else you think may need it.

Lag your outside tap with bubble wrap to prevent freezing. If you don’t use bubble wrap, wrap whatever you use, such as straw, with plastic sheeting to waterproof it. Roll up and store your hose pipe.

If you have inherited a garden full of overgrown plants or things have just gotten out of control, the depth of the dormant season of December – January is the time to cut them back. Cut back overgrown deciduous hedges. Prune out-of-control climbers such as ivy, Virginia creeper, Boston ivy and climbing hydrangea. These climbers don’t need regular pruning, but when they spread too far or start hanging down off walls it’s time to cut them back and thin them out. With an overgrown shrub, resist the temptation to hack it all back. All that happens is that it sends out masses of long, straight, sappy shoots that won’t flower.  

Oldest branches

Choose two or three of the oldest branches. These will be the thickest with the darkest bark. Cut them as close to the base as possible. This time next year, and each year, repeat the process with another two or three. Each year they will be replaced with new shoots. In three to four years’ time you will have replaced the whole plant with strong, healthy flowering young growth.

Avoid walking on lawns as much as possible, but when weather permits cut the grass once over the month with the blades of the lawnmower raised. This will also pick up any leaves on the lawn.