Careful planting can provide winter havens for a range of creatures

A colleague at RHS Garden Harlow Carr recently described our role as being ‘custodians’, both in caring for and maintaining the beautiful garden for visitors to enjoy today and importantly, in protecting that legacy for the future. That perfect summation extends to all gardeners – regardless of the scale or grandeur of their own garden - as we all play a vital role in preserving and protecting our rich and diverse environment and the wildlife within it.

Winter seed heads and stems are a great source of both food and habitats for insects and wildlife. Throughout December the Floral team kept very busy cutting back the spent foliage of herbaceous perennials. These are the plants that give such an outstanding display during the summer months and in winter, naturally die back to ground level. As you can imagine in a garden of this scale, it is a process which takes several weeks and because of the demands of other work in the garden, it cannot all be left until the start of the new season.

The section of the garden that we always leave until into the New Year is the magnificent Main Borders as the glorious wave of colour which is enjoyed throughout the late summer and autumn continues to provide interest with height and structure from stems and seed heads during the colder months. The planting selection used is intended to self support the display when at its height and many of these have stems that will persist right through winter. This applies not only to perennials but also to the fabulous grass plantings.

The borders also include a range of shrubbier plants that give added height and substance to the planting. Sambucus nigra the black elderflower, Corylus ‘Purpurea’ beautiful dark-leaved hazel, Malus with its miniature crab apple fruits and plants such as Rosa ‘Geranium’ moyesii with its scarlet pendant hips all offer an amazing seasonal support for a range of insects and wildlife. A rose’s susceptibility to aphid is a bonus buffet to ladybirds and the larvae of lacewings and hoverflies, and the leafcutter bee uses the leaves for its delicate nests. In winter the hips themselves are a food source for many varieties of bird.

A wide range of planting can offer huge benefits to wildlife and our small garden spaces, linked with neighbouring gardens, create invaluable wildlife networks.

While I revel in the glory that a winter garden brings, observing the goldfinches hugging the inula seed heads and admiring the perfectly frosted seed heads of teasels and phlomis, I will remember that as a custodian, I have a responsibility for our wildlife - from the beloved robin to the tiniest of insects - as they all contribute to the greater cycle that all things depend upon.

Jobs for the week

* Check supports for plants, especially anything recently transplanted as root rock where the roots are not yet fully anchoring the plant, as this could result in lost specimens.

* Protect plants from any snow fall as laden branches may break.

* Soil structure, particularly with heavy soils, can be improved by allowing frost to break it up, however, water logged soils should not be worked on as the soil will become more compacted.

With thanks to Susan Main, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

DIARY DATES

Until 26 Feb: Bath House Gallery & Library: Gardens Behind Barbed Wire A remarkable piece of World War One history is told in this exhibition. ‘Gardens Behind Barbed Wire’ tells the ‘forgotten’ story of an intrepid group of British men who set up a horticultural society in the Ruhleben internment camp in Germany and helped to feed their fellow prisoners throughout the War. Normal garden admission.

Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 January, 11am - 3pm: Grow & Show Weekend Join writer and broadcaster Martin Fish and a panel of gardening experts for a weekend of no-nonsense advice on how to grow your own fruit and vegetables. No matter what size of plot you have – from a window box to a spare bed or allotment – come along for practical talks and demonstrations. There’s also a chance to put your questions to the experts at a special grow your own Q&A. Normal garden admission.