Work for the week

The Christmas Cactus is a very adaptable houseplant and thrives well in sunny locations indoors but will also fend well in low lit areas.

SHADOWS; Days may have shortened but the low sunlight concentrates the mind on shape and form. The gardens look larger and every line and contour stands proud so my gaze stretches to the boundaries and beyond, unhindered by the soft gauze of summer. I can easily see all the garden and I watch in awe as the box balls on the drive throw long, skinny shadows across the brick paving.

Not too long ago these were short and fat and huddled beneath the box as if sheltering from the overhead sun. My neighbour’s too, are visible and once more their plantings, layout, and style reappear having been hidden since early spring by dense foliage.

WOOD ASH; Soft white plumes of smoke slowly rise into the chilly air from a distant garden fire and once again I’m reminded that bonfire ash is always best added to the compost heap since its soluble nutrients are easily washed away when added directly to the soil. Mix wood ash with other ingredients whenever possible or add it as you turn the heap. Try to put some form of covering over your compost heap so that the contents do not become sodden. That would only reduce the heat generated and delay the rotting process.

CHRISTMAS CACTI (Schlumbergera) are starting to bud up but remember that they require careful watering during these dull months. Give no more than will keep the fleshy discs from wrinkling. The compost for these should never be more than slightly damp; an excess will cause the cerise blooms to drop like pine needles. Mind you, a light spraying with tepid water from now until flowering will remind them of their steamy forest origins and make them give of their best. Most often sold in pots that seem far too small, do not be tempted to give them more room in a larger pot. They love being more or less pot-bound. Another of their dislikes is constant handling. Once the right place has been found for them, they should be left there undisturbed until flowering has finished.

VIRGINIA CREEPER is best attended to this month or next if it has become a little rampant. Keep Parthenocissus (Virginia creeper) growths away from window frames, roofs and gutters by shortening back all vigorous shoots. Remove at the same time any growths moving away from their supports.

Wisterias too will need attention to winter pruning by cutting back laterals and side shoots to within two or three buds of their base.

PRUNE late-flowering clematis, cutting back the flowered stems to a little over two feet above ground level. Cut above a pair of buds on each stem. Roll up the unwanted whippy shoots and discard. Varieties such as Hagley Hybrid, Gypsy Queen, Star of India, Jackmanii, Ville de Lyon and Perle d’Azur will respond handsomely to this kind of treatment and will send out vigorous new shoots during late January and on into early spring. These will be the growths which will flower best during summer. To encourage bigger and better blooms, mulch the root area with the likes of Gee-Up horse manure or use Browngold. Be generous with either.

HOSTAS; Division is the only way to ensure that hosta plants come true to type. This can be done now or in early spring and the easiest approach is to dig up the clump and to wash off all excess soil. This will give a clearer view of the dormant buds. Cut through the crown between the buds making small plants in the process. Replant with some manure or compost mixed into the backfill soil. Many hostas produce seed but these do not come true to type.