\u00a9 Chris Davies<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nThis December, both at home and at work, I\u2019ve been creating places to sit<\/a> outside through winter. It\u2019s not something I have spent that much time pondering before, but this year it\u2019s important. What\u2019s genuinely surprising is how many different spots in the garden capture warm(-ish) winter sun. You might need to identify the sunniest place for morning coffee and another for afternoon tea but it\u2019s worth it and it feels like a discovery, even if you\u2019ve had your garden for years.<\/p>\n
Re-assess your winter garden<\/h3>\n
Now is an ideal time to take a good, long look at the winter garden you have created. Have a seat and take in the views that you most regularly have of your outdoor space; cast a critical eye over what you see. In many cases, the garden might look a bit empty or \u2018shabby\u2019: there might be gaps where colour should be.<\/p>\n
Plant for you and the birds over winter<\/h3>\n
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\u00a9 Chris Davies<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nIf you lack evergreen plants, take some time to first think about your preferences and then what your visiting birds might like too. Planting evergreen shrubs with long-lasting fruit<\/a> might be the aesthetic improvement and wildlife food source<\/a> your garden needs. Look at crab apples<\/a> for warm colours and Pyracantha<\/em> to train and shape formally, around windows and along fences. If you do one thing differently for wildlife, don\u2019t remove lots of ivy<\/a>. Take modest amounts if you\u2019re using it for decorations but leave the fruit for birds \u2013 Christmas lunch is for everyone.<\/p>\n
Wildlife in the garden in December<\/h2>\n
In busy December, take a few moments to do three things to benefit wildlife in your garden:<\/p>\n
Provide water at \u2018bird height\u2019 (away from hunters) and \u2018 hedgehog<\/a> height\u2019, easy to sip from with tiny, short legs and no wings. Keep this water clean and unfrozen.<\/li>\n
Grab some logs and sticks and build a log pile. You can spend hours or just seconds, but the important thing is that afterwards, don\u2019t touch your creation unless to add to it from above. Intact, unmoved and degrading it provides shelter, warmth and food, depending on what you are\u2026
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\u00a9 Chris Davies<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div><\/li>\n
Find some less visible, out of the way areas by fences or under hedges<\/a> and do nothing to them until spring. Leave the leaf litter, the twigs and a slight level of apparent untidiness. You are providing a warm resting place for something by doing nothing at all \u2013 enjoy the feel-good factor.
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If there is an empty spot that you pass regularly in the colder months, it\u2019s the season to treat yourself to winter or Christmas box (Sarcococca confusa<\/em>\/Sarcococca hookeriana<\/em>\/Sarcococca humilis<\/em>). In the coldest months, this reserved shrub with smart, shiny leaves throws out a heady, sweet scent from small, white\/cream flowers that will transport you to flowering summer roses and warmer, light-filled times. I promise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>Read Rosie Fyle\u2019s previous monthly columns here<\/a><\/h3><\/body><\/html>\n
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