November 03rd, 2016

Lemons for Christmas a Plum idea.

Lemons for Christmas a Plum idea.


As Autumn falls into Winter and the garden calms to a different tempo thoughts can turn to planting and preparation.
Late Autumn, early winter is the primary and possibly the most wonderful time to plant trees, shrubs and hedges. With a modicum of warmth still in the soil and sufficient moisture all shrubs and trees tend to bed in far better at this time of year. For those with gardens and interest in success prepare your soil well choose your preferred plants and trees and get down to your local nurseries and garden centres. The choice of potted plants and bare rooted hedging is extensive and you may be lucky and find an interested and knowledgeable assistant who can guide you to success.

Autumn, Winter is the best time to plant and will guarantee success when it comes time to reap a harvest of fruit or flowers.

On the subject of ‘reaping a harvest’ fruit trees are a fabulous addition to any garden from sunny roof or balcony to a suburban garden or rural spot. The choice of Apples, Pears and plums is extensive and easy to purchase they are both affordable and easily available. Try to avoid plants kept in Supermarkets as they are often left unwatered and unwanted, price is not always the best prerogative when buying plants.


‘Choices for fruit trees’
Plums, obviously the best for this climate is the old but great Victoria Plum, easy and very bountiful within two years of purchase. No supermarket plum will come near a ripe garden plum.
Other great Plums that thrive in Ireland are Greengages and Damsons the forgotten Plums of real merit. The Greengage or ‘Gage’ is a misty green plum of depth of flavour and unique nuances, you will wonder why you never see them in shops.The Damson is a tiny black plum of great use although they require a little more space they are bountiful in bad years and prolonged.
Obviously for smaller spaces adapted Apple trees on dwarf rootstocks are the way to go and within this realm the choice is huge and readily available. Pears are also a bountiful and easy option. Either in large pots or the ground once any of these choices are made and cared for you will have unending success.


As Gifts for yourself or for Christmas

‘ Oranges & Lemons’
Nothing says Christmas like Oranges and Lemons and these although a little more expensive are a great choice for an indoor plant that require minimal care and give maximum joy. Requirements are, keep away from draughts in a sunny window or conservatory, water as they begin to dry out and feed weekly. All Citrus fruit produce flowers from late December into February depending on conditions. The flowers are white stars and the aroma fabulous and all pervading. They tend to be self pollinated and the tiny fruits are produced from the flowers and these appear shortly after the flower withers. So feed and water well during and after flowering to produce a good crop. Also remember do not consume the fruit until the following year as they may contain residues of insecticide from the nursery.

‘Other great choices for winter planting’
Soft fruits such as Himalayan Blackberries, Tayberries as well as Boysenberries. All of these require a garden and a little more work but are bountiful and free once established.
Obviously the Blueberry is a topical and wonderful bush. Blueberries require and acid soil and a well prepared and heavily moisture retentive soil and protection from birds and little boys..

‘Emerging trends for the garden’
Home grown fruit and Vegetables.
Ornamental Grasses, Penstimums, Hydrangeas both herbaceous and shrub. Finally dwarf Conifers as beloved in the 60’s and 70’s are on the way back.
Remember the joy is in the success so prepare well and plant now.