< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY I f you are unfamiliar with bare root plants, they are exactly how they sound - the bare roots and crowns of plants that are in a dormant stage and suitable to plant out. Many deciduous shrubs, trees, and hedging plants, along with some evergreens, are available as bare root plants while they are dormant between November and March. Despite the dormancy, the roots will quickly establish and grow away below ground, ready to fuel a fabulous display of flowers and foliage once the soil warms up in the spring. In very cold winters, the bare root season can sometimes be extended through to April. Bare root shrubs are a lot cheaper for nurseries to grow and dispatch as they don’t require re-potting each year and do not incur costs for the weight of the soil when being delivered. This means they are inexpensive to buy and are a great way to get more mature, bigger plants quicker without breaking the bank. The reason they are less expensive than traditional container grown plants and trees is because they are grown directly into the ground in fields and only lifted when they are required during the ‘bare-root season’. With the current war on plastic, bare root plants are environmentally friendly, have no requirement for a container and use very little packaging to deliver them. Also, as there is no soil around the plants on arrival, valuable topsoil can be preserved and not wasted. Bare roots are a viable choice when planting a long stretch of hedging or if you need taller plants at a lower cost than pots or root balls. However, it must also be mentioned that bare root plants do normally have a 10% failure rate. The success rate can be improved when Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how you can get more mature plants quicker and inexpensively with the bare root option. Bearing the fruit of 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:52 Page 11. Clear up fallen leaves, especially from lawns, ponds, and beds 2. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year 3. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock 4. Plant out winter bedding 5. Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem 6. Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees by using grease bands around the trunks 7. Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden 8. Remove pumps and lights from shallow ponds and keep tidying your pond. Especially after fallen leaves 9. Lift parsnips and store in boxes with sand, and harvest brussels sprouts 10. Dispose of excess debris unfit for compost by having a bonfire – but check for hedgehogs LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE incorporating root builders, such as bone meal, into the planting pit, but don’t incorporate organic matter into the backfill as this will encourage the roots to only stay within the backfilled area. Bare roots are easy to handle but should be planted quite quickly after delivery. Some flowering plants that are good to plant now as bare root are Roses, Agapanthus, Eryngiums, Hardy Geranium and Peonies. They will establish quickly, and you should enjoy flowers in Spring and Summer. Fruit bushes and trees, such as raspberry and blackcurrant canes, can also be planted now. If you are going to plant raspberry canes then choose an open, sunny spot and ensure the soil is free draining. Before planting give the bare roots a good soak in water and they are usually pre-pruned, ready to plant, but if not cut down to 15-22cm. In respect to blackcurrants, they thrive in deep soil, so dig a generous hole and again after planting prune right back. Hopefully this month we will have some bright, crisp days which will be ideal for getting outside and planting some bare root plants. © stock.adobe.com/ Bruce Peter Morin Specialised Service in Garden Design and Landscaping Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutions Around the garden © stock.adobe.com/ Swellphotography © stock.adobe.com/ vaitekune 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:52 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS A s we sit on the cusp of winter, with leaves dropping from trees and breezes becoming bitter, we are set to enter a period that can be harsh on gardens. The colder months can do a significant amount of harm; therefore it is important to prepare, to protect plants and flowers, so that gardens bloom beautifully once again next year come spring. With threats from flooding to damaging winds and frost, here are some top tips to help your garden survive. Neat and tidy To prep for winter an easy way to begin is to clear any debris and clutter from your garden - broken pots and mouldy netting can be taken away, while leaves will need raking up. Protect plants Though hardy spring-blooming bulbs can be planted now, tender plants, such as dahlia and canna, will need to be moved inside ahead of winter, to greenhouses, windowsills, garages et al., to keep them frost-free, safe, and warm. As the ground freezes, these plants won’t survive. It is recommended, after frost has turned leaves brown, to carefully dig up bulbs or tubers, cut away leaves and brush off soil, leaving these plants to dry out in a cool spot for around a week, to then pack them in a breathable container, cover them in sawdust or newspapers so bulbs do not touch, before putting them in your chosen location to be replanted next year. Concurrently, pots and containers can be easily transferred indoors, and summer plants like geraniums can be potted for an attractive houseplant over the winter, so long as they are placed in areas of the home that bathe in natural light. Pots that you plan to leave outdoors should be raised off the ground to allow water to drain away, and if you own terracotta pots, consider wrapping them with fleece to prevent cracking. Wrapping potted plants will also stop roots freezing. Other plants, like vegetables, may be tucked in with a layer of insulation, for example horticultural fleece, after mulching, but ensure to also carry out other prep tasks to clean up the area. Pick all produce so they are not left to rot, attracting insects, disease and pests that will be detrimental to the garden next year, and do a final weeding so garden beds and grounds are cleared. Old annual plants should also be removed, collecting any seeds you want, and any disease-free debris added to compost piles. The soil in vegetable gardens should be fed now too, to keep vital nutrients in place ahead of wind, rain, and snow. Prepping for winter As freezing gusts, frost, and snow get ready to blow through gardens, it is important to pre-empt potential damage. It is not only plants that need to be protected for the winter. Ensure you have stored or covered up your garden furniture to prevent deterioration! © stock.adobe.com/Ann Stryzhekin 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:53 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 GARDENS MJPSupplies mjpsupplies For the purpose of importing and selling Algifol™ biostimulant products to farmers and growers of specialist crops Watch your profits grow Special offer on 1 litre bottles bought direct from our website Suppliers of a range of liquid storage tanks for: • Oil • adblue • Water • Fertiliser An eye must be kept on hardy perennials meanwhile, as though not requiring much assistance for winter, one must look out for frost heaving, where the soil pushes plants out of the ground. To overcome this, a layer of chopped leaves or other mulch can be placed around perennials after the ground has frozen, also helping to regulate soil temperatures and moisture. To keep gardens tidy over winter, perennials can also be cut back once frost has withered their leaves, adding a mulch layer to protect them. This will provide an opportunity to tidy up straggly stems, and weed at the same time, but leaving an odd seed head is a great way to provide food for wildlife during cold months. Cutting to the crown is suitable for most perennials and will help them produce fresh shoots in spring. Take care of trees Trees and shrubs will also need to be seen to prior to winter, ensuring they are in top shape. Trim away any damage or disease to prevent these exacerbating, and if autumn has been dry, you may want to give trees and shrubs a good watering before the ground freezes. This is also a great time to cut back low hanging and untidy looking branches to give trees a neat appearance in spring, however it is wise to check pruning times for individual trees and shrubs. Once the ground has frozen, look to spread organic material to keep moisture in the soil and protect roots from freezing and thawing. Young evergreens exposed to the elements meanwhile will need to be shielded from winter wind with shade cloth shelters for instance. Planting ahead November is not just a time to worry about your garden’s health, it is additionally ideal for planting bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, pansies, bluebells, and snowdrops for a springtime bloom. A plethora of other flower, fruit, and vegetable seeds can also be planted, as well as bare-root fruit trees. © stock.adobe.com/coldwaterman 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:53 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Somerset by Alice Temperley This dress from Somerset by Alice Temperley is a luxurious and unique piece to add to your collection of knits. 24-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:55 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 FASHION Cosy yet chic With freezing days ahead, new clothes are essential. Lincolnshire Today showcases some looks that are sure to keep you warm – but also stylish. Cosy yet chic With freezing days ahead, new clothes are essential. Lincolnshire Today showcases some looks that are sure to keep you warm – but also stylish. 24-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:55 Page 226 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Left: Gerry Weber Gerry Weber presents a cosy but stylish ensemble ideal for cold days, pairing a knitted dress with a wide belt. Middle: Marc Cain Marc Cain shows how a smart, neutral ensemble can be brightened up easily with a pop of colour from a scarf. Right: Masai This shirt dress from Masai offers a long and relaxed look while being vibrant in red. Leave it loose or add a belt. Opposite: M&Co. Skirts and jumpers are prime for looking cute but fashionable in autumn and winter. Here M&Co. perfectly pairs its rich, red-toned, check mini skirt with a blue jumper. 24-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:55 Page 324-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:55 Page 428 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Top left: Fat Face Though maxi skirts tend to be all the rage in summer, they should not be forgotten through the colder months, as Fat Face shows with this lovely ensemble, tucking in a cardigan to its Skye Woodblock Maxi Skirt featuring contrasting prints for a little extra intrigue. Top middle: Joe Browns This look from Joe Browns is sleek and sophisticated, with the statement houndstooth check sure to stand out amongst seas of plaid this season. Top right: Aspiga This midi length shirt dress from Aspiga is perfect for this season. Throw on a pair of boots and a belt to complete the floral burgundy piece. Right: Samoon Samoon illustrates how to form a beautifully cohesive outfit, matching the purple stripes in this tartan coat with a dedication to the colour in the jumper and trousers beneath. 24-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:55 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 www.pescodsquare.com Phone - 01205 353370 | info@pescodsquare.com Our shopping centre includes high street favourites like Costa and Greggs as well as local independent retailers such as Boston Soap and Wise Guys/Girls. You can shop for everything from books and stationery at Waterstones, The Works or Global Educational Trust bookstore to music and film at HMV or buy a new mobile at our O2 outlet or get your phone repaired at Phone Guys. If you're in Boston and looking for fashion, then look no further. Our fashion retailers PEP&CO, Next and Select along with our newest additions, Leading Labels/Blue Inc and Empori Childrenswear, stock this seasons latest fashions, there is Superdrug for all your beauty and health needs or you can grab a bargain at Wilko's. Boston’s Premier Shopping Destination Pescod Square is a shopping district in the very heart of Boston. It links together Wide Bargate and Mitre Lane and incorporates the historic Pescod Hall. We have 18 stores which cover in excess of 93,000 square feet of retail space. T JU£2.95 NE2022 Jubilee Platinum Country Farm& Fashion Summer Lik BiBusiness Family C COLNSHIRETODAYNETCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET WWWLINCWWW.LINC BLM www.blmgroup.co.uk Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea? PETER SCOTT 1 The Broadway WOODHALL SPA 01526 353935 Open 7 days 24-33.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2022 14:56 Page 6Next >