WINTER GARDENING

Gala Placidia Image
11/21/2009 - 04:12

Winter is almost here and this time of the year is not a favourite season for gardeners. Mainly, it is a time for protecting plants against a harsh winter and for building structures which will help to train and support our plants in spring and summer. It is also a good time to analyse our successes and failures in the garden during the year and plan for the new season. And nothing better than reading gardening books and magazines which would give us plenty of new ideas to try.Which are your favourite garden activities in winter? Can you recommend good books and magazines that will keep us dreaming?Please share your knowledge and information.

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Well not really my favourite activity but I must admit I do love raking up the leaves that have fallen on my Orto and building a bonfire to burn them up. The smell takes me right back to my childhood, and of helping m Nonno in his garden. Next is planning what fruit to plant next year as I try to build up my little orchard....

In reply to by Gala Placidia

Cherry trees also do really well down in Umbria. The white blossom looks stunning when it forms during early April.Not wanting to rub it in in any way but the gardening season is just kicking off here in the Gulf - tomatoes (Sun Master), passion flowers and morning glory and are coming along and the hibiscuses are coming back into flower.  Still I would love to be there in the wintery Italian landscape burning leaves...sounds great.Antinello

You are right, Antinello, a cherry tree covered with white blossoms is one of nature's most beautiful sights. And the fruit is delicious. I remember that a few years ago, we were renting a home at Boveglio and the neighbours gave us a box of cherries from the communal trees. They were absolutely superb! Much better than commercial varieties.

I agree about cheery trees they are beutiful in blossom, but I already have 4 one of those being the small sharp variety that are great for cooking and schnapps; so I have more cherries than I can shake a stick at when in season, also figs, walnuts and cob nuts. I am trying to introduce some fruit trees to a smaller area on the bottom terrace at the house, I have a pear and apple tree along with blueberries and gooseberries, oh and the ubiquitous Cachi tree. I was thinking of something else but not Olives.

The "Meyer" lemon stands cold climates better than other varieties. So you may be lucky with those and it is always very handy to have a lemon tree in your orchard. Other citrus trees are very much affected by frost; however, check with the local nursery as they are always coming up with new varieties suited to all types of climates. Still, some protection from northerly winds may be preferable.

Thanks Gala, you apppear to have the answers to my prayers. I have a samll lemon tree taht we keep in a pot by the house and move under cover in the winter when a certain Mr J Frost pays a visit; just wonder how hardy they are as no one around here leaves lemon trees out in winter or plants them in the ground. Still may give it  a go if I can find the variety as our terraces are south facing and sheltered.