Gardeners’ World 2022/23 Winter Specials episode 4

Gardeners’ World 2022/23 Winter Specials episode 4: Monty Don gets stuck into some winter jobs – demonstrating how to store dahlia tubers, planting out a clematis as well as a container for winter colour and scent. Nick Bailey shows that a conifer is not just for Christmas on a visit to Great Dixter in East Sussex. Rachel de Thame joins gardener and florist Arthur Parkinson as they create some spectacular seasonal table decorations using plant material sourced from the garden. And at Spetchley Park in Worcestershire, Advolly Richmond reveals the intriguing story of influential plantswoman and gardener Ellen Willmott.

Joe Swift visits a garden in Cumbria designed to shine in winter through its inspirational planting that favours structure over colour, and there’s a masterclass in growing food for a year-round harvest from a gardener in Ceredigion. There’s also a chance to see what viewers have been getting up to in their gardens.

Gardeners’ World is a BBC television program that offers practical gardening advice and inspiration. The show is presented by a team of expert gardeners, including Monty Don, Carol Klein, and Joe Swift. Each episode covers a range of gardening topics, from design and planting ideas to tips for growing vegetables and dealing with common gardening problems. Gardeners’ World also features beautiful gardens from around the UK and showcases the latest gardening products and techniques. The show is aimed at both experienced gardeners and those who are new to gardening, and it offers something for everyone who loves plants and the outdoors.

Gardeners’ World 2022/23 Winter Specials episode 4

Topiary

Topiary is the art of trimming and shaping trees and shrubs into ornamental forms, such as animals, geometric shapes, or letters. It is often used in formal gardens and landscapes to add structure and interest to the design. The plants used in topiary are typically evergreen, as their foliage remains attractive throughout the year. The technique involves regularly trimming the plants to maintain their desired shape and form. It can be a time-consuming and delicate process, but the end result can be stunning and add a unique touch to a garden or landscape. Topiary can be created using a variety of trees and shrubs, including boxwood, holly, yew, and privet. The choice of plant will depend on the desired shape and the climate in which it will be grown.

Topiary has been used historically in many different European gardening styles, from early Roman gardens through to modern day. From box balls to yew ‘peacocks’, it is so versatile and striking that many are inspired to create their own piece of living architecture.

Parterres: Typically lavish Italian renaissance gardens would have simple, large, clipped specimens in and among statues. These would then have beautifully ornate, clipped box hedges swirling around them in mirrored patterns or geometric designs. This style of hedging is known as a parterre garden. In earlier parterre gardens the gaps in the patterns would be left open and the ground would be covered with ornamental gravel to produce a crisp clean effect. As time went on, the styles became more and more elaborate, and other plants were added to give extra colour and interest.

Mazes and labyrinths: The Normans introduced pleasure gardens with mazes and labyrinths formed from clipped plants. A number of private and public gardens still have such features today.

Knot gardens: Topiary gardens became very popular in Great Britain during the reign of the Tudors and Stuarts. During this period knot gardens and clipped ornate shapes were introduced to gardens up and down the country. The knot garden was formed from different coloured box, planted in crisscrossing patterns so that it appeared that the ribbons of hedges had been tied up in knots. Highly-scented herbs were also used as hedging plants, planted in and among the gaps to give a tapestry of colour.

Topiary is still used today in many modern styles, as there is always room for a clipped masterpiece.

Microgreens – Gardeners’ World 2022/23 Winter Specials episode 4

Microgreens are small, young plants that are harvested just a few weeks after germination, when they are about 2-4 inches tall. They are typically grown from seeds of vegetables, herbs, or other plants, and are often used as a garnish or in salads to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to dishes. Microgreens are usually grown in soil or a soil-like medium, and are typically grown indoors in trays or containers, although they can also be grown outdoors in some cases. They can be grown from a wide variety of seeds, including mustard, radish, arugula, basil, and cilantro. Microgreens are often considered a type of sprout, but they are typically larger and more mature than sprouts, which are harvested shortly after germination when they are just a few inches tall.

Microgreens are harvested when the seeds have germinated and grown their first leaves. Despite being tiny, they are packed full of flavour and are great to add to salads all year round

Mahonia

Mahonia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees that are native to North and Central America, Asia, and Europe. These plants are known for their leathery, pinnate leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in the winter or early spring. Many species of mahonia also produce blue or black berries that are attractive to birds. These plants are often grown for their attractive foliage and flowers, and are popular choices for gardens and landscaping in temperate climates. They are also grown as houseplants in some areas. Mahonia plants are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and are relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for gardeners who are looking for an easy-to-grow plant. Some common species of mahonia include Mahonia bealei, Mahonia aquifolium, and Mahonia japonica.

What is a Conifer Tree?

A conifer tree is a type of tree that belongs to the botanical group known as conifers. Conifers are a type of gymnosperm, which means they produce seeds that are not encased in fruit. They are characterized by their evergreen leaves, which are typically narrow and needle-like or scale-like, and by their ability to produce cones. Conifers are widely distributed throughout the world and are a major source of timber and pulp. They are also widely used in landscaping and horticulture. Some common types of conifer trees include pine, spruce, fir, and cedar. Conifer trees are often associated with forests and are important habitats for many species of wildlife. They are also important for their ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them important for mitigating climate change.

Overwintering tender plants – Gardeners’ World 2022/23 Winter Specials episode 4

Overwintering tender plants refers to the process of protecting and caring for plants that are not hardy enough to withstand the winter weather in a particular region. Tender plants are those that are not able to survive freezing temperatures and may be damaged or killed by frost. In order to overwinter tender plants, gardeners and homeowners have a few options:

• Bring tender plants indoors: Tender plants can be moved to a protected location, such as a garage or basement, to overwinter. It is important to provide these plants with sufficient light and to water them regularly.
• Cover plants with a protective material: Tender plants can be protected from frost and freezing temperatures by covering them with a protective material, such as a frost cloth or plastic sheeting.
• Insulate plants: Tender plants can be insulated by surrounding them with a material that will help to keep them warm, such as straw or hay.
• Mulch plants: A layer of mulch, such as wood chips or leaves, can be applied around the base of tender plants to help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
• It is important to monitor the weather and take appropriate action to protect tender plants during the winter months to ensure their survival.