December 2013 Newsletter

It’s that time of year again! With temperatures plummeting, and the nights dramatically drawing in, it’s lovely to curl up by the fire to think and plan for Christmas. I must confess that once the first delivery of Christmas trees has arrived at the garden centre, filling the air with their lovely pine scent, and the fairy lights go up, I really get into the spirit of Christmas, and hope you do too.

The centre is certainly looking, and smelling, very festive. Pop by to enjoy the heady smell of pine needles from hundreds of trees mingled with woodsmoke from the blazing Kadai (fire pit). You can choose your tree and either take it with you or have it put aside for delivery or collection at a later date. You still have a few days to pre-order your Christmas tree to get 10% off the price and free local delivery. Hurry, though, as this offer ends on 30 ^th November!

Take time to look at the glorious plants and shrubs in stock – naked winter stems on the silver birches that almost glow at dusk, heavily laden berried Pyracantha, Gaultheria and Skimmia reevesiana, delicate Cyclamen bravely flowering their hearts out, and plenty of formal looking standard bay and Ligustrum.

Then there’s the heavenly promise of spring in the form of indoor flowering bulbs – Hyacinth and Paperwhite Narcissi – to fill any room with their scent. Exotic Amaryllis bulbs are ready to plant at home now, in shades from palest cream, through vibrant red, to deepest black. We’ll soon have them potted and growing already.

If you haven’t seen the fantastic decorations we’ve sourced this year, come in soon as they are disappearing fast …. gorgeous smoked glass baubles, handmade silver door wreaths, rustic gingerbread men and wooden tree decorations – ranging in price from just 50p to £200, there really is something for every budget. We also have simple tree lights, which have white LED bulbs, to add that essential twinkle.

Be seduced by the scent of candles – cinnamon and clove, fig, lavender and both ‘red’ and ‘white’ Christmas scent.

Our annual dip into floristry will again take place, in the Vintage Shed, from Thursday 5^th onwards. Vibrant with berried twigs, swathes of ivy and sparkly stems, the shed is transformed into something quite delightful for the month. We’ll be making door wreaths and table decorations as usual which you can either pick off-the-shelf, or made-to-order for a specified day. We are delighted that Tamsin, whom many of you will remember, is able to help us this year, and we also have a new local florist, Catherine, who is joining us. Drop by and have a chat with any of us to find out what we can do for you.

Most of you know the sort of fantastic gift items we stock, but just in case you need a little reminder ….

nkuku, who specialise in stylish, handmade, eco-friendly, fair-trade gifts have done us proud again. We are very impressed with the quality of workmanship in the range, including contemporary chunky recycled aluminium photo frames, as well as exquisite mother-of-pearl frames; journals made from recycled sari material; beautiful etched glass and gilt tea light holders, and stunning reclaimed wooden platters.

We love supporting local talent, so - once again - we’re stocking the delicious range of jams and jellies made by local mum and entrepreneur, Sarah Palmer-Manser. Sarah uses locally sourced fruit, either from gardens or foraged from open spaces. These jewel-like jars make a fabulous stocking filler or small gift …or, of course, a delicious addition to any meal.

Not only do we love supporting local suppliers, but we also give a big ‘thumbs up’ to handmade, British products in general. That’s why you’ll find Burgon and Ball tools, Hug Rug door mats, and English Garden Product birdhouses and feeders amongst many other UK sourced products at the centre. You can see and feel the quality and care that goes into producing these items, and that’s what makes them such a lovely gift to give or receive.

For that really serious gardener on your gift list, what about a pair of Felco secateurs? These are undisputedly the best that money can buy, and come with a lifetime guarantee to back this.

For the little ones you’ll find puzzles and games for under £5, as well as paper making kits, discovery packs, and little wooden book marks in the shape of leaves and birds. There are some fabulous ‘grow your own’ kits too … from fairy gardens, to monster plants! With tools, gloves, buckets, watering cans and pond dipping nets, you’re bound to find something just right.

For wildlife lovers, I’ve already mentioned the feeding or nesting boxes for birds, handmade in the UK and painted in muted tones, but we also have bug boxes, ladybird towers, and insect habitats. All of these are designed to encourage and welcome beneficial insects into our gardens – it’s the natural way to keep aphids at bay, after all, and avoids having to overuse chemicals. New in for birds are tubs of ‘peanut butter’ which contain the additional fat content that birds need at this time of year. We have some seed feeders that stick on the outside of a window so you get a great view of your feathered visitors whilst remaining snuggly indoors yourself!

And in the Vintage Shed? Well – it’s filled with one-off items including an amazing Hungarian bench, a wonderful chest of drawers (that I just wish my house was big enough to accommodate!),French wire and enamel kitchenware (including some glorious coffee pots), table linen, mouth-blown bottles and vases, as well as smaller items such as tiny leather dice shakers. With prices to suit every budget, each item makes a truly unique gift.

All of these are in addition to the items you’d expect from your local garden centre … good quality tools, gloves, and garden sundries. As you can see, we have a wealth of products here to make Christmas shopping a stress-free and pleasurable experience. Come to us, and you’ll see why we suggest you shop locally.

The garden centre will close at lunchtime on Christmas eve, and reopen at 10am on Friday 3^rd January.

Finally, in January we will only be open from Friday to Sunday (10am to 4pm each day). The garden centre will be shut from Monday to Thursday. We will be open 7 days a week again from 1^st February.

With warmest wishes to you and your family, and don’t forget you get double points on your reward card until we close for Christmas!

Karen, Robby and the rest of the team

ps December opening hours are 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sundays.

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am – 4pm

Except

Jan: 10am – 4pm (Fri, Sat and Sun only)
Feb, Aug, Nov: 10am – 4pm (every day)

Web: www.alleynpark.co.uk
Email: info@alleynpark.co.uk
Phone: 020 8670 7788

Rear of 77 Park Hall Road
(Entrance opposite Café Rouge)
West Dulwich, London SE21 8ES

Garden jobs for December 2013

The berries on hollies, Pyracantha, Cotoneaster and so many other plants are fantastic this year and autumn has been a feast of colour. The recent wet weather has been annoying for gardeners wanting to get outside to do jobs and planting, but as we head into the winter months, there are far fewer jobs to do outside. It's a time to enjoy cold sunny days, and to curl up inside.

My top 2 jobs for December

1. Protect tender plants from cold temperatures, either by moving them to a sheltered spot or into a greenhouse, or by mulching and fleecing plants those which can't be moved.

2. Read some books and have a rest!

Planting, pruning and protection

There is still plenty of opportunity to plant containers for winter interest. Use crocus or narcissi (available in pots), skimmia, cyclamen, polyanthus and trailing ivy, to brighten up the view from inside.
Do you have a beautifully scented winter flowering shrub in the garden? Flowers which provide winter scent tend to be quite tiny, but pack a powerful punch in the perfume stakes. At this time, Elaeagnus is delicious, and as we move through the winter months, you will notice winter honeysuckle, witch hazel, Christmas Box, Daphne and many more. Have one by the door so that you can appreciate it every day.
Prune ornamental and edible vines during midwinter to prevent bleeding of sap from the cut stems. As I mentioned last month, birches and acers should be pruned at this time of year too.
If ferns are looking a bit tatty, give them a Christmas haircut, close to the crown, just as the new growth is coming through. A drop of liquid fertiliser will give them a boost too.
Prune apple and pear trees during the winter months, while they are dormant.
Plant deciduous trees and shrubs.
Harvest leeks, sprouts, cabbage, parsnips and other root crops. Remember to harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards.
Check stored produce such as apples regularly and remove any showing signs of rot. They can be used, but if you leave them in storage, the rot will spread.
Move containers to a sheltered, dry spot, grouped together for mutual protection. Stand pots on feet or bricks to prevent water logging, and wrap with bubble wrap, hessian or fleece to protect the roots from freezing temperatures, and prevent the pots cracking.
Make sure that planted containers don’t dry out, especially those against a wall or on a covered balcony.
If snow is forecast, tie up cordylines, conifers and other plants which may be damaged by the weight of snow.
Raid the garden for ivy to trail through Christmas decorations, and for pretty seed heads and cones to spray.

Indoors

Indoor bulbs such as hyacinths, narcissi and amaryllis will last longer if kept in cooler conditions of 13-15C. The same applies to indoor plants such as cyclamen, azalea and poinsettia - they don't like central heating as much as we do!

Lawns

Throughout the winter months, avoid walking on waterlogged or frozen grass.

General garden maintenance

Check fences and trellis and repair as necessary.
Make sure climbers are tied in and trees are stable to protect against wind damage.
When freezing temperatures are forecast, a ball left floating on the pond can be removed to leave an air hole. This is especially important if there are fish in the pond.
Frosts will improve the structure of previously dug soil, but take care not to walk on or work the soil when it is waterlogged. You will do more damage than good.
Frosts and freezing temperatures will help to kill off pests and disease.

Wildlife

Birds need regular supplies of food and water through the winter months, so keep the feeders topped up with high calorie offerings.

I wish you a peaceful end to the gardening year and look forward to inspiring you again in 2014. May Santa bring you lots of useful gardening goodies, and renewed energy to get out there in the New Year.

Sally

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am – 4pm

Except

Jan: 10am – 4pm (Fri, Sat and Sun only)
Feb, Aug, Nov: 10am – 4pm (every day)

Web: www.alleynpark.co.uk
Email: info@alleynpark.co.uk
Phone: 020 8670 7788

Rear of 77 Park Hall Road
(Entrance opposite Café Rouge)
West Dulwich, London SE21 8ES