Barbara Stockitt's Guide to Classic Gardening...

January

BOX IN CONTAINERS. This is good time to re-pot your box plants in containers. Check that the plants have adequate space for the roots. Select a larger container and put in fresh compost.

Alternatively you can root-prune the plant to create more space and put in fresh compost and return it to its original container.

Check that your HEDGING BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS SUFFRUTICOSA in the open ground is not getting too dense, if it is thin it a little by putting your hand into the plant and prune a little away.  This will allow air to circulate more easily and this will keep the plant healthy.  Do not prune in very cold weather.

In open ground check that all plants are weed free and free of debris both inside the bush and on the ground.

TAXUS plants in containers may need to be re-potted. Do this the same way as described for BOX Plants.

Tidy up existing HERBACEOUS BORDERS , removing leaves and dead foliage, except where the plant is tender. Mulch the ground around existing roses and dig in manure where new roses are to be planted.

Give protection to any vulnerable shrubs. Shake any heavy snow off EVERGREENS to prevent damage. Complete planting of bare-rooted DECIDUOUS SHRUBS by the end of the month.  Remove any diseased or damaged wood when planting CLIMBERS, fix the permanent support in place first.

Rake out fallen leaves and debris from beneath HEDGES. Provided the weather is mild, cut back where they have become weak to encourage new growth.