[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Living in Thame<\/span><\/span>, we\u2019re lucky to have a real mix of gardens \u2014 from small town plots and terraces to larger gardens backing onto fields and countryside. And this is reflected in the active wildlife we’ve managed to attract across the town.<\/p>\n January and February may look quiet outside, but they\u2019re an important time to gently care for our gardens while also supporting the wildlife that shares this space with us. Even if it’s chilly outside, it’s also good for our wellbeing to still get outdoors – and what better excuse than to care for a garden.\u00a0<\/p>\n Winter gardening isn\u2019t about doing more<\/em> \u2014 it\u2019s about doing things thoughtfully, keeping a balance between tidying up and leaving nature enough room to rest.<\/p>\n After autumn, it\u2019s natural to want everything neat and cleared, but many creatures rely on our gardens through winter.<\/p>\n What works well:<\/strong><\/p>\n Remove broken branches after winter winds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tidy paths and access areas for safety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leave seed heads on plants where you can<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you\u2019ve got a quiet corner, stacking logs, twigs, or fallen branches creates a simple shelter for insects, hedgehogs, and other small animals that pass through our gardens \u2014 especially important in town gardens where natural cover is limited.<\/p>\n January and February are a good time for certain pruning jobs, as long as the weather plays along.<\/p>\n Good winter jobs:<\/strong><\/p>\n Prune apple and pear trees on dry, frost-free days<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cut back wisteria and overgrown climbers if needed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Remove dead or damaged wood from shrubs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n By late February, birds around gardens and hedgerows may already be preparing to nest (although I’ve seen a few already on the road to P’ Risborough!), so avoid heavy hedge cutting as spring approaches.<\/p>\n Healthy gardens start with healthy soil \u2014 and winter is a great time to protect it.<\/p>\n Simple winter soil care:<\/strong><\/p>\n Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mulch borders to protect soil life from frost<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Avoid walking on waterlogged ground<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Soil is alive, full of worms and microorganisms that support plant growth and help lock carbon into the ground \u2014 something even small town gardens contribute to.<\/p>\n Winter can be tough for birds and small animals, especially in built-up areas.<\/p>\n Helpful actions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Keep bird feeders topped up and clean<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Change water in bird baths regularly and keep them ice-free<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leave ivy, hedges, and dense shrubs undisturbed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you have a pond, check it hasn\u2019t frozen solid. Gently melting a small hole with warm water (never salt) helps protect frogs and other pond life.<\/p>\n These quieter months are perfect for planning ahead.<\/p>\n Things you can think about now<\/strong><\/p>\n Adding pollinator-friendly plants for spring and summer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Creating a small wild patch \u2014 even in a compact garden<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Putting up bird boxes before March<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Letting part of the lawn grow a little longer later in the year<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n When lots of local gardens make small changes, it creates vital wildlife corridors across the town and surrounding villages.<\/p>\n A few practical tasks now save effort later (or to\u00a0 be delgated):<\/p>\n Clean and sharpen garden tools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Repair fences, raised beds, or sheds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Check greenhouses and outbuildings gently \u2014 animals often shelter there in cold weather<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Winter gardening isn\u2019t about perfection or ticking jobs off a list. It\u2019s about noticing what\u2019s already there, moving a little slower, and leaving space for life to rest.<\/p>\n By caring for our gardens with nature in mind, we help keep Thame and the surrounding countryside a place where plants, animals, and people can thrive \u2014 season after season.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf31 Kind gardening now makes for a richer spring ahead.<\/em><\/p>\n Proud of your garden? Send us a picture and some tips\/tricks to share!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Living in Thame, we\u2019re lucky to have a real mix of gardens \u2014 from small town plots and terraces to larger gardens backing onto fields and countryside. And this is reflected in the active wildlife we’ve managed to attract across the town. January and February may look quiet outside, but they\u2019re an important time to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3977,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[44],"class_list":["post-3976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","category-home-and-garden","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nGentle tidying: less is more<\/h2>\n
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Winter pruning<\/h2>\n
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Caring for the soil<\/h2>\n
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Supporting wildlife\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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Planning for spring (from the warm indoors with a cup of tea)<\/h2>\n
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Winter maintenance jobs<\/h2>\n
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Final thought<\/h2>\n