Monthly Gardening Tips - December 2022

Google tells us that Phenology is the study of seasonal changes in plants year by year. A fascinating job, or hobby, needing long-term, methodical and time consuming dedication. Not for me! As our climate warms so surprising out-of season flowering occurs - I saw 2 Camellias in full flower on 20th. November, a Horse Chestnut tree in flower, probably spooked by the drought followed by much rain and mild weather; and very many annuals flowering and seeding this month. I hope for more rain, and frosty weather!! And wish all KHS members a Happy Christmas…🎄🎄🎄

Below is a selection of late autumn /winter flowering plants seen in the Kew area to wow you:

Abutilon probably Master Michael

abutilon
abutilon close-up
Nerine bowdenii - plant bulbs in full sun only half buried.nerine bowdenii

Winter jasmine. Jasminum nudiflorum

jasminum nudiflorum
jasminum nudiflorum
Viburnum fragrans. Early winter fragranceviburnum fragrans
Leave some rose hips for the birdsrose hips
Winter hanging basket with trailing violashanging_basket
Christmas cactus - Schlumbergera truncata has ridged leaf edgesschlumbergera truncata

Richard Ward