Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/annie-spratt-1-5JDfwOQfIqg-unsplash_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Annie Spratt, Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<p>The glorious <a href="https://www.comptonacres.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compton Acres</a> in Poole is a Grade II-listed garden with five themed areas – an Italian Garden (with Italian villa), Wooded Valley, Rock and Water Garden, Heather Garden and Japanese Garden – set in 10 acres and with over 3,000 plants, trees and shrubs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor.jpg" alt="compton acres" class="wp-image-79403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres-2_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You haven&#8217;t been? Oh but you must. It&#8217;s lovely all year around, and there&#8217;s a garden centre, shop and café too. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-compton-acres_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Their talented gardening team – Eve, Kari and Pippa – share their to-do list. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-mulching">Get mulching</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-mulch-gardening-g4d3d2454e_1280_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Mulch looks attractive and helps tidy things up but more importantly, it suppresses weeds and retains moisture within the soil to encourage continuous health and growth in your flower beds.&nbsp; We use an organic mulch (recycled wood chip from a local tree surgeon); over time it works its way into the soil to increase soil fertility whilst helping local tree surgeons and the environment.&nbsp;You can shred your Christmas tree to use as mulch too.  Weed before mulching and to keep weeds at bay, lay the mulch 5 – 7cm deep. Use around newly planted shrubs but leave a 2cm circle around the base of the shrub stem to prevent rotting. Don&#8217;t mulch when the soil is frozen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Feed the birds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor.jpg" alt="sparrow bird feeder" class="wp-image-79392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-pixabay-sparrow-g17381899c_1280_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Berries and seeds are scarce at this time of year, so provide suitable feeding facilities for your hungry visitors.  Bird feeders are the best way to offer snacks but make sure they&#8217;re clean before filling. The RSBP website has great advice on <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the right food and feeders</a> for your garden including squirrel busters, bird tables and hanging feeders. Bird boxes offer nesting and protection.&nbsp;Water is essential, so make sure there&#8217;s a supply of fresh – not frozen – water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clean up</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor.jpg" alt="plant pots" class="wp-image-79391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-plant-pots-image-from-rawpixel-id-3284714-jpeg_Fotor-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Clean your plant pots and gardening tools to&nbsp;help prevent any surviving pathogens and pests spreading to your new beautiful spring displays. Got a greenhouse? Get rid of any moss, algae and dirt to let in more light and eliminate pests, ready for spring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cut back hellebores</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor.jpg" alt="hellebores" class="wp-image-79388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-hellebore-gcd110ac44_1280_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;ve got hellebores (the x hybridus types, which send up flowers directly from the base), it&#8217;s time to cut back the old leaves as they can become tall and tatty and cover the emerging flower buds, preventing new growth. Be careful not to snip off the new heads though. You can leave some of the leaves in place for a smattering of green in the garden.&nbsp; Cutting them back will also prevent fungal infection; if you see any leaf spot, remove those as soon as you can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plant snowdrops</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/00-snowdrops-marzenbecher-ged8a090aa_1280_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For a carpet of white in the garden, plant single snowdrops ‘in the green’ (where the bulb has been lifted with its foliage attached) as soon as possible after purchasing. Planting ‘in the green’ means they&#8217;ll establish more successfully. Snowdrops look best when planted randomingly (naturalised) and in various group sizes (ie singles, doubles, triples in one hole) and at the level they were lifted. We plant approximately 20cm deep, ensuring the green is showing above ground level.&nbsp; </p>


January gardening jobs: Dorset experts advise

You may also like