January in the Garden

With its short, cold days and very little growth in the garden, January is a time to look back on the past year and to plan for the coming seasons. Nevertheless, when the weather permits there are many tasks best done at this time of year, while plants are in a state of dormancy.

The year 2011 proved exceptional in terms of weather in Norfolk with a very cold start to the year giving way to record high temperatures in spring and an early summer drought. This was followed by more unsettled weather later in the summer before unseasonably warm weather returned in autumn, again with very little rain. As a result, the profusion of early growth and spring blossom gave way to parched conditions with drought-resistant species and gardening styles coping the best. The fine autumn weather meant that late flowering plants had a long and successful season, while overall conditions favoured good fruit harvests.   .....more