Although the calendar says “December,” recent days have been relatively warm or rainy and feel more like early November. Watching weather conditions can seem dull, but conditions tell you what’s next to do in the garden. This coming weekend should be warm as well.
I noticed that we had a few warm days in a row where temperatures would be above freezing, and no rain was forecast. However, perennials have died back, and the landscape has less “green” to feed rabbits and deer. Time to apply repellents again (while the weather allows) on the evergreens and fruiting shrubs that attract those critters as well as voles. If we should get a heavy snowfall in the next two weeks, the repellent will still be effective, and I won’t lose the buds on those plants to deer that have suddenly lost their access to grass.
As I walked about with my smelly repellent (the smell dissipates for humans once the solution dries, but the pests can smell it and still avoid it), I studied how some shrubs have grown since last spring. Stems really show up now that leaves have dropped. The newest growth on shrubs is always the thinnest twigs. Most of those occur at the end of thicker branches, but you will also see new growth directly from the soil surface. Some of these new branches may cross others or may be in better positions than the older stems. Take the time now while the days are comfortable to prune out any broken or crossed branches, especially among older and thicker stems. You may need to come back to this task, but doing it while the shrubs are dormant will be easier.
Avoid pruning back the ends of shrub branches, especially on spring-blooming shrubs, because you will cut off the flower buds. You can focus on a few “troublesome” stems anytime, however. Shrubs like smokebush (Cotinus coggyria), summersweet (Clethra), and rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) set their flower buds in spring and can be pruned for shape now without losing flowers. The hybrid Endless Summer series hydrangeas (hybrid Hydrangea macrophylla) bloom next June on the wood that grew this past summer and fall. Don’t prune these until just after flowering, and avoid cutting whole stems.
While waiting for a protective blanket of snow, I have been noticing the smallest details on rock outcroppings and tree trunks. I am looking for anything green now that leaves have dropped. Lichens and mosses glow at this time of year. Lichen has a unique texture and soft sea-green color. It develops in patches on woody trunks or branches that have been around for a few years. Lichen indicates stems that are NOT growing fast. Moisture and fungus have time to accumulate and lichen, a combination of algae and fungus, develops. Lichen won’t hurt the host plant, as opposed to some mushrooms or fungal growths. Don’t confuse it with spongy moth egg masses or spotted lanternfly masses. The egg masses are white or tan with a uniform surface while, lichen is predominantly green or silver and scaly.
Among birch trees near my home, I came across birch polypore fungus. Who knew?? This fungus (Formitopsis betulina) is very common but grows exclusively in the wild on birch trees.
Although parasitic to birches, this natural and native resident in my landscape has many uses that I plan to explore. Studies of the mushroom have indicated that it has antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and more therapeutic properties. I found many references to it online. To do your own research, use the full botanical name and, as always, be cautious around “unbelievable” claims.
Again, take the time to look closely at what grows in the winter when your showy flowers and landscape plants rest. Little diverse communities of native plants emerge and can indicate if that growing area has persistent moisture or quick draining soil. You can use that information as you plan larger plantings for that location. Then, when weather turns inhospitable, you will know your growing conditions as you look out the window and ponder the best trees and shrubs to capture snow, to house birds or otherwise to frame your landscape.
Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating this next week. Bring on the light as we move to the darkest day of the year!
I call myself the Lazy Berkshire Gardener because I don’t want to work too hard in my gardens. I want to enjoy them. I find it easier to observe my landscape and let the compost happen, the water pool up, or daisies to self-sow. I look for ways to do the minimum task for the biggest impact. For example, mulching is better than spraying and much better than weeding all season. I look for beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive in or at least tolerate my garden conditions. Plus, I’m willing to live with the consequences if I miss something.
