Green Fingers and Thumbs
Horticulturalist offering garden consultancy, garden advice and bespoke floristry.
During December I am offering some insight into some of our winter plants. Why they are special, tradition, folklore and their symbolism. Hope this will offer you a bit of green relief at a busy time of year! (If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram there is new plant each Monday, if not the same update will be posted here on my homepage.)
Holly or Ilex
The classic red berries are well know, but they also come in white, orange and yellow
Excellent source of food for birds in cold weather
Holly wood is much prized by furniture makers as it is dense and finely textured. It is a white wood that is easily stained
There are symbolic associations that have origins in the pagan culture. Leaves were kept to assure the return of spring.
Variegated leaf
They can have lovely variegation, more pronounced in full sun
Great as hedges and windbreaks
Their botanical name, Ilex, means 'with pointed leaves'
Burns hot and long as firewood
But it is unlucky to cut down a holly!
Druids, Celts and Romans all brought Holly into their dwellings
Our old family tradition: never bring holly into the house before Christmas Eve!
Ivy or Hedera
The juvenile creeping stage sees ivy with deeply lobed leaves
But when ivy starts to climb to produce more shrubby growth; the leaves loose this feature and are more rounded
It makes a good backdrop for other plants
Great as a climber for covering walls and fences
There are many different ornamental cultivars to choose from
Its nectar and fruit are a great food source when others are scarce
Flowers on mature adult plant
Greeks and Romans used it to symbolise fertility and love due to its clinging nature
Believed to be a symbol of eternal life because it stays green in dead trees
In ancient Rome it was believed that a wreath of ivy could prevent drunkenness and it was worn by Bacchus the god of intoxication
Ivy wrapped around poles was used to advertise a tavern
Jobs in December...
The end of November has been relatively dry which has meant it has been easier to get more garden jobs done that will continue into December. I have finally done most of the pruning and tying in of my climbing rose, so for those keen to see the results and learn more head to my Gökotta Gardening page for all the details.
The Strawberry Tree
Flowers and fruits at the same time in late Autumn early Winter.
Arbutus unedo
Unripe fruits are a great contrast to the flowers and ripe fruits.
Ripe fruits
In addition it has lovely red bark and is evergreen too.
Find your green fingers and thumbs ...
My Gökotta Gardening page has jobs that are perfect for this time of year, both practical and planning. It also includes things that catch my eye in the wider countryside. Nature often does it better then we can and is a great source of inspiration.
Through my garden consultancy I can help you implement the vision you have for your garden in 2023 and beyond. Whether you are looking for an overhaul or just plant advice, I am happy to help achieve the garden you have always dreamed of having.
As a gardener, I have come to understand being outside is a key to happiness. Humans were 'born of the land' and the more time we spend away from it, the more we become detached from it, the less we understand it - and the less we understand our wellbeing.
Why not give yourself some time and space to breathe in the green...
Testimonials
"It was like going to see an Apple Genius Bar and coming away not only with your problem solved, but so many other new ideas as well!"
Lucy and Ed, on having an online consultation for a community garden and allotment project.
I really enjoyed your session last night. I am a longtime gardener but find your talks quite inspirational, my garden has improved so much by putting your ideas into practise and I feel far more positive about changing things to suit my needs rather than just maintaining it. Really looking forward to soil!
Jenny, Shropshire, on online gardening classes
"I didn't want a gardener to do my gardening for me but guidance and recommendations as to how I could manage my garden, to answer my questions and develop my gardening experience. I couldn't tell a weed from a seed. I didn't know when to cut, feed or leave. I has been amazing to have found the expert guidance and support Natalie's personal garden consultation provides.
Beth, Ripon, on a face-to-face garden consultation.
"As an absolute beginner, I have found these online gardening sessions so informative and enjoyable. The interactive sessions are led by a professional gardener whose passion is infectious. You are made to feel comfortable to ask any questions at any level to answer your queries. I throughly enjoy the sessions and look forward to the next one!!"
Anne- Marie, Shropshire, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie has been a huge inspiration in my horticultural career, firstly as a mentor during my gardening traineeship and whilst I worked for my qualifications, and then as a colleague. Always enthusiastic and passionate about her field of expertise she is also greatly supportive of those who want to learn and develop their skills, and imparts her vast knowledge at just the right level for whoever she is working with.'
Clare, York, on training and online gardening classes
"I really enjoyed Natalie's online sessions, they were really informative, helpful and fun without being overwhelming. Lots of top tips."
Zoe, Edinburgh, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie's sessions are fun and informative, and there is always a chance to ask questions. She's also brilliant at getting back to you with more information if you need it. I'm a relative beginner but I think more experienced gardeners would love this too."
Chrissie, Portsmouth, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie has given me superb advice to help spruce up my family garden. Her knowledge of suitable plants, plant positioning and care have been invaluable. She is a fountain of knowledge whois extremely enthusiastic about her craft. I loved watching her develop design ideas and see it all come to life. She makes the whole experience inclusive and enjoyable from start to finish."
Caroline, Royal Tunbridge Wells, on face-to-face garden consultation.
"As a noviceI find Natalie's bite-size classes really helpful. The different topics mean that I can find out about particular areas of gardening without being overwhelmed. She is expert in what she does and has a great way of explaining things in a practical way, with just the right measure of technical. Her approach is so helpful, it has really helped me become more confident in gardening and enjoy it.
Helen, Melmerby, on online gardening classes and face-to-face garden consultation.