Plant expert Mark Wheeler, known as the Plant Hunter, is sharing his winter gardening tips for garden enthusiasts looking to prepare their spaces for the colder months and beyond. As the new owner of Bothy Gardens, a Grade II* listed walled garden in Wiltshire, Mark brings with him a wealth of expertise to share. Along with his partner, Jules Gilleland, Mark is transforming Bothy Gardens into a rare plant emporium and nature ‘classroom’ set to open in 2025.
Bothy Gardens, located on the edge of the Burderop estate near Chiseldon, near Swindon, is being renovated into a unique space that will showcase rare plants and offer an educational setting for gardening lovers and professionals alike. The couple aims to create an environment where visitors can connect with nature and learn about rare plant species, as well as gain insights into sustainable gardening practices.
Winter Gardening Tips for Every Gardener
As winter approaches, Mark offers practical tips based on his experience as a professional horticulturist, which can be applied to any garden. His advice will help gardeners prepare their outdoor spaces for the challenges of winter while enhancing their overall garden health for the next season.
- Planting Evergreens: Autumn and spring are ideal seasons for planting evergreens. Mark advises against planting during winter due to the risk of dehydration in the cold weather. He recommends planning ahead and selecting the right evergreen species to add year-round structure and beauty to your garden.
- Pruning Fruit Trees: For those with mature fruit trees, especially those over 60 years old, winter is the time to prune. Mark recommends maintaining a horizontal branching pattern for easier maintenance. This not only improves the overall health of the tree but also supports better fruit production in the future.
- Potting Plants: This season is perfect for potting plants such as Portuguese Laurel into large planters. They not only make beautiful additions to a garden but can also provide architectural interest when placed in key positions. Ensure the planters are adequately sized to allow for healthy root growth during the colder months.
- Beech Hedges: Mark suggests giving your beech hedge a hard cut to shape it for the new season. By the end of November, this will ensure the hedge remains healthy and attractive. Shaping the hedge now also encourages dense growth in the spring, providing both aesthetic appeal and protection for wildlife.
- Wildflowers: Make the most of any remaining wildflowers, such as Californian poppy. Mark encourages gardeners to collect seeds from these flowers to plant next year, ensuring a continual cycle of blooms. Clearing the area after flowering will also allow for better growth in the coming season.
- Using Fine Mulch: Applying fine mulch to newly planted perennials will protect them from frost and suppress weeds. Mark recommends using fine chip for both its protective benefits and aesthetic appeal. This simple action helps retain moisture in the soil and provides insulation to plant roots during cold spells.
Renovation at Bothy Gardens
Bothy Gardens is undergoing a significant renovation. Mark and Jules are restoring a Victorian greenhouse, which was previously on the brink of collapse, and transforming it into Jules’s creative studio and a sanctuary for propagating rare orchids. Mark’s vast knowledge, particularly in rare plants, will be showcased at the emporium, where customers can find unique species like Schefflera Rhododendrifolia, Ruscus Hypoglossum, and Salvia Oxyphora. In addition to its role as a rare plant nursery, Bothy Gardens will offer hands-on gardening workshops and courses, making it a must-visit destination for gardening enthusiasts.
Open Days and Future Plans for Bothy Gardens
Bothy Gardens will be offering open days throughout the winter for volunteers to explore the space before its official opening in 2025. These days will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the restoration process and gardening practices from Mark and Jules themselves. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in plant care and restoration, and contribute to the development of this exciting new project.
Conclusion
Mark Wheeler’s expert tips and the ongoing development at Bothy Gardens offer inspiration to gardeners of all levels. As the couple work toward launching the rare plant emporium, their knowledge and passion for plants continue to grow. With a strong focus on sustainability, education, and the preservation of rare plant species, Bothy Gardens promises to be a key player in the gardening world in the years to come. Mark and Jules invite all gardening enthusiasts to join them in this exciting new chapter.