Calne-based gardener and designer Alex Heath is the creative mind behind Sulis Design Ltd, a studio dedicated to crafting low-maintenance, climate-resilient gardens and planting schemes. His work also extends to bespoke garden lighting plans, designed to add atmosphere, improve security and make outdoor spaces enjoyable long after sunset - all with sustainability in mind.
by Alex Heath
We have reached the final month of the year, culminating in Christmas and New Year. December brings with it festivities, joy and celebrations with friends and family. The Pagan Yuletide celebrations of mid-winter solstice, adopted by Christians, brought greenery into homes to ward off evil spirits, reminding home owners of life and the excitement of Spring to come. Christian faiths used evergreens like Hedera ivy to represent eternal life and Ilex holly to represent the crown of thorns and blood of Christ.
Nowadays for ease and convenience many home owners use imitation trees, garlands and wreaths to decorate their homes, bringing that festive cheer and joy. If you do bring cut greenery into your house then here are some tips for getting the best out of it.
Note: I appreciate that for many, Christmas decorating started before this was written, but if you haven’t started decorating yet like myself due to busy schedules, hopefully there will be some useful tips and perhaps you could save some of these ideas for next year.
For fresh Christmas trees treat them like cut flowers, ensuring they are away from central heating and direct sun and give them plenty of water. Whilst there are some sources that suggest you can add additives to water it is best to stick with plain water, especially if you have pets and small children. Like with cut flowers, cut around 2cm from the trunk to allow the water to soak up freely and then fix it into your Christmas tree base.
For potted trees use the same rules in regards to watering and keeping away from sources of heat and bright light.
If you haven’t already picked your tree, there are several varieties you can choose, however if you are concerned about the pine needles dropping then try looking at Abies nordmanniana Nordman Firs which are considered the best for needle retention. Ask for it to be unwrapped and take a close look at the needles and whether they look glossy and healthy.
If you are looking for a tree that has that pine scent as well as looking good then try and find a Abies balsamea Balsam fir which is considered the best smelling tree bringing a forest scent to your house.
To keep your front door wreaths looking the best, the same rules apply. Keep the wreath out of direct sunlight to reduce transpiration from the foliage, and whether you have made or have bought your wreath remember keeping the plants watered is important. Every couple of days give the front and back of the wreath a spray with a water misting bottle. If making your own, try to soak the foliage for a day before you start making it to allow the plant material to soak up as much moisture as possible.
Be wary of the plants you use if you have pets and small children as both Hedera helix ivy and Ilex holly are toxic. If you are worried then alternatives you could use are orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rose hips to give a festive effect. You can also use trimmings from the Christmas tree to supplement your wreath. Laurel Nobilis Bay can be used as an evergreen in the proximity of small children however it is toxic to animals.
Whatever and however you end up decorating your home it is a lovely way to bring the outside into your home during the wintery months.
To finish off this year of articles, I wish all readers a very happy Christmas and a happy New Year. If you want to discuss exciting garden plans or border revamps for 2026 then click on the banner above or head over to our website at www.sulisdesign.co.uk . Now is the ideal time to discuss your New Year projects.
Plant of the month
Hedera Helix Ivy
Hedera helix ivy adds evergreen coverage to gardens along walls and boundaries or in a variegated form in containers hanging baskets. It is beneficial to wildlife year-round by providing habitat and a source of food. Birds and pollinators particularly benefit from the flowers and berries it produces during the winter months. It also purifies polluted air so it is beneficial alongside roads.
Ivy can become invasive and cause damage to houses and other garden structures so every couple of years keep it in check and cut it back to where you want it to be. Do areas in alternate years to give the wildlife places to live whilst you work on the patch you want to control. If you are really concerned about the growth rates keep it in a container or grow it up a screen or trellis to create green walls rather than letting it run wild in the garden.
Garden tasks
- Place out fresh food and water for birds in the garden. Don’t over feed as this may encourage pests, instead do little and often and remember to keep water frost free during icy spells.
- Continue to rake up leaves from lawns and paths to make leaf mulch but leave the leaves on borders to rot down, adding nutrients to the soil.
- Check stored bulbs and corms for signs of rot and pests and ensure they are kept in a frost-free location.
- If you haven’t already, look through seed catalogues and start planning your harvest for next year.
- Lift and divide large patches of rhubarb and either plant the divided plants around your garden or allotment or give them away to friends and family.
- Take time to look at the structure of your garden and plan any further developments for the year ahead.
- Protect outdoor taps from freezing temperatures.
- Re populate your garden for free by taking hardwood cuttings of your favourite plants.
- Prepare your vegetable patches with a good mulch, removing old plant material and remove any weeds that may be appearing.
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