URGENT UPDATE: As winter approaches, residents in Berkshire must act swiftly to protect their gardens from severe weather conditions. With the first snowflakes falling this week, it is crucial to prepare your landscape against chewing pests, wind, snow, and ice.
Gardening experts emphasize the need for immediate action. Protect your valuable new plantings and young trees by setting up protective barriers. For instance, ensure that your newly planted oak trees are marked with landscape flags, making them easily identifiable once they lose their leaves.
In addition, browsing pests like rabbits and deer pose a significant threat. Create simple yet effective barriers using chicken wire anchored with bamboo stakes to safeguard your young trees. By doming the top third of the fencing, you will deter these animals as long as alternative vegetation is available.
Further, to keep your evergreen trees thriving into the spring, set up temporary fences made from burlap. These fences offer a trifecta of protection: acting as windbreaks, shielding against road salt spray, and providing shade from intense winter sunlight. Cut burlap to size, secure it with wooden stakes every four to six feet, and you will ensure your evergreens remain healthy throughout the harsh winter months.
Enjoy the last of your hardy mums for the season, but remember, these colorful flowers will not survive the winter freezes. They are designed for autumn display and will need to be replaced soon. In the coming weeks, consider adding winter greenery, such as pine and hemlock boughs, to your containers.
If you plan to have a live tree for Christmas, now is the time to dig the planting hole and save the soil. The hole should match the size of your tree’s pot, which means digging a hole the same depth as the pot and twice as wide. Prepare now, so you are ready to plant post-holiday.
As we transition into colder months, cut back old foliage from ornamental perennials to prevent disease next year. This process will help promote new growth come spring. For example, trim back Shasta daisies to a few inches above their fresh leaves, allowing the plant to thrive.
As daylight grows shorter, consider adding houseplants to your home. Spider plants are pet-safe and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners. They thrive on neglect and can produce multiple “daughter” plants, adding vibrant greenery to your indoor space.
For flower enthusiasts, Narcissus bulbs can be forced into bloom within three weeks and need no soil, just a shallow bowl of rocks and water. This simple approach makes it easy to enjoy blooms even in the depths of winter.
As you navigate these dark and rainy days, take a moment to appreciate the role of rain in your garden. Observe how plants interact with water, and let yourself enjoy the beauty of nature.
The “Lazy Berkshire Gardener” approach prioritizes enjoyment over labor. This gardening style focuses on minimal effort for maximum impact. For example, mulching is far more effective than constant weeding, allowing you to enjoy your landscape without excessive maintenance.
As November 13, 2025 unfolds, act now to protect your garden and ensure it thrives through winter. Whether you’re digging holes, setting up barriers, or planting houseplants, your timely efforts can dramatically impact your garden’s health in the coming months. Share these tips with fellow gardeners to help them prepare for the winter season!
