December announced its arrival with the first real frost of the year. The onset of the cold weather meant it was essential that all necessary frost protection was in place. Outside the bay tree – at the moment more of a small bush – has been draped with a couple of layers of fleece and the crown of the tree fern has been stuffed with a ball of fleece too. In the past this has been enough so we will just have to hope that this year isn’t the exception.

The vine in the garden greenhouse has been cut back severely – it’s always amazing how much growth it makes each year.

At the beginning of the month I managed a little weeding but it was more reminiscent of playing in mud than gardening. At first glance everywhere looked bleak and uninviting but happily on closer inspection we still had plenty to keep us supplied with fresh vegetables. The root vegetables are going into some hearty stews and soups – just the thing for this time of year.

The parsnips and leeks were a little more difficult to coax from the ground. Having failed, this year, to thin out the parsnip seedlings at an appropriate time, the roots are quite small and chunky but we can still use them. They should be all the more tasty after being subjected to freezing conditions.
Three new pear trees – Delsanne, Red Williams & Invincible – arrived this month. These are due to take over the bed vacated by the worn out blackcurrant bushes. It has been left in the hope that the winter weather will set to work and break down the lumps of soil. The pears have been potted up and placed in the garden greenhouse as a temporary measure.
After much agonising over seed catalogues we have now completed the lists of seeds that we wish to order – now just need to send them off. Each year the choice is made more difficult but who’d have it any other way?
Harvested this month:
Vegetables:
Swede- Marian
Leeks – Giant Winter & Autumn Giant 2
Carrots – Early Nantes 2 , Autumn King 2 & Yellowstone
Parsnips – Gladiator
Cabbage – Excel
Flat leafed Parsley
Red Cabbage – Red Jewel

Flowers:
Chrysanthemums
Used from store
Potatoes – Sarpo Mira, Nicola & Charlotte
Onions – Red Baron & Fenn Globe
Apples – Queen Cox
Used from freezer
Strawberry conserve
Blackberry conserve
Roasted tomatoes
Plums – Oullins Gage
Broad Beans – Bunyards Exhibition
Redcurrants
Gooseberries
Runner Beans
Tomatoes

For my complete December diary click here.