As November sets in, gardeners are being reminded to take urgent steps to protect their plants from the coming winter cold. Among the species requiring special attention is the agapanthus, also known as the African lily, which is native to South Africa but commonly grown in British gardens.
According to Gardener's World, deciduous agapanthus are hardier than evergreen varieties and can survive British winters if planted in a sheltered spot. However, experts recommend applying a thick mulch of straw or garden compost to protect borderline hardy plants like agapanthus from frost. For added protection, gardeners should cover the plant with straw before the first frosts and leave its foliage uncut to provide extra insulation.
Evergreen agapanthus are less hardy and can suffer from long frosts, leading to mushy or rotten leaves that may attract small flies. If the roots remain unaffected, the plant should recover in spring. Gardeners are advised to pull away damaged leaves and, if frost is still possible, cover the plant with horticultural fleece or move potted plants indoors to a cool, light place.
For flowerbeds overrun with weeds, the National Trust suggests covering them with a layer of cardboard or woollen carpet to allow weeds to break down naturally, preparing the soil for spring planting. They caution against digging the soil, as this disturbs its structure and the organisms within it. Charles Dowding, speaking to Gardener's World, explained that no-dig gardening preserves soil structure and the ecosystem, leading to larger vegetable yields.
