Gardener’s Corner: January 2025
Is January the new February?
Quite possibly, here in Somerset. With a lack of December and January frosts in recent years, spring appears ever earlier. The only thing preventing more growth is the lack of UV light. Warmth at this time of year arrives within weather fronts, bringing warm air from a southerly origin. If the sun shines between those systems, it can feel very mild. Over the next 20 years, we will likely see magnolias starting to flower in January more regularly—albeit not in a full flush, and probably not on the Mendips!
I have noticed that a cold snap with a few frosts in early December, followed by mild weather, is the catalyst for the earliest growth rather than a completely frost-free December. We keep records of plant development throughout the year (phenology), and it is fascinating to compare and contrast the first snowdrop or crocus and the peak of the snowdrops in the arboretum. Having mentioned the lack of frost, I must admit I don’t relish the coldest mornings in the garden. When it was frosty earlier last month, I found myself wishing for the milder weather again!
There is plenty to enjoy in the gardens in January, whether it is cold and sunny or mild and dull. The snowdrops and crocuses will appear slowly throughout the month, with carpets of them likely peaking by the end. Daffodils will also begin to appear during milder spells. The winter borders have been designed with January and February in mind, and we are very pleased with them—we even had a mention in December’s RHS Garden magazine! The colourful Cornus are a delight, and Midwinter Fire is my pick. With its orange, red, and yellow stems, en masse it looks, as its name suggests, like a fire.
By the end of the month, the days are noticeably lengthening. Although it is likely we will see a week or two of cold weather in February and early March, spring will soon be here.
James Cross, Head Gardener