As the new year begins, January offers a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate your garden and indoor spaces. At Boma Garden Centre, our horticulture experts have curated essential tips for outdoor winter plants, houseplants, and everything in between to ensure your home and garden look their best, even in the heart of winter.
Outdoor Winter Plants: Brighten Up the Chill
January is the time when outdoor gardens can look a little dreary, but with careful plant choices and maintenance, they can still shine. At Boma, we celebrate Hellebores as our Outdoor Plant of the Month. Known as the “Christmas Rose,” these elegant blooms come in shades of white, pink, purple, and even speckled varieties, thriving in shaded spots. Their frost-hardy nature makes them a perfect addition to any winter garden.
For more fabulous flowering winter plants, Camellias are a standout. Their lush evergreen foliage and stunning flowers bring much-needed vibrancy to outdoor spaces. Popular UK winter-flowering plants like Cyclamen, Skimmia, and Winter Jasmine are also excellent choices to keep your garden alive with color and scent.
Gardening Tips for Frost:
• Protect Your Plants: Use fleece or cloches to shield delicate plants from harsh frosts.
• Check for Frozen Soil: Ensure potted plants have adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging when the soil freezes.
• Mulching: Apply Composted Fine Bark mulch around the base of plants to insulate their roots and retain soil moisture.
Wild Bird Care: A Winter Necessity
Winter is challenging for wildlife, especially birds. At Boma, we stock a range of Henry Bell bird feed and feeders, ideal for attracting and supporting garden birds through the colder months. Sunflower seeds, fat balls, and mixed feeds are high-energy options that sustain birds when natural food is scarce.
Place feeders in sheltered locations and ensure they’re regularly cleaned to prevent the spread of disease. Providing fresh water is also crucial, as many water sources freeze over in winter.
Winter Maintenance Tips: Pots and Planters
Frost can wreak havoc on pots and planters. Protect your investments by:
• Raising Pots: Use pot feet or bricks to elevate them, preventing water from freezing underneath and cracking the material.
• Switching to Frost-Resistant Pots: Consider terracotta or glazed pots designed to withstand the cold.
• Insulating Planters: Wrap pots with bubble wrap or hessian for added protection.
Potted Bulbs: It’s Not Too Late!
January marks the start of the potted bulb season. It’s not too late to plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in pots. Opt for pot-grown bulbs to get a head start and enjoy a vibrant spring display. Layering bulbs in planters—known as the “lasagna planting method”—can create continuous blooms for months.
If you’re short on time, Boma has a variety of Ready-made Winter Planters. These cheerful combinations of hardy plants like Skimmia, Cyclamen, and Hedera are perfect for brightening dull exteriors and outdoor window ledges.
Indoor Plant Care: Transforming Your Home
January’s bleak weather makes it the perfect time to focus on indoor plants, bringing life and warmth into your home.
Houseplant of the Month: Dracaena
Dracaenas, our Houseplant of the Month, are versatile, low-maintenance plants that come in various shapes and sizes. They’re excellent air purifiers and thrive in both low and bright light conditions, making them ideal for urban homes. This month, take advantage of our special offers on Dracaenas at Boma and elevate your indoor greenery.
Foliage and Flowering Houseplants
Foliage plants like Philodendrons, Pothos, and Ferns create lush, green backdrops, while flowering houseplants such as Anthuriums and Peace Lilies add a splash of colour. These plants work wonderfully to combat the dreariness of winter.
Large Statement Houseplants: Filling the Post-Christmas Void
Once the Christmas tree is gone, a large statement houseplant can beautifully fill the void. Consider options like Fiddle Leaf Figs, Monstera Deliciosa, or Kentia Palms to add drama and elegance to your living space. These plants not only enhance your home’s aesthetic but also create a focal point in larger rooms.
Low-Light Heroes: Perfect for Urban Living
For homes in London, where January days are often overcast, low-light houseplants like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Cast Iron Plants are ideal. They thrive in dim corners, adding greenery without the need for constant sunlight.
Houseplant Care Tips for Winter
During winter, indoor plants require extra attention:
1. Humidity: Central heating can dry out the air, so mist your plants regularly or place a tray of water near radiators to maintain humidity.
2. Placement: Keep plants away from direct heat sources like radiators and cold drafts from windows.
3. Watering: Resist the urge to overwater. Most houseplants go dormant in winter and require less hydration.
4. Feeding: Pause feeding during winter unless plants are actively growing.
Create a Cosy, Intimate Atmosphere
Houseplants transform homes into cozy, inviting spaces, bringing a friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxing in winter. With their ability to purify air and improve mood, plants are more than just decoration—they’re companions for the season.
Visit Boma Garden Centre
Discover our statement plants and curated collections for large houseplant displays. Our team of horticulture specialists is here to guide you, whether you’re seeking the perfect plant for your living room or tips on winter garden care.
Embrace January with these expert tips, and let your garden and home flourish all winter long!
