Gardening Group - Winter Decisions

Friday 9th January 2026

Jackwood House Garden

On Friday 9th January, our plans for Jackwood House Garden were shaped as much by the weather forecast as by the work we hoped to do. With cold winds and sub-zero temperatures predicted, we kept a close eye on conditions to make sure the session would still be safe and worthwhile for everyone involved.

At this time of year the garden is largely dormant. Very little is growing quickly, which means most jobs are not time-critical — if something waits until next month, it rarely causes any harm. But some things still need attention. A number of the bulbs we planted last month had been dug up by squirrels and needed to be replanted, and the new composting area under the laurels needed more construction, as well as turning and sorting the existing compost.

Two volunteers removing laurel stems to create compost space, whilst one volunteer relocates the old heap.

As the day approached, the forecast settled on –1°C, light rain and a north-westerly wind. Jackwood House Garden is fortunately quite sheltered, which helped with the wind, but cold and damp together can be uncomfortable and risky for volunteers. We had already brought the start time forward to 1pm to avoid failing winter light, and after some thought we decided on a sensible compromise: we would work in the garden for one hour (with our new hats keeping us warm), then move somewhere warm and dry for the rest of the session.

That hour was well spent. The exposed bulbs were replanted, helping ensure a good spring display, and more of the old compost was turned and separated into the new compost area. Winter composting is especially important — it allows material to break down slowly, protecting soil structure and building fertility ready for the growing season ahead.

Afterwards we relocated to Oxleas Café, where we used the second hour to look ahead. We talked through our priorities for 2026, and began a lively discussion about whether our much-loved garden party should become an annual event.

Even in the depths of winter, Jackwood House Garden continues to be a place not just of plants, but of planning, community and shared purpose.