We are using the mild weather at the beginning of the year to finally repair the damage caused by snow and frost and also to get ahead of spring work.
The wet snow in December not only broke off many branches, but also reduced most of the dry shrubs and leaves to mud.
You can also start pruning the trees. The espalier pear tree in particular has grown many tall shoots, most of which need to be cut. Some are grown into trellises. To do this we also need to expand the plank behind it.
The depressed rose arch had to be relieved by radical rose pruning. This gave us the idea of rejuvenating all other strong climbing roses as well. The two rose arbors in particular had only ever been thinned out for 26 years and were already woody.
The blackberries have also sprouted a lot this summer. Now, after cutting, they look pretty poor.
The garden paths were covered with a slippery layer of leaves and could no longer be safely walked on. Likewise, the desert garden was covered with muddy leaves.
Now all the garden bags and the transporter are full and still have to be taken to the landfill.
Some snow roses, winter jasmine and winter viburnum are blooming, and some onion buds are already peeking out of the ground.