Snow in the garden
Whilst every year we see snow fall here in the UK, be it a few snow flakes or a horrendus blizzard – the majority of us don’t plan or prepare for it. Luckily when it comes to your garden there is very little that needs to be done. People with more tender plants need to focus more on protecting their plants at the start of winter by using fleeces. Evergreens will benefit from protection around their roots such as mulch or bark which will prevent the soil from freezing allowing them to take up more moisture.
What can I do?
However, once the snow has arrived what you can do is limited. Evergreen trees and hedges should be shaked to avoid a build up of snow that may disfigure their shape. Green houses and cold frames should be cleared to prevent structual damage and to allow light in. Once you’ve done what you can, it’s best to stay off your lawn as it will most likley be saturated and walking on it may cause damage and possibly encourage diseases.
Benefits
The carpet of white snow might seem like a burden but it is also doing a lot to help your garden too. The blanket of snow will often act as a barrier against the sub zero wind temperatures. As the snow layers up it also acts as insulation stopping the ground and plants below from freezing. Snow will also do its part in killing off pests that may harm your plants.
In short, the snow is no trouble to your garden at all. Plants, shrubs and trees have delt with these conditions for a long time and have adpapted to deal with it. Decideous trees and shrubs drop leaves and focus all their energy on minimal root growth. Herbaceous plants have shut down all growth and gone into hibernation. Annuals die and leave a large amount of seeds that can lay dormant for years.
And even after all this the snow does you one last favour by melting away and providing your garden and all the plants, shrubs and trees with water.
Stay safe, and stay off the lawn. There will be plenty to do as spring blossoms.
For more infomation on what to do to prevent frost damage please refer to the RHS website ( https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=159 )