Plant-ark home

Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus) in the frost © Ita McCobb
Dock (Rumex) & various grasses in the frost © Ita McCobb
Crack willow (Salex fragilis) © Ita McCobb
Pignut (Conopodium majus) in the frost © Ita McCobb

Listen to our podcasts here!

For specific plant info use our "Search"

See our fabulous plant images at "exploreplants"

In the Garden this month
In Nature this month

Recycle Christmas trees. Shred and use the chippings as garden mulch, add to the compost heap or use the tree as a “bird-feeder” by propping up it up and hanging food on the branches . Those with roots or in containers can be planted out.

Hellebores

Tidy up Hellebores by pruning last year’s foliage taking care not to damage any flowers. Removing any diseased or tatty leaves allow the blooms to really show off.

Roses

Bare-root roses can still be planted this month as long as the ground is not frozen. Make sure to soak them before planting and give them a good water once in the ground.

Flowers

Although January is not a good month for spotting wildflowers, signs of Spring can be seen with the appearance of fresh green shoots. One plant that starts flowering in January is of course the Snowdrop with its delicate, white hanging head, always a welcome sight.

Trees & Moss

With trees still being bare-branched it is a time to notice the vivid green of Mosses that really stand out in damp areas in the bleak month of January. Mosses belong to a group of plants called Bryophytes. To find out more about Mosses click on the header to this text.

Berries

In January there are usually still some Holly berries, Hips and wild Privet berries to see. Ivy berries will be ripening turning from green to black as they mature. Ivy berries provide an important food source for birds in Winter when other sustenance is hard to find and being an evergreen plant it also provides a welcome refuge for wildlife.