Winter protection advice needed plse.

I have not mentioned maybe I should have all the above plants have been outside for sometime would that make a difference or not. They have been outside in all weather plus all the heavy rain we have had.

 

Incidentally, whilst on the subject, I tend to keep loads of border plants in small pots outside over the winter and generally have no problems. I do this simply because I have more plants that I have room in the border. I keep the surplus to give away. Generally a plant in a small pot is less hardy than one in the ground, because the cold can get in from the sides as well as from the top.

 

What about mulch & or fleace or any other types of protection? Or would that not make a diff as its the age of the plant?

 

Kels - there is a basic rule that the colder a plant is the less water it needs and the warmer it is the more water. There is logic to this. When a plant is growing in a warm climate its expires a lot of moisture from its leaves and it needs to replace that moisture by drawing up water from its roots. But the colder it gets the less moisture it expires and there is less need for replacement. The ultimate is when a plant such as a Geranium (ie Pelargonium) goes dormant over the winter when it needs to be totally dry. This is really the case with non native species. Native plants are used to our wet winters.

Fleece helps. But it only gives another 2C of protection or so. But that can be enough for some borderline plants. Placing a pot under the eaves of a house also helps, by keeping the rain off also the house radiates a small amouny of heat - like a big, but only slightly warm, storage heater.

 

In that case, I can't see a problem, with the caveat that PeterS says, one thing Lavender very much dislikes is sitting in wet ground. If the soil drains well, it will be fine. If it gets waterlogged in winter, then you'll have a problem with it.

 

Thanks for all your replys..well up to date we have put the edging in and the gravel.We have ordered grit, sand & few other bits to mix in with the soil.. as it is clay. We will be putting a membrane down then the good soil on top this weekend. The garden is on a slight slope as well so that helps. Anyway onwards & upwards will be planting as much as poss in the front this weekend & in the following week.

 

Kels, I wouldn't plant grasses out now. They are best planted in spring. Grasses like warm soil. I grow many types of grasses. What varieties do you have? Your shrubs should all be fine...maybe keep fleece to hand for choisya in its first year in case of severe cold.