Your garden

Most gardeners tend to think that everything in the garden is dormant in December. While this does tend to be the case there are still crops, plants and wildlife to protect from any winter frosts. The lawn will need to be kept clear of any remaining leaves and patio containers will need raising to avoid them sitting in the wet. The beginning of the month, however, will probably be dedicated to decorating the Christmas tree. For many people this is an essential part of their festive traditions and there’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree to decorate a room and fill the home with that nostalgic seasonal aroma...

CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TREE

There are several types of Christmas tree to choose from and if you’ve never had one before it can be hard to decide which will be best.

Nordmann Fir - this is the top choice for real indoor Christmas trees and has excellent needle retention. The lush, glossy, rich green needles are soft and dense making it easy to decorate and the strong branches will support your lights and decorations to create a stunning display. They quite often have a wide base, making a perfect place to hide presents! Norway Spruce - the ‘traditional’ Christmas tree. Strong branches make for easy decorating, although the needles can tend to be fairly sharp. If you are choosing this tree it is best kept outside for as long as possible before bringing it into a cool room to help with needle retention.

Potted/pot Grown Trees

Most people buy cut Christmas trees, but it is possible to buy ‘potted’ or ‘pot grown’ trees. If you want to keep your tree after Christmas to pot on or plant in the garden always ask for a pot-grown tree. Potted Christmas trees have usually been grown in the ground and then dug up and potted with a few roots.

LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH.. MAHONIA

They generally won’t last much longer than a well cared for cut tree, and usually won’t establish in the garden afterwards. Pot grown trees have been grown in the pot and so many are more likely to be successful for growing on from year to year.

Why should you plant them?

Striking winter foliage, fragrant lily-of-thevalley aroma and beautiful yellow blooms - it’s not difficult to see why the Mahonia is such a well-respected addition to a winter garden.

How should you plant them?

Mahonia are very low maintenance shrubs but a small amount of attention will ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities - an annual prune is sufficient to keep them in check. By nature they are adapted to woodland conditions so plant in partial to full shade however they will grow well in a variety of soil conditions including clay, chalk and even sand.

Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18

Something you have been putting aside needs to be dealt with. The sooner you do this the better things will be for you. Remember that in any situation you have a strong enough character that you will be able to deal with most things. If you have hold-ups and obstacles, check that you are not causing these yourself. Keywords strength and endurance

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Meeting people is quite prominent this month, both in social and other groups and gatherings.If something needs to be said or sorted now is a good time to do it. It may be a time to reflect and for decisions. Keywords. Gatherings and decisions

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Looks like changes are on the way for you. It may be a new venture or career. You may be feeling a bit restless at the moment., May be time to reflect aon nd some of the things you would like to achieve.You may find people keep wanting to give you their problems, but do not let yourself get involved in gossip or conflict. Keywords changes and reflection.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

You may be feeling that things are being held up for you, or that your vitality levels are low. Spring is just around the corner and soon your energy and yourself will be feeling back to normal. If there is something complicated in your life at the moment, you will soon be able to unravel it and and let it go. Don’t be too hard on yourself, remember you can achieve more than you think. Keywords. Letting go..

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

If you are involved in meetings at this time they may not run as smoothly as you would like If the situation feels difficult remember to keep calm. You may also feel time for spring cleaning, both on the physical, and emotional levels. Keywords. Calm and clearing

Cancer June 21 - July 22

Relationships are a high point this month, as well as possible. A small refresh in the home. If something is a bit hard going at the moment, you will find that you will have the strength and endurance to go through this with relatively plain sailing. Keywords opportunities and relationships

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

This month pay attention to your intuition especially in regarding to situations with other people.You may need to step back from something and try and see it from a different perspective In all situations this month try and keep calm and balanced. Keywords. Intuition and balance

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

You may be at a point where a knew interest hobby or some kind of study is on your mind. This could lead to opportunities in many directions. Just remember anything you want to achieve may involve some kind of challenges. Keywords challenges and opportunities.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Any obstacles that have been in your way look likely to be on their way out. You may have been feeling a bit stuck in your ways of late, this could well be about to change. It may be time to think of having a break, even if it’s just for a day or so. Keywords change and relaxation

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

It may be that time of year to go through some paperwork and to change some things that you have been putting off. A good time now for clearing and getting rid of things you don’t need both physically and emotionally. Try to be aware of being sensitive to other’s needs. Keywords: Clearing and sensitivity

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

This month is just the right time to start sorting other things out you have been putting off. You may feel I need to have a revamp in your home, this may also involve a clearing for yourself emotionally. Should be a chance to get rid of all those paperwork issues too. Keywords clearing and cleansing

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 At this time any hold-ups you have had are going to be easing. It would be good to listen more than talk at this time.Then may be things will be of value to you. Sensitivity and flexibility is something for you to be aware of this month. keywords: Listen and sensitivity

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Click the download symbol below to download our puzzles to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure.

The answers will be published on our website every Thursday afternoon.

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EASY HARD HARD

MEDIUM EXTREME EXTREME 9 differences between these two pictures. Are your eyes good enough to see them all?