Published: 6 February 2026 - Watch on YouTube
Welcome back to My Windy Garden. On this calm Saturday afternoon at the end of January, I am taking a break from digging out invasive raspberry roots and focusing on a gentle winter tidy in a small perennial border by the shed.
Before starting in the border, I share a quick update on my onions and garlic growing in modules near the greenhouse while the allotment remains waterlogged.
I noticed unusual yellow-orange clusters in the garlic modules and ask for advice on what it might be, as I have not seen this before.
I cut back last year’s verbena growth quite low, showing how strongly it regenerates from fresh stems at the base.
Dead stems, old sunflower canes and unwanted self-seeded plants are removed to simplify and clean up the space for the coming season.
I lightly prune my David Austin roses, removing dead wood, weak growth and inward-facing stems to encourage healthy structure.
The large rosemary shrubs are trimmed back where they spill onto the paving, keeping the border practical and manageable while enjoying their beautiful scent.
I consider whether to trim the creeping thyme and ask whether it will regrow if cut back at this time of year.
There is also a question about a foxglove that has been in place for two seasons and whether it is likely to return again.
This session reflects a slow, realistic approach to winter gardening – working with the conditions, adapting to clay soil, and keeping the garden serving both beauty and practicality.
Thank you for spending this calm winter afternoon in the garden with me. If you enjoy peaceful, realistic UK garden updates, please subscribe to My Windy Garden and share your advice in the comments.
Tags: #WinterGardening #Pruning #UKGarden #MyWindyGarden #SlowGardening