West Dorset Living Dec 2023 - Jan 2024

Winter in the garden
NOTES FROM
THE GARDEN
As you look out of your window on
a cold grey day you might not be
inspired to head into the garden.
However, there are all sorts of jobs to do and a good hour or two
in the garden means that your cup of coffee at the end of it will
taste even better – and you can reward yourself by snuggling up
with your favourite gardening magazine or plant catalogue and
plan for sunnier days!
Apple and pear trees are due for a prune and this can be a
prospect that is a bit of a challenge. Really good loppers,
telescopic ones work really well, are essential and not tackling
the whole tree in one go is an
idea too. When pruning, do
remember to step back regularly
to just look at your progress, as
you need to maintain its natural
shape. It is very easy to go at it
full tilt and then realise you have
been less than consistent - this
applies really to any pruning you
do.
The greenhouse is a good refuge
from those cold winds and now is the time to clean it out, clean
the pots, with a scrubbing brush and environmentally friendly
disinfectant and get everything spic and span for Spring. I
really love doing this as it reminds me that soon I will be sowing
seeds and taking cuttings ready for a lovely new gardening year.
You can even sow broad beans now and keep them in a cold
greenhouse so its not all cleaning and tidying! Don’t forget to
plan for the bees and bugs, making home-made bug hotels will
keep the kids happy for hours – and do keep feeding the birds
and ensuring that they have clean unfrozen drinking water.
Bare beds can be turned over now too – a really good work out,
or cover them with a layer of well- rotted compost if you favour
the ‘no dig’ method. At the end of all this hard work you can
sit with a notepad cuddling your hot coffee and start planning
changes so that 2024 is a fabulous gardening year.
For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website:
www.matthewbiggs.com
W L S
Has the time come to make plans for your future?
If you have received a diagnosis of dementia, you will probably
be worried about your future. Perhaps you are concerned about
managing your money and looking after your home as you become
more forgetful or confused.
You may have assumed that your family will automatically be able
to take over managing your money and it may surprise you to know
this is not the case. Your family will only be able to take over your
bank account and look after your money if you have given them
written permission, in a form that banks, utility companies and
other organisations will accept.
The way you give this written permission is by making a Lasting
Power of Attorney.
We can help you make a Lasting Power of Attorney that is tailored
to you and your needs, and gives your chosen family or close
friends all the permissions they need.
If you have received a diagnosis of dementia, you need to make
your Lasting Power of Attorney sooner rather than later.
If you would like to talk about putting these arrangements in
place, please call Christine on 07860 772274, or email christine@
winterbornelegal.co.uk. Christine will visit you in your home.
Christine is a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly,
Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a Dementia Friend.
Visit us at: www.winterbornelegal.com