During the cold winter months there is little incentive to be outside gardening, however for those of us with itchy fingers there is always something to fettle with if you wish.During December spring bulbs should be tucked up in their pots with all the action going on under the ground and out of sight. I like to plant winter pansies over bulbs; this not only helps me to remember the watering but gives me a gorgeous pot full of colour at the same time. Space is always at a premium on the boat so this makes double use of the container.There are a number of lovely flowering plants to pot up during the winter to make a colourful show during the bleaker days, and Cyclamen persicum are at their best right now. Choose the small flowered varieties which are tougher than the larger flowered varieties sold as indoor pot plants.Though not completely hardy, Cyclamen are fairly tolerant since they prefer to be kept cool, with a short day length preventing them from growing leggy and weak with the flowers losing their vibrant colour. Always water from the base if possible since the corms are prone to rotting; luckily they do prefer to be kept on the dry side.
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