Now that the festivities are over, it is time to refocus on your garden.

“Good evening, Stirling! You are tuned into Garden Grooves on Stirling Community Radio, your go-to show for all things gardening and landscaping. I am Mario, your host and I am here to help you make the most of your outdoor spaces, even as we navigate the cold, sub-zero weather of January.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Now that the festivities are over, it is time to refocus on your garden. Today, we are tackling the essential post-holiday clean-up, caring for your hardscape elements during these freezing temperatures, and planning for the year ahead. I can’t believe its 2025!!!

And here is the best part—I want to hear from you tonight! Do you have any winter garden challenges, questions, or tips of your own? Message us through the Stirling Community Radio app and let us know. I will read out some of your comments during the show!”

Whether you are relaxing at home, catching up on emails, or just unwinding after a busy day, tonight’s playlist will take you back to the iconic decade of grunge, pop, and Brit-pop magic. So, grab a hot drink, turn up the volume, and let’s groove through the 90s together.

Tune:

1. Under the bridge – Red Hot Chilly Peppers (8)

2. Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn (9)

“Let’s start with the first step after the holidays: cleaning up your garden. If you have still got Christmas lights on your trees or shrubs, now is the time to take them down. While they are lovely to look at, leaving them up too long can damage the branches as they grow or shift in the wind.

Take a good look around your garden. Have fallen leaves or debris built up on your patio, pathways, or decking? These can freeze and become slippery, so it is essential to sweep them away regularly. A stiff-bristled broom works wonders.

Now, I want to hear from you! What is your biggest post-holiday garden task this year? Are you tackling a particularly messy area, or maybe you are unsure where to start? Send me a message on the Stirling Community Radio app, and I will share some tips tailored to your challenges.”

Tune

3. Bitter sweet symphony – The Verve (1)

4. How bizarre – OMC (3)

“Now, let’s talk about protecting your hardscape elements—your patios, paths, decking, and gravel areas—during these frosty Scottish winters.

Do:

   •       Clear snow and ice regularly. Use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching surfaces, and opt for sand or grit instead of rock salt, which can damage paving and harm nearby plants.

   •       Seal any small cracks in your paving to prevent water from seeping in and freezing. It is a small task now that can save you from major repairs later.

Don’t:

   •       Never use boiling water to melt ice—it can cause thermal shock, weakening your hardscape materials.

   •       Avoid ignoring gravel paths or driveways. Check that gravel grids are even and top them up where needed to prevent pooling water or slippery spots.

Do you have questions about maintaining your hardscape in winter? Or maybe you have tried something that works particularly well? Share your experience via the Stirling Community Radio app. Let’s swap some tips!”

Tune

5. Wonderwall – Oasis (10)

6. I wish – Skee-Lo (4)

“With the clean-up and hardscape care underway, January is the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead. Grab a notebook, sketch out your garden, and think about what you would like to add or improve in 2025.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

   •       Are there any areas of your garden that could use more colour? Look into planting spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils.

   •       If your garden feels bare in winter, consider evergreens for structure and year-round interest.

   •       Thinking about adding a patio, pathway, or fire-pit? Winter is an exciting time to start sourcing materials and booking contractors.

And here is a question for you: What’s on your gardening wish-list for 2025? Is it a brand-new hardscape feature, a veggie patch, or a wildflower meadow? Send me your ideas on the Stirling Community Radio app—I would love to hear about your plans!”

Tune

7. Lemon tree - Fools Garden (5)

8. Tom’s diner – DNA, Suzanne Vega, Neil Slateford, Nick Batt (7)

“Before we wrap up, let’s talk about keeping your plants healthy during these frosty months. Here are my top tips:

      1.   Protect Tender Plants: Use fleece or cloches to shield plants that cannot tolerate frost.

      2.   Water Wisely: Only water plants if the soil is dry and not frozen - overwatering can do more harm than good.

      3.   Mulch: Add a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to insulate roots and prevent repeated freezing and thawing.

      4.   Wildlife Care: Install a bird feeder or birdbath to help your feathered friends survive the winter while adding life to your garden.

I am curious—what steps do you take to keep your garden thriving in winter? Do you have a favourite evergreen plant or a bird feeder tip? Drop me a message on the Stirling Community Radio app, and I will share your suggestions on air.”

Tune

9. Brimful of Asha – Cornershop, Norman Cook (2)

10. Nothing else matters – Metallica (6)

“And that’s it for today’s episode of Garden Grooves! We have covered a lot—post-holiday clean-up, hardscape care, winter gardening tips, and planning for the year ahead.

Remember, your garden is a year-round investment. Even in the coldest months, a little care and planning can make all the difference.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in and sent in messages today.

Enjoy Llolie’s show jubilant jazz followed straight after Folkal point with Colin…

Until next time, keep your garden growing and your hardscape glowing!

Stay warm, Stirling!”