Everest November Tips
Houseplant of the month
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a striking houseplant with sculptural, fleshy leaves that store water and shine in soft shades of green. Its clean, architectural form adds structure and serenity to any bright indoor space, making it a favourite for modern homes.
Famous for its soothing gel, Aloe vera has been valued for thousands of years in skincare and natural medicine, with records tracing back to ancient Egypt. The gel inside each leaf is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help cool, moisturise, and calm the skin. Native to dry, sunny regions, Aloe vera is perfectly adapted to household conditions, tolerating low humidity and thriving in bright, indirect light.
As we move into November, Aloe vera slows its growth, so reduce watering to suit the season. Allow the compost to dry out fully before watering again, and ensure the pot drains freely to prevent rot. Feeding can pause until spring, as the plant’s energy is conserved during the cooler months. Keep it near a bright window and away from cold draughts or frosty panes.
If it becomes crowded, wait until spring to repot. You can tidy now by removing any damaged leaves or separating small offsets called ‘pups’ to grow new plants. With its effortless style and hardy nature, Aloe vera stays steady through winter, ready to flourish again with the warmth of spring.
Outdoor plant of the month
Viburnum Tinus (Viburnum)
Viburnum tinus is a dependable evergreen shrub that brings colour and interest to the garden when little else is flowering. From late autumn into early spring, clusters of pink-tinged buds open into starry white blooms, filling borders and containers with gentle fragrance. These flowers provide valuable nectar for pollinators on mild winter days, followed by metallic blue-black berries, which attract birds and add further appeal.
This versatile shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil. Its dense, glossy foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or providing structure in mixed borders. Light pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
As November arrives, keep recently planted viburnums well-watered until the ground begins to cool, then mulch around the base to protect the roots. Reliable varieties include Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’, with compact growth and deep pink buds, and ‘Gwenllian’, known for its rich colour and generous flowering.
Gardening job for the month
Raking up leaves for leaf mould
Autumn leaves are one of the most useful natural materials in the garden, and turning them into leaf mould is an easy way to create free, organic compost. When raking up fallen leaves, avoid mixing in evergreen types such as holly, laurel, or conifer needles, as they decompose very slowly.
The best results come from deciduous trees like oak, beech, birch, and hornbeam, whose leaves break down into a soft, earthy material. Also, avoid using leaves that show signs of disease, such as black spot on rose leaves, or leaf blotch on horse chestnut, as these can carry problems into next year’s compost.
Collect leaves while they’re dry, then dampen them slightly before storing. You can use reusable bin bags with small holes for airflow or create a simple wire mesh pen in a shady corner of the garden. Over time, fungi and moisture will turn the pile into rich, crumbly leaf mould.
The process can take from six months to two years, depending on conditions. Once ready, use the leaf mould as a mulch to retain moisture, mix it into beds to improve structure, or sieve it for use in seed-sowing compost next spring.
