Ornamental Garden

  • In late February cut back hard (coppice) all the Cornus (Dogwood) to low buds.
  • If snow falls – do not let the snow sit on the shrubs, gently shake off to prevent damage.
  • Prune Roses creating an open outward facing framework.
  • Prune Clematis (late/summer flowering)
  • Shape borders to neaten edges.
  • In late February – cutback deciduous grasses
  • Remove weeds from borders as necessary.
  • Prune out dead; diseased or damaged wood from trees and shrubs.
  • Complete pruning of Apple/ fruit trees if not already done.
  • Mulch borders if not already done in Autumn – taking care of emerging bulbs.
  • Cut back Hydrangea Preziosa to first healthy buds on stems.
  • Cut back Hydrangea Annabelle to a half/third to retain a compact shape.
  • Cut back side shoots of wisteria, pruning to two to three buds.
  • Plant new climbers such as clematis / honeysuckle
  • Prune summer flowering deciduous shrubs that flower on the current years growth – eg Buddleja, lavatera etc.
  • Sow hardy annuals for summer colour.

 

Veg Garden:

  • Buy seed potatoes and chit tubers by placing them eye end up in trays or egg boxes in a light, cool, frost free place.
  • Sow crops like broad beans, lettuce etc and place in greenhouses or coldframes for an earlier harvest.
  • Now’s the time if you want to think about planting asparagus – keep weed free and mulch with a thick layer of organic matter.
  • Apply general fertiliser like growmore / blood fish and bone to beds.
  • Mulch tree and cane fruit after pruning.
  • Plant garlic.
  • Spray dormant fruit bushes with a plant oil based winter wash to kill overwintering eggs or aphid pests.