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.