What to do in April

Now that days are longer we can feel that the good weather is around the corner. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Well, not necessarily over here. So, stop daydreaming and tidy up as soon as possible if you haven't done it yet.

Add some manure or garden compost to improve the soil structure, drainage and airing of your borders, you are still on time. Plant some hardy perennial herbs like mint or sage to revitalise it. Half hardy plants can be planted directly on the soil now.

Bring your pots with bedding plants outside during the day.

They will be ready to be planted towards the end of May  when the risk of frost is gone.

Keep an eye on your flower pots outdoors they might be dry even if it rains!

Whatever the weather turns to be remember: Spring is here.

Toddler planting project by Bumblebee's Club

Your toddler is finding out how the world works. Every day is exciting and magical. Who  would say that from those little things called seeds this little  pot was going to get all that hair?

And.. where have the seeds gone?

This is a very easy project to do with your little ones. Recycle a little plastic pot. Help your little one to decorate it. Fill it in with cotton wool and soak it with water. There should be enough cotton wool to almost fill the pot once it is wet. Sprinkle some seeds on top.

Now just leave it somewhere well lit up indoors. Soon, you will see them germinating and growing. 

What to do in Frebruary and March

The first signs of spring are starting to add colour in our gardens and parks. Crocus, snow drops and daffodils among others are emerging from earth. Slightly longer days allow us to spend a bit more time in the garden when is not too cold.

Now, we should start looking after our tools before the big season starts. They must be in need of some cleaning and lubricating.

Spring flowering srubs as Wisteria should have its new shoots cut back to two buds length from the main stem to encourage blossoming. Now that there are not leaves around this task is achieved more comfortably.

The same applies to Hydragea paniculata. It is the right moment to cut them back to two or three buds length stems from ground level and eliminate any weak growth that could shade its beauty.

Prune also summer flowering srubs. And, prune heathers and winter flowering srubs lightly.

Eliminate any dead growth from your perennials. Some you might have to cut back to ground level.

Autumn colours

Heathers, red berry bushes such as Pyracantha coccinea and shades of yellow and orange Acers and Oaks announce that the autumn has arrived.

Now it is time to plant some autumn and winter bedding such as Cyclamen,  Viola, Pansy and Primrose.

Spring flowering bulbs should be available in your nursery to make a splash of colour next spring.

Autumn is also the time to add new favourites or renovate plants in your garden or border.

It is important to remove dead material in order to avoid diseases and future plagues.

Getting ready for summer

It is time to hang out your flower baskets and window boxes. Go to your favourite nursery and buy some lovely summer flowers.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast just in case but we should be safe from frost. For those reading from warmer places, it could be a good moment to install an irrigation system if you haven't got one yet or checking it (especially for limescale deposits that can cause blockages) for good performance.

Tomorrow is going to be a nice warm day in London. Take advantage of it and make your garden shine - or sunbathe and have a barbecue! ;).

Spring boxes

As the days get longer and snow drops, tulips and crocus announce the spring it is time to get your window boxes ready. Summer plants will start to be available at the end of May. Until then we can enjoy other plants and blossoms.

 

You are still on time to get some bulbs to make your window boxes or planter displays more interesting. Mixing them with seasonal and perennial plants will give your containers dynamism. Just when you start to get used to the sight of your pot some new blossoms will show.

There is a variety of evergreen perennial plants to combine with seasonal flowers to allow for different colours and textures ex: Aucubas, Euonymus, aromatic plants, etc.

Aucuba leaves

Winter Tips

If you are lacking colour in the garden, then why not get some of that colour with a winter flowering container to keep you smiling until spring.

Make sure to feed your flowering plants with potassium rich fertiliser to guarantee a long colourful display over winter.

You can also rely for some colour in your interior plants. And if you have a good spot for your geraniums at home they will keep blossoming!

Remember to avoid sources of heat ex. Radiators underneath or next of your plants. Freshness is usually good.

 

If you haven’t done it yet, is time to mulch your half hardy perennials using straw or bark. Remember that the mulching should be around 10 cm deep to be effective. 

Alternatively, you could use a thick layer of leaves from other shrubs in your garden. It is also important to give some protection to foliage against frost covering those plants with a frost resistant material ex. Fleece. You could ask in your garden centre about the options that they have available.

Don’t just drop the material on top. It should have some kind of structure to allow space for the plant and air circulation.