Get out the secateurs!
There’s plenty to get on with this week as we start to look forward to spring.
For a start you can divide your snowdrop clumps and also plant any you have that are ‘in the green’ – bulbs that have green shoots. It’s also time to get busy pruning your Wisteria and any conservatory climbers you have. If you have deciduous hedges that are getting out of control, now’s the time to tackle them – and evergreen hedges can be pruned now as well. Also, if you left any deciduous grasses uncut over the winter to give you some interesting structure in the colder months, now’s the time to cut those back.
Get ready to grow
We know it’s been a long winter, but you can look ahead to spring and summer now and the fabulous display of flowers you are planning! You can get busy on some work that will get you ready for the growing season now. For instance, as long as the ground is not frozen or sodden, you can prepare beds for new roses. And if you have a new garden or have never done it before, why not test the soil levels to check the pH and nutrient levels? It will help you choose the most suitable plants that will thrive in your garden. You can do an easy test at home, or a soil analysis service is also on offer from the RHS. If your soil is heavy, this is a good time to start working in some organic matter and some coarse gravel to improve drainage. If beds are weedy, clear them off before adding a mulch – if you have light soil. In heavy soil areas wait another month. Another job to do is to top up the compost in containers – if they’re full, take off the top level of old compost and replace with new.
Willow Weaving at Rosemoor – 10 February
Learn how to get creative and make something beautiful from natural materials. This special workshop will teach you how to make low hurdles from willow – perfect for edging flower beds or the vegetable garden. You can even adapt the same technique to create window boxes and planters. This day-long workshop at RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon costs £65 (£55 for RHS members). To book call 020 31765830 quoting ref no 11479.
Gardens by Design (starting 13 February)
Do you have a new garden that needs a new design – or do you want to get to grips with an existing garden? This six-day course (running over six weeks at RHS Garden Harlow Carr) will give you all the tools as it teaches you the basics of garden design. The course will be led by garden history and design tutor Marilyn Elm – and is also ideal as a starting point if you are thinking about taking up garden design as a new career. The course costs £408 (£360 for RHS members). To book call 020 31765830 quoting ref no. 11460.
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
Latest posts by Sally - Silversurfer's Editor (see all)
- Freezing this Christmas, a charity single could hit the number one spot - December 20, 2024
- Theatre tickets from £10 for 50+ London shows with See It Live in 2025 - December 19, 2024
- Should Waspi women be entitled to compensation? - December 17, 2024
- What was your favourite childhood toy? - December 17, 2024
- It’s never too late to play bridge - December 15, 2024
