With the appearance of some warmer weather and some sunny spells, the local wildlife seems to have been out in force as they look for food to see them through the rest of the winter. Kites, buzzards and sparrow hawks have all been circling, swooping and sweeping the fields nearby in search of prey.
The dawn chorus has been more vigorous and the sight of green shoots poking through the grass are all signs of things to come. Which is all good as I, for one, need plenty of encouragement to get out there with the garden tools on the grey days. It is all very well working as a Romsey Garden Designer, but nothing beats getting out there.
Once underway, the tasks ahead are highly satisfying:
Wisteria can be pruned back to two or three buds and the older, woody growth can be cut to reduce the size of the plant
In milder areas, or when the warmer weather starts appearing, most hardy shrubs with hollow stems, such as Buddleja davidii and Perovskia can be pruned this month.
Whilst the tawny coloured stems of ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus and Calamagrostis are a joy to behold in the winter months, especially in the winter sunlight, early spring is the time to cut them back to ground level. Wait until new growth can be seen before applying the chop.
Clean up bamboo where stems have died back or collapsed over winter.
Trim heathers after they have flowered in order to keep them compact and vigorous.
Divide snowdrops to distribute them over a wider area.
Cut back shrub roses by about one third, pruning to just above an outward pointing bud, trying to create an open, “bowl” shape to the rose. Cut off any suckers emerging from the root stock.
Bird life will be looking to nest in spring so ensure all hedge trimming and renovation is completed by the end of the month.
Nesting boxes will be sought out by birds but try to either build them or buy them from a sustainable source.
Don’t miss out on the late winter scents. Cut yourself a sprig or two of Sarcoccocca, Mahonia and Viburnum fragrans or buy a Hyacinth to grow on an indoor shelf.
Oh, the sweet smells of good things to come!