The garden in March.

People often say that this time of year before all the Daffodils are out is pretty boring with just small flowers of little consequence to bring in the new season's growth, but this is perhaps one of the best times of year to see plant life in action.

If there is one plant to me which symbolises winter months most it has to be the Hellibore. The plant is evergreen and although some have already flowered, this is their time of year. The gently nodding single and double heads in a whole range of white, yellows, greens through to pinks and deep purples seem to signify the fact that spring really is now in full flow and summer is just around the corner.

Helleborus orientalis 

Other plants are coming into show this time of year too such as Crocus, Euphorbia, Narcissus (Daffodil) and of course Galanthus (Snowdrop). Galanthus are just about at their best now. Whilst they are 'In the green'  however is the best time to move them if they are overcrowded in large clumps and you want to put some into other areas of your garden.  

Galanthus nivalis

Shrubs like Berberis can look good for most of the year with interesting leaf colours but Berberis 'Pow Wow' is stunning this time of year with delicate yellow flowers set amongst its sharp spikes. 

Berberis thunberii 'Pow Wow'

Bedding plants are appearing in the garden centres and can be very appealing to add instant colour to your garden. Not my cup of tea, I have to say but you can see their appeal, especially when displayed in a block planted effect as the primulas are below.

Blue Primula plants at Bents Garden Centre

Andy

The Garden in February...


Herbaceous

Good time to divide plants which have outgrown their allotted space or are becoming overcrowded and are not flowering as well as they used to.. Hellebores (after flowering), Hostas (before the leaves appear). Ornamental grasses and other perennials which were left for winter interest need to be cut down now if not already done. If you look closely you will see the new growth starting at the base so be careful not to take all this off too if possible!  


Hedges

Deciduous hedges can still be planted up to the end of March. Feed hedges with a general purpose fertiliser.


Water features and aquatic plants

When the temperatures start to improve, remove pool heaters and check pumps and other electrical systems are in good order after the winter. Remove nets which were put over the pond to prevent leaves from collecting in the bottom.


Lawns

When there is dry weather and the lawn is showing signs of springing back into life, give it a mow! (Keep the blades high for the first cut). New turf can be laid. Apply a high nitrogen spring/summer lawn fertiliser.


Fruit

Weed then mulch around fruit trees which have been recently planted. Prune Autumn Raspberries, Gooseberries and Blueberries. Check ties on fruit canes and fans, loosening and tightening as and when necessary.


Vegetables

Plant Shallots, Garlic and Onion sets as well as Jerusalem Artichoke's and Asparagus crowns. Many other vegetables can be planted at this time including broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, peas, spinach, leeks, swiss chard and turnip but in all cases sow the seed only if the weather is suitable! Uncover forced rhubarb and let them grow in the 'sun'!
 

Shrubs

Feed shrubs with a general purpose fertiliser. Cut back dogwoods now the new growth is starting to appear again. This will stimulate new brightly coloured stems to shoot up again. Summer or late flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between January and March. Once the flowers have been and gone, prune winter flowering jasmine.


General 

This may seem strange but containers can often go dry this time of year so it is worth just checking on your pots and planters to check. Aim to keep pots damp rather than wet.

Borders can be fed with a general purpose fertiliser. Check the manufacturer's instructions for spreading details.

Top dress pots and planters with compost.

Plant summer flowering bulbs.

Keep your eyes on newly sprouted shoots as slugs will be after their first juicy meal of the year! 

Hardy annual seeds can be sown in pots then keeping sheltered, or if it is mild weather, plant them directly into the ground.

Deadhead Narcissus flowers when they are fading but do not cut off the leaves.

Feed trees with a general purpose fertiliser.

Prune autumn flowering clematis (Group 3).


The garden advice and plant information contained on this page has been created as accurately as possible, but localised weather conditions and yearly variations in climate mean that information should be used as a general guide only and acted upon accordingly.

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