gardening March
Pruning
If you have bush and shrub roses, now is a good time to prune them. Pruning now encourages vigorous growth and maximises flowers. Nothing complicated, just aim for an open framework, cut to an outward facing bud and remove diseased, damaged and dead wood. Leave climbing roses until the autumn and ramblers until after they have flowered.
If you are lucky enough to have dogwoods or shrubby willows with colourful winter stems, March is the time to cut these back too. The best stem colour comes from one-year old shoots which is why they should be pruned after their winter display. Cut back hard to one or two buds of last year’s growth, to a stubby framework. Mulch around the plants after pruning with some organic matter (garden compost, shredded bark, well-rotted farmyard manure), as this will help get them back into growth.
Sow hardy annuals
One of my favourite jobs as this time of the year is sowing hardy annuals such as sweet peas (try variety ‘Matucana’ for the best scent), Ammi major (cow parsley look-a-like), Nigella (love-in-a-mist) and poppies. These are tough enough to withstand the sometimes cold and wet weather that spring can throw at us. These fast-growing plants also provide an early and cost-effective way to give a naturalistic planting style, plug gaps and fill the borders for a summer full of colour. They are easy to grow and can add stature and presence to borders. Plant in full sun in a prepared bed and either broadcast sow for an informal display or in rows where it will be easier to determine the seeds from the weeds as they germinate! Alternatively, the seeds can be sown in seed trays under glass and planted out when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
Mother’s Day gifts
Why not plant up a container with some pretty spring flowering plants? Local garden centres have a great selection of spring flowering bulbs and flowers now. These, combined with prettily variegated ivy, evergreen euonymus, vibrant heathers or elegant grasses will create a wonderful display. Planted closely together you will create a beautiful bouquet effect. If the garden centre has some scented plants like pinks or skimmias you have the added bonus of scent as well. Choose a container that complements the plants and you will have created your very own personal gift.
For more planting ideas or jobs to be getting on with, visit www.surreyhillsgardeningschool.co.uk
