Planting snowdrops in the green
Moving snowdrops “in the green” is the most reliable method for establishing these winter gems in your own garden. Unlike most bulbs that are planted while dormant and dry in autumn, snowdrops have a high failure rate when left out…
Mulch any bare soil
Mulching involves applying a generous layer of organic matter across the exposed earth. While the process is straightforward, the benefits are transformative, working on three distinct levels to elevate the health of your garden. Firstly, it acts as a natural…
Glowing lilies in pots
Finding the right spot for lilies can be a challenge. These elegant plants like to have their roots cool and shaded, while their flowers enjoy plenty of sun for at least half the day. This can be hard to achieve…
Prepare dahlias for early cuttings
While the garden may be stirring with the first whispers of spring approaching, it is worth remembering that our most delicate specimens are not out of the woods yet. Tender plants require diligent protection and a frost-free environment well into…
Start sowing broad beans
Getting a head start on the vegetable plot in February is one of the most rewarding tasks for any gardener. If the winter weather has relented enough to leave the soil workable, sowing broad beans early is a brilliant way…
Start chitting potatoes
As the days gradually lengthen in February, it is the perfect time to begin “chitting” your seed potatoes. Most of us have seen what happens when a potato is left forgotten in a dark cupboard: it develops long, spindly, pale…
Pruning a butterfly bush
Pruning the Butterfly Bush, or Buddleja davidii, is one of the most rewarding February tasks for a gardener. While it might feel drastic to saw through thick stems, this robust shrub actually thrives on a “tough love” approach. Because the…
Pruning clematis
When it comes to the late-winter garden, few tasks are as transformative—or as confusing—as pruning clematis. The golden rule for these climbers is dictated entirely by their flowering window. If you aren’t sure which variety you have, the old adage…
Garden shears maintenance
As February’s frost lingers, the garden remains in a state of quiet anticipation. While the ground may be too stubborn for planting, the garden shed offers a sanctuary for the most essential of winter rituals: cleaning and sharpening your garden…
Prune Hybrid and floribunda roses
Pruning hybrid tea and floribunda roses is the secret to keeping a nice shape and plenty of flowers. While the task can seem intimidating, it is essentially an exercise in “out with the old, in with the new.” The primary…