March lawn care
As the weather finally warms up this month, you’ll likely hear the hum of lawnmowers across the neighbourhood. It’s tempting to join in and mow down the grass, aiming for that “bowling green” look immediately, but I’d urge you to…
What to do when bulbs start to fade
One of the hardest things for a tidy-minded gardener to do in March is… absolutely nothing. As our spring bulbs finish their spectacular show, we’re often left with clumps of collapsing, yellowing foliage that look, frankly, a bit of a…
Pruning a Buddleja
March is the best time to prune the Butterfly Bush, or Buddleja davidii. Cutting through thick, old stems might seem daunting, but this hardy shrub actually benefits from strong pruning. Since it only blooms on new growth from the current…
Prep your ornamental grasses
March is the time to get your ornamental grasses back in shape, but your approach has to match the type of plant you’re dealing with. For the deciduous varieties—think of the architectural Miscanthus, upright Calamagrostis, or airy Deschampsia—it is time…
What to do in March
March is the month when the garden truly springs to life, shifting from quiet preparation to active growth. As the soil begins to warm and daffodils take center stage, the priority shifts to supporting new growth and staying ahead of…
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…