As the garden navigates the final stretch of winter in February, the presence of pansies and violas is a lifeline for early-emerging pollinators such as bees. While much of the landscape remains a palette of browns and greys, these resilient winter-blooming plants offer persistent splashes of sapphire, gold, and ruby. However, February’s combination of frosts and heavy, persistent rain can easily turn a vibrant display into a sodden mess. To ensure these plants maintain their vigour, a diligent approach to deadheading is important.

The task is straightforward but requires a bit more than just snipping off the wilted petals. To truly benefit the plant, you must locate the spent flower and follow its stem all the way down to the main crown. By snipping the entire stalk at the base—using either your thumbnails or a sharp pair of garden snips—you prevent the plant from wasting precious energy on a headless stem. This decisive action signals the plant to redirect its resources into new bud development, effectively extending the flowering window by preventing it from setting seed.

Keeping the foliage “clean” and free of debris ensures better ventilation around the crown, which is essential for warding off fungal diseases. Stepping out on a crisp morning to tend to your containers and borders is a wonderful way to connect with the season, ensuring your winter bedding remains a source of joy.