insideKENT Magazine Issue 47 - February 2016 | Page 114
OUTDOORLIVING
YOUR GARDEN: february
Spring is in sight
This month there are signs of the approaching spring, with bulbs appearing
and wildlife waking up as light levels and temperatures increase. There's
plenty to do indoors this month to prepare for the season ahead. Outdoors,
as the garden comes to life again, it's time to prune shrubs and climbers,
such as Wisteria as well as evergreen hedges.
TOP 10 JOBS THIS MONTH
1. Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some
vegetables under cover
2. Chit potato tubers
3. Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and
peaches
4. Net fruit and vegetable crops to keep the
birds off
5. Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have
finished flowering
6. Divide bulbs such as snowdrops, and plant
those that need planting ‘in the green’
7. Prune Wisteria
8. Prune hardy evergreen hedges and renovate
overgrown deciduous hedges
9. Prune conservatory climbers
10. Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over
the winter
TOP TIPS
new introductions may suffer from replant
diseases. Move established deciduous trees and
shrubs provided the ground is not frozen or
waterlogged.
When pruning, concentrate on removing
overcrowded growth, crossing stems, and dead,
damaged, or dying branches. Aim for an open
centre, through which air can circulate, as this
will reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
If your trees are too large for you to manage
pruning alone, you may need a tree surgeon.
Otherwise take care not to damage the tree when
sawing off thicker branches.
Many summer-flowering deciduous shrubs can
be pruned between February and March; usually
those that flower on the current year’s growth.
Shrubs that need regular pruning include Buddleja
davidii, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata,
Lavatera, Leycesteria, Perovskia, hardy fuchsias,
and deciduous Ceanothus.
Trees & Shrubs
Continue to plant hedging plants, shrubs, trees
and climbers. Stakes and rabbit guards should
be put in place at the time of planting trees, to
prevent damage to the rootball or bark.
Continue to plant roses. Avoid planting in areas
where roses were previously growing otherwise
Ornamental vines, ivy, Virginia creeper and Boston
ivy can be cut back now – it’s a good idea to
keep them away from windows, doors, gutters
and roof tiles.
Lawns
If the weather is warm, you may need to start
mow. Set the cutting height at its maximum, and
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only mow when the grass is dry. Re-cut lawn
edges to crisp up the appearance of the garden
and save work later in the season.
Turf can be laid, provided the soil is not too wet
or frosty. Work from planks, to avoid compacting
the soil. Do not walk on the newly laid turf and
leave undisturbed for several weeks to allow new
roots to establish.
Prepare seed beds for new lawns to be seeded
later in the spring, but only attempt this if the
ground is not too wet.
Flowers
Dahlia tubers stored over winter (or bought this
year) can be started into growth. Place them in
a light, warm place to sprout before planting.
They will need additional misting with a spraybottle of water, to stop them drying out.
Lily bulbs can be planted in pots, for flowers this
summer. After growing on indoors or in a cool
greenhouse, they can be moved onto the patio
when in flower, so that you can enjoy the blooms.
Bulbs coming up in the rock garden or in
containers may benefit from overhead protection
from the rain and snow. A sheet of glass or
Perspex placed on piles of bricks will do the job.
Hardy annuals can be sown in pots or modules
to provide colour.