April in the Garden
Welcome to the April edition of Fiveways Gardens
If you haven't already, why not make your first visit to the garden centres and nurseries to start stocking new beds or containers, or replace tired old plants. All the new furniture and pots will be coming out right now in time for the official launch of the gardening season. So, as a nice change from all those chores, why not go out and treat yourself?
If you haven't already, it's not too late to plant some seeds. I never seem to tyre of growing plants from seed, although these days I'm careful not to plant too many of the same thing. The range of plants available is much greater if you have the time and inclination to grow from seed. The trick is to only plant as many as you need and prick them out and pot on in good time (easier said than done, I've found!) This way you'll avoid lots of leggy seedlings that are difficult to handle, but instead will have good strong plants to keep you smiling through the summer. If you sowed seed last month, then be sure to move seed trays and seedlings to a cool but bright place - a cold frame is ideal. Probably the biggest threat to seedlings is too much water, leading to mould and rotting off. This, of course, will be closely followed by not enough water - drying out is usually terminal for seedlings!
In the borders, plant evergreens including grey and silver-leafed shrubs, such as lavenders. In our small gardens, look out for compact forms such as Munstead and Hidcote, as they don't get so big and shrubby. To prune existing sage, lavender and santolina, cut back to about 5 cms of new buds on the older growth.
Prune flowering currants, forsythia, winter jasmine (yellow flowers) and Kerria japonica when they've finished flowering. Generally, cut back a third of the oldest stems to a 10 cms above ground level. If the plant is now too big for the space it's in, then shorten flowered stems back to a strong side shoot. Laveteras often out-grow their space and they too can be cut back hard.
Keep weeding, hoeing on a dry day and hooking out perennial weeds like dandelions before they get too big. Leaving any root behind will result in a stronger bigger dandelion. It's the same with weed tree seedlings, like holly and birch.
Finally, dead-head any spring bulbs past their best and put supports in place for tall herbaceous perennials, like delphiniums, campanulas and peonies and look forward to the long sunny days ahead.
Happy gardening
Lisa
For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk
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