Get Out in the Garden

While many of us are isolating and remaining in our homes, Doug says now is the perfect time to start that project you've been putting off. We may aswell make the best of a bad situation. April is a lovely time to get everything tidy and neat, we of course expect the inevitable April showers but Doug remains hopeful that we will see some Sunny days too, 'It's an exciting month, citrus plants need feeding, shrubs and roses are at their most hungry and indoor-sown seeds are well into growth'.

One of the top tips for April is to tackle those shrubs that you've been putting off since the start of the year. Very popular in the area are shrubs due to their evergreen woody nature and they also provide a variety of fragrant berries and flowers. We love as collection of shrubs as they add shape to the garden and often encourage wildlife to reside. It is also a good idea to tie in those climbing roses and prune before things get out of hand. If left, climbing roses can become uneven or a tangled eyesore of branches with very little reward. Although it may have been one of the last jobs on your list we have put together a step by step guide to make things easier. Keep your eyes peeled as will be available in the coming days.

Don't forget those house plants...

While Aaron loves being outdoors he reminds us that we cant forget our houseplants. Now is the time to water them a little more than you have been over the last couple of months and just like those sitting in your garden need some TLC and caring for. Pinch back young plants which allows branching. Lots of training plants that we have in store really benefit from this treatment and its evidence in itself as you see further on in the year. Do remember however that a lot of your more leafy, mature plants need no pruning. Lets not go crazy.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Angela says, while its really unfortunate that we are stuck at home during this time you need to be making the most of it, you'll reap the rewards when things get back to normality. Much like a cub scout her top tip is 'always be prepared'. Prepare your beds for the growing season if you have not done so already, with the sun starting to pop out from time to time its lovely to make the most of it and get this done. Dig in a 5cm layer of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure.

She also stresses that if you are not doing so already then Lift and divide your perennial plants now, it will improve vigour and create new plants for your garden. Win Win.

Get that Lawn ready

Now onto the job that most of you will have been waiting and waiting to get done. Mowing the lawn. Its got to be done and will look a whole lot better when you have done it. Once the hard work is done then you can move onto repairs. Patches in lawns can appear for a variety of reasons, and if (when) they do, we say get right on it. Re-seeding, or turfing bare patches will prevent weeds germinating in the patches, its worth it in the long run.

Show Stopper Plants for April...

If you’re after some well needed colour in your garden this March then here are our top 4 favourites.

Cyclamen coum

Eranthis hyemalis

 Helleborus

Galanthus