Mzzz B's February Garden Blog

Hellebores

Abeliophylum- white forythia

Snowdrops and winter aconites.

The February Garden
What have you got in your garden that is in flower at the moment? There are lots of early spring bulbs and shrubs which can light up a dark winter day. It is the time for snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses, hellebores are just beginning, early daffodils are in bud. Winter flowering viburnum bodnatense, camellias in sheltered places, abeliophylum which is known as the white forsythia is looking great in a sheltered south facing wall spot. as well as the shrubs mentioned last month – winter sweet, and the green ribes , which are still continuing to flower. Snowdrops have really done well this year, they have clearly liked the rain we have had. As they go over this is the time to dig up congested clumps and spread them to other dark parts of the garden.

Soil is one of the most important elements in your garden, research has shown that there are 1 billion microbes in a teaspoon of soil. Microbes cycle most major nutrients required for plant productivity e.g. Nitrogen, Phosphorus . They protect plants from disease and are intimately associated with plant growth and productivity. Different types produce and consume most types of major greenhouse gases e.g. Carbon Dioxide, Methane & Nitrous oxide. They adapt to, and purify the environment, especially water, through degradation of pollutants. So, producing your own compost and leaf mould, and adding those to your borders and beds each year will protect that valuable resource.

Jobs for February

• Start tidying up the borders that you have left for the wildlife- cut back the old stems , weed , and mulch. Leaved some of the cut stems on the border if you can to continue to provide a bug home. Mulch with your homemade compost or leaf mould.
• Sow sweet peas and broad beans in a cold frame or cold greenhouse, but beware mice they seem rampant here currently, cover the tops of pots with mesh or a lid of some sort to protect them.
• The lawn will benefit from an edge cut, when dry, which will make the garden feel much tidier.
• Cut back perennial grasses in borders before they spring into growth. They dislike being cut pack until this time.
• Finish pruning roses, and fruit trees.
• Large late flowered clematis should be cut back to 15-30 cms now. Make sure you do not prune early flowering clematis like montanas – you risk cutting of the flowering stems. These need tidying up after flowering.
• Think about a no dig veg garden to preserve those microbes, and plan your garden with this in mind.

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