SPRING

In addition to your borders, don’t forget to give your hedges a good start to the growing season and apply an annual general purpose feed followed by a liberal layer of mulch.  This organic covering will not only improve the structure of your soil but also reduce the amount of water loss through evaporation.

Don’t be tempted to cut your lawn too close; gradually lower the height of the blades throughout the spring period.

Book tickets for forthcoming Gardening shows - they sell out pretty quickly so don’t leave it too late.

Keep an eye out for green fly.  As soon as you see them, rub the off the plant with your fingers; a bit sticky but a good, cheap and effective alternative to chemicals.

SUMMER

In order to prolong a plant’s flowering display, keep deadheading - you will be justly rewarded.

Remember to order your autumn flowering bulbs such as Colchicums as soon as they become available.

To conserve water, irrigate your plants in the early morning or early evening.  This will reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation and avoid scorching the plant’s leaves in the midday sun.

Visit the Flower Shows and get some inspiration.

AUTUMN

Remove fallen leaves from your lawn and pond. 

Give your lawn an autumn treat: scarify, aerate, and apply a top dressing and an autumn fertilizer.

Purchase your spring flowering bulbs and begin planting them out; leave tulips until November.

Mulch your borders with compost to improve and feed your soil and let the worms take it down.

WINTER

Get your lawn mower and other garden machinery serviced whilst certain work in the garden is pretty much at a standstill. 

This is an ideal time to plant bare root trees and shrubs.  Remember to soak the roots in a bucket of water before you plant them.

Why not build or buy a compost bin and recycle your garden clippings, lawn cuttings and kitchen waste and support environmental sustainability.

Try to limit the transmission of unwanted diseases and disinfect your tubs and pots