Like everything else in life, good preparation leads to a desirable outcome. For an oasis that stimulates your senses, here are some tips for getting your garden off to a great start.

Lawn care

Your lawn will need cutting regularly, which should become weekly as we move into May (in milder areas this could be earlier). Early spring is an ideal time to tackle the moss in your lawn and in addition to any treatment it is advisable to take appropriate cultural measures to control its hold and spread.  Lawn management such as: scarification, aeration and the application of a top dressing are all methods to limit its chance of reoccurring. By mid spring, a longevity fertilizer, containing a balanced feed, will ensure your lawn receives all the correct nutrients to see it through the summer months. The latter weeks of spring are a suitable time to apply a herbicide to control any weed problems. 

As an NPTC-certified handler in the safe storage and application of pesticides you can be assured of my competence when using such products. I always advise my clients on the safest and most effective options; ultimately trying to avoid using such treatments wherever possible. 

Hedge maintenance

As spring takes hold many hedges will require their first cut of the season followed by regular trimming (depending on the type of hedge). This is a good time to cut back evergreen hedges if they have become a little too large for their position. Hedges will benefit from a good clearing along the bottom and all weeds and rubbish removed.  Pay particular attention by removing the creeping shoots of ivy, as later in the year there will be more pressing jobs to contend with. This should be followed by a sprinkling of some general-purpose fertiliser and a generous application of manure.

I carry all of the right equipment so you can be confident that your hedges will look perfectly groomed. As a certified remover of trade waste I offer very reasonable rates to take away any associated rubbish from the site should you so wish.

Border management

Borders require regular attention and they will certainly appreciate a spring clean. The addition of a generous layer of organic matter, slightly forked in around your beds and borders, will provide much-needed structure to the soil. Once new growth is visible, the application of a balanced fertiliser will be of benefit.  The pruning of certain shrubs, for example, buddleia, lavatera and ornamental elders should now be undertaken and perennials divided if they have outgrown their current position.

Many clients appreciate my advisory and design services to give their borders that ‘wow’ factor.