There is something about the short gloomy days of Winter that can make you feel a little down, is it the lack of sunshine or that there is not enough daylight to spend long days in the garden?
All seems quiet in the garden at this time of year but believe me there is plenty going on below ground. New acquisitions planted throughout winter and early spring will be settling in and rooting into the surrounding soil or compost. Perennials, who’s top growth was left to provide winter effect may be looking a little shabby now, especially in exposed areas where strong winds can snap and break dry stems. I like to spend the early days of February checking out the garden and tidying up. Nothing too strenuous, gardening is not a time trial, its a job that can accommodate a large helping of contemplation and relaxation. I love to spend time just gazing around the garden taking note of how things are doing, which jobs I need to complete, taking advantage of mild days and just enjoying the clean fresh air.
February is traditionally a time of year when many gardens open to show of their early spring bulb displays, and there are none more spectacular than drifts of snowdrops, they seem to herald the start of the growing season. These cheery little flowers seem undeterred by cold frosty weather or even snow. I have seen their dainty heads emerging through a blanket of snow.
Most bulbs are quite tough pushing their way through blankets of fallen leaves and seem undeterred by even the most solid of objects. I recently placed bags of horse manure between some silver birch trees in the woodland only to find that when I moved them there were four inch shoots of Narcissus ( Daffodils) pale yellow from the lack of light but undeterred none the less. They will be fine, after a few days, and will straighten up and turn green. If you have not had chance to clear all the leaves it is now time to complete this job, but be careful where bulbs are emerging. I use a wire lawn rake, gently drawing the rake across the surface just in case there are shoots of plants or bulbs emerging.
Leaves left on the lawn can cause problems too, over time worms will try to drag them below ground as they feed on the micro-organisms that break down organic matter. The only problem is that too much worm activity in a lawn can be a problem especially in Spring and Summer when they leave their worm casts on the surface. The damp wet weather at this time of year can be a problem for closely mown lawns as they can be more susceptible to fungal diseases such as fusarium patch and red thread. If you applied an autumn lawn feed last September this can help strengthen the grass to resist fungal attack. Fusarium appears as small patches of yellowing or dead grass which can join up to make quite large areas, There are fungal treatments available from garden centres and nurseries but before you apply lightly spike the affected areas to improve drainage and aid air circulation.
Towards the end of the month if the lawn is getting quite long, a light trim with the mower is advisable. Choose a dry day and set the mower quite high, just taking about 12mm (1/2 inch) off.
This will encourage the grass to shoot lower down producing a thicker grass cover.
Strong and blustery winds can weaken and dislodge structures and plant supports so its worth checking that they are still firm and holding the plants in place.
Try to complete the planting of bare root trees and shrubs before the end of the month, containerised plants can be planted later, but all prefer to be settled in before new growth emerges.
If you haven’t already done so get your annual flower and vegetable seed orders in, or if you buy them from local garden centres or nurseries pop along and buy them, some of the newer introductions and more popular lines do sell out and it can be quite disappointing if you miss out on a favourite one.
Next month ;- Start sowing annual crops and flowers, check over your containers, Lawn care and repairs.
