Jobs to do in February!

Finally the weather has taken a turn and we enter February a little colder and frostier!

There are still jobs to do in the garden for those of you who don't mind braving the cold. Personally I love to get out into the solitude of the garden and lose myself in a little clearing and cutting back; and with the promise of spring just around the corner, even better!

It's time to give those borders a tidy, remove any old stems of herbaceous perennials and begin pruning hardy shrubs that flower on new wood later in the summer, such as Buddleja davidii, Caryopteris, Leycesteria, Lavatera and Ceratostigma to name a few. Save the sturdier stems to use as plant supports later on; the rest can be shredded for the compost heap or used as a mulch.

Once you have tidied don't forget there is still time to plant bare root trees, shrubs and roses. Choose a mild day, make sure the ground isn't frozen then stand back and admire the fruits of your labour.

So what else? Well how about giving the shed a once-over to check through all your garden tools and machinery? - A great time I find to ensure all is clean and sharp-ready for action! Check your stock of seed trays and pots and maybe think about ordering any growing media you may need.

Ok, back into the garden, how many of us plant shrubs and trees only to find a year or so down the line that we want them elsewhere? Don't despair they can be moved - and now is the time to do so; just make sure you take as large a root ball as possible and don't damage the roots. Place them in their new home, stake if necessary and wait for them to flourish.

Want plants which cost nothing? Divide congested clumps of hardy perennials, and incorporate some organic matter when replanted.

If you are planning a new lawn now is the time to begin preparing the ground as long as it's not waterlogged or frozen.

Just a few ideas to get you out there this month and on the path to spring!

Charlie Walters