Paul Gargan
While the cold winter days keep much of the garden in a state of suspended animation, there are still plenty of seasonal delights to get out and enjoy.
Snowdrops pushing up through frozen soil signal that spring is on its way. The snowdrop manages this seemingly impossible feat by keeping the air temperature inside its flower head two degrees warmer than the outside air temperature.
Lawns are a no-go area this time of year so stay off them at all costs. Walking on waterlogged lawns only stores up problems, as your footprints will leave ruts which you will notice when mowing later in the year. You will also compact the soil which will affect the grass roots, due to lack of air in the soil. If there is need for continuous foot traffic or worse wheelbarrows, lay a temporary path using wooden planks. If part of your lawn holds water in puddles after heavy rain, commit these areas to memory and later in the year when it is drier use your garden fork to make holes by sinking the fork down all the way or as far as you can and moving it forward and back. Do this in lines all over the area, keeping the holes equal distance apart. Fill the holes with sharp sand and brush some all over the area. This will improve the drainage of the area and also let air down to the root zone.
Blackspot
Hellebores will be starting to push up new flower stems. Cut off old leaves at ground level to prevent the transfer of blackspot and to let in light and circulate air.
If you have trees with low branches now is the time to crown lift them and let in the sunlight. First cut the branch about 30cm from the trunk. This is to take the weight off the branch. Then cut the rest off at the branch collar.
Prune late-flowering clematis, such as late large flowering hybrids, viticella and texensis groups. Late flowering means from June until autumn. Hard prune by cutting everything down to strong buds about 50cm above ground. The reason for this is they make very vigorous growth and only flower at the very end of their shoots.
Wisteria needs pruning twice a year, in mid-summer and mid-winter. Trim the whole plant, cutting back all side shoots to about 8-10cm leaving 2-3 buds.
Tie in any long stems that are needed to extend the plant’s area of growth.
Keep feeding garden birds. Make sure there is always frost free fresh water available. Clear out nest boxes in preparation for the nesting season. If you have space available put up more new ones. Birds provide a very valuable service to all gardeners.