J'AIME April 2018

F E AT U R E
Step into spring with a stunning garden
DANIEL GEE, OF G-SCAPES OF LICHFIELD, TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT YOU
NEED TO BE DOING TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR SPRING AND BEYOND
A QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH GARDEN
At long last, after what seems like a long and difficult
winter, spring is hovering around the corner and it
is time to put away the DIY tools and focus on the
garden.
Spring clean
There is a lot of basic preparatory work to be done
starting with a thorough spring clean. Here are just
some of the tasks ahead:
Tidy - Tidy up borders and clear away leaves
and unwanted vegetation from all the little nooks
and crannies. As temperatures rise, weeds begin to
grow so catch them early before they seed and save
time later. The addition of a membrane to borders
and gravelled areas will help surpress weeds while
spreading a mulch will improve the appearance of
borders and add valuable nutrients.
Early spring is a good time to do a bit of pruning.
Clear away any die-back to ensure strong and healthy
growth. Prune shrubs such as cornus, buddleia and
roses to encourage new shoots and retain good
shape. After the worst of the frosts, tidy up herbaceous
perennials by cutting back any remaining old stems,
taking care not to damage new growth.
Check - Check all wooden structures such as fences,
gates, trellises and arbors for any winter damage. Take
advantage of a dry period to add a wood preservative
to prolong their life.
Lawn - The warmer weather will encourage the grass
to grow, so start cutting it regularly. You can stop if we
get a cold spell and growth slows down.
Prepare - Prepare vegetable beds. Covering them
with plastic will help to warm and dry the soil so it is
ready for sowing and planting.
24