After a long winter with unpredictable weather, February is here, and the garden is getting busier.
Before spring arrives, Hannah Rowson, Garden Centre Manager at bulbs and perennials specialists J. Parker’s, has revealed six important gardening jobs to be completed before spring arrives.
Plant tender perennials in pots for summer blooms
February is an ideal time to get a head start and plant tender perennials like Dahlias and Begonias in pots. “By starting these indoors, you can encourage new growth while waiting for warmer weather to transplant them outdoors in spring,” explains Hannah.
She advises, “Make sure to place your tender perennials somewhere safe from frost and with a bit of natural light, such as in a warm, light greenhouse, to promote the growth of new shoots.”
Divide snowdrops
Dividing your snowdrops is a great way to get more of the plants you love most for free! Hannah advises, “It is best to divide snowdrops now to help them naturalise over time, leading to more flowers the following year.”
She goes on to explain how “You can use a shovel or trowel to lift the flowers out of the ground with their roots, then split through the roots to create two clusters. Plant these halves in your chosen location and watch as they form new colonies in new patches of your garden, creating a beautiful perennial display for years to come.”
Plant any last-minute bulbs
A common question at this time of year is whether it’s too late to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Hannah recommends, “Although generally, it is best to plant these between September and November, you can get away with planting bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths by the end of February. Planting them now will just mean they’ll flower later in the season, but they will still be beautiful when they do!”
She adds, “My top tip is to avoid planting them while the ground is still frozen, instead choose a dry, bright day for the best results.”
Transplant shrubs while they’re dormant
Hannah says, “Your shrubs will now be in their winter dormancy, so it’s the perfect time to move them to a new spot. Safely dig up your shrub from its current home and transplant it into a new location.”
“If you’ve noticed your shrubs aren’t getting enough of what they need, this is a good opportunity to move them to an area that they’ll prefer. For example, if they haven’t got enough sun currently, transplant to where your garden gets the most sunlight in summer.”
Trim back ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses are hardy perennials that need a trim before new growth begins, adding texture and movement to your garden year after year. To keep them looking healthy, Hannah says, “Trim ornamental grasses left standing over winter to start spring with a fresh feeling. February is the best time to tidy up your display before shoots start to appear.”
Cut back Wisteria
Wisteria benefits from pruning twice a year, and February is the perfect time for a trim. Hannah suggests “Using sharp tools to shorten the long shoots to around two or three buds from the base. This will maintain a tidy display but also encourage healthy new growth and gorgeous blooms as they begin to flower.”