BY PAUL CLARKE
PAULS PLANT OF THE MONTH : Amaryllis
Large 6 to 10 inch trumpet shaped flowers emerge from the top of 1 to 2 foot stalks. The growth of the stalks is rapid and amazing to see . A wide choice of colours can be obtained from these bulbs including red , pink, white, salmon, apricot and rose, Choose the largest bulbs and when planting select a pot about an inch larger than that of the bulb. After the flowers have faded, cut them off o prevent seed formation. Do not remove the flower stalk until it has turned yellow . When all danger of frost is past, acclimate the plant to the outdoors by first placing it in shade. Then move to a bed where it will receive full sun. Amaryllis plants should be brought indoors before the first frost in the Autumn.
What to do in your garden in February
By February many of us are itching for the arrival of longer days and Spring so we can spend more time in the garden. Often if we are to get to snow in Suffolk this is the month it arrives . The old saying is very apt “If February give much snow a fine summer it doth foreshow”. However there is nothing to stop you from doing some planning ahead for the year by ordering some of those free garden catalogues to get some inspiration on what to grow and plant. Even in a few minutes in your garden, in February, doing some of the following tasks will help you to get on top of your garden and improve your health.
Pauls jobs for the month
General Maintenance
- On a dry day it is always rewarding to tidy up your borders by removing any dead growth from your perennials. Compost any dead material and if you have some compost mulch around your plants.
- Check outdoor containers are regularly watered, particularly those sheltered by house porches or eaves.
- Hang bird feeders to attract birds into your fruit trees. As a thank you the birds will feed on any overwintering pests in your fruit trees such as woolly aphids.
- Clean moss and slippery algae from steps and paving.
- Cut back ivy on walls on walls and fences it will look much better for a tidy up and it best to do early before any birds begin nesting.
Vegetable and Fruit Garden
- You can sow early varieties of broad beans, parsnips, peas shallots, spinach cabbage and turnip. Only do this if the weather conditions are mild and you have prepared the soil. Remember you can warm up a section of earth by putting down some black polythene.
- If you have rhubarb it is time to force it.
Flower Garden
- Winter flowering pansies provide some welcome colour as long as you make sure to regular deadhead spent flowers
- Prune wisteria back to 2-3 buds from the main stems.
- Cut down the stems of dogwoods close to the base this might seem harsh but will lead to lots of new vibrant growth
- Prune Winter Jasmine
- Prune Mahonia you can cut back the oldest stems
- If you haven’t done so already prune back your hydrangeas to remove dead flower heads back to a strong bud
- Summer flowering clematis should be pruned.
- Sweet Peas can be sown indoors in pots
- Buddleias can be given a good prune cutting the growth down to around 2-3 foot
This months poem…
“Rich meanings of the prophet-Spring adorn, Unseen, this colourless sky of folded showers,And folded winds; no blossom in the bowers;, A poet’s face asleep in this grey morn. Now in the midst of the old world forlorn, A mystic child is set in these still hours.I keep this time, even before the flowers,, Sacred to all the young and the unborn.” – ALICE MEYNELL, IN FEBRUARY
One-off jobs or regular maintenance on a weekly or monthly basis
hedge trimming | grass cutting | general weeding & tidying up
Doing the jobs you don’t have time for…
Call me for a quote on 01284 723625 or 07952 938010 Email: burygardener@talktalk.net
