SKIM INTO SPRING SKIM INTO SPRING

SWEET-SCENTED, colourful and not too large – skimmias are ideal shrubs for small gardens with special appeal in the chilly days of late winter and early spring

The flowers and berries create interest for many months and even after that the shapely, evergreen leaves remain attractive in their contrasting shades of green

Their tidy dome shape normally reaches a maximum of 1 2m (4ft) in height and spread

To get the best from them, you generally need a pair, male and female, which make a happy couple whatever the weather

The male’s pollen fertilises the female’s flowers to produce bunches of scarlet berries, vivid against a background of light green foliage from autumn

These berries, often used in floral arrangements, make excellent substitutes for holly berries in Christmas wreaths and decorations The berries last for months and then the male bush, which bears rich, deep green leaves with edges and veins of smoky red, forms clusters of winecoloured flower buds

When the buds burst open in late winter they reveal white flowers and release a delicious fragrance If the two sexes are grown separately, the female produces only flowers, white and fragrant but quite small

Skimmias were introduced from the Far East more than 150 years ago and take their name from the Japanese word for the plant, shikimi

The main garden species is Skimmia japonica, from which many varieties have been bred Two of the best varieties are the female Veitchii, also sold as Foremanii, and the male Rubella

Other excellent female varieties are Rogersii, a compact form with twisted leaves and large fruits; the diminutive Bowle’s Dwarf Female; Fructu Albo, small with white berries; Nymans and Scarlet Queen, taller than most and noted for prolific scarlet berries The best males include Rogersii Nana, Bronze Knight, a large shrub; Fragrans; and Bowles Dwarf Male

Skimmia laureola is a low, spreading shrub with very dark leaves, sweetly scented flowers and black berries If you have room for only a small shrub or want to grow one in a tub or pot, where a skimmia can look superb, choose Skimmia reevesiana, also sold as Robert Fortune, a small, compact form which has flowers of both sexes and therefore produces berries without the need for a pollination partner

Skimmias like some shade so are ideal for growing close to deciduous trees where they can look good in winter and spring, then benefit from the dappled shadow in summer

However, they can be grown in the open as long as they are not exposed to direct sunshine all day They grow easily from cuttings taken in summer

FLOWERS: Divide the roots of snowdrops and winter aconites that have grown into congested clumps when the flowers have faded and while the leaves are still green When the flowers of daffodils and other spring bulbs fade but, again, while the leaves are still green, water them with a liquid feed to build up the bulbs’ strength for next year

SHRUBS: Prune winter jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum, when the yellow star-like flowers die Cut back all the side shoots which have flowered, leaving just 3cm-4cm (about 1 5in) of shoot

Towards the end of March, prune mop-head hydrangeas back to a strong, outwardfacing bud 15cm (6in) from the ground, and the butterfly bush, buddleia, down to 30cm (12in) from the ground This will ensure really strong new shoots for flowering this year

LAWNS: Keep lawns clear of twigs, wormcasts and other debris by brushing them off Do not walk on lawns when frost is on the ground If new growth is beginning, give a light trim now and In April, spike lawns, especially if they are damp or moss Apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or lawn weedkiller as appropriate

PONDS: Check electrical equipment and cables

Remove slippery algae from paths and decking

In April, as the weather becomes milder, try fish with a little food but if they ignore it remove the food and wait another fortnight

VEGETABLES: Plant onion and shallot sets in March Sow broad beans in March and peas, carrots and beetroots in April

FRUIT: Prune gooseberries and redcurrants if you missed them in the autumn, aiming to produce a goblet-shaped bush Where apples or pears have been infested with grubs, spray with an insecticide when the blossoms are in bud and again when the petals have fallen

HOUSEPLANTS: Remove fading flowers and dying leaves Give plants as much light as possible but in most cases only water when the compost surface is starting to dry out Exceptions are azalea, cyclamen and maidenhair fern, which prefer more moisture

Starspot Crossword

Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for.

SPRING 2023