BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

At last, Spring has arrived! Although we have had quite a lot of heavy rain. As I write this, it is the Easter holiday, and this lovely weather does give us hope for the weeks to come. We had my youngest son home for a visit, so it was a good excuse for tackling the lawn, it now looks much better.

This time of the year is an ideal time to order your annual plants, such as begonias and petunias, for summer bedding and hanging baskets. It’s also your last chance to do the greenhouse cleaning.To prepare the beds for the season dig in a layer of 5cm of compost, or well-rotted manure. You can also add a general-purpose fertiliser like chicken manure which comes in pellets or fish,blood and bone which is sold at most garden centres in a powder. Remember also to check on any patio plants you may have, as they may have dried out. Try mixing water-storing granules with compost to improve waterretention in the future.

Lift and divide established perennials, for example, hostas, as it will improve vigour and make new plants.

You can divide primroses now too, when they have finished flowering.

If you decide to treat yourself to a rhododendron, they can be planted now, provided the last frosts have passed and the ground is moist. I must admit, I saw some really nice ones on my last visit to our local garden centre, and was seriously tempted to buy one. I may even go back soon and get one!

Climbing roses should also be tied in now, before they get too overgrown. Finish cutting back any ornamental grasses to make way for new growth. Winter heathers can be trimmed back to stop them becoming leggy.

It’s a good idea to mulch around trees and shrubs before the hot weather as well.

In the vegetable garden, support any bean and pea plants with twiggy sticks. On your lawn apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser, and brush away worm casts on dry days, and re-cut lawn edges. Buy fresh compost and store in a cool dry place.

Lastly don’t forget to top up bird feeders and baths - and, most importantly, enjoy your gardens!