Just Be Patient

Above: Blackthorn in full flower

By Rachel Budd

Horticulturist at IRD Duhallow Community Garden

We have had such a lovely run of Spring weather over the last few weeks I know all gardeners have been itching to get outside and start preparing for the new season. March is an exciting month, finally we see some colour after the greyness of January and February. Daffodils, crocus, and snowdrops are coming into flower, blackthorn blossom is emerging in the hedgerows, soon to be joined by flowering currant giving us that lovely combination of white and pink as we drive along country lanes. Assuming the hedgerows have not recently become victim to the flail cutter of course, stripping all flower and fruit from the roadside and rendering it unsustainable for wildlife.

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The urge to start tidying up flowerbeds however must be resisted for a while longer. Hopefully the Autumn clean-up is now a thing of the past and long stems and seed heads are left on perennial flowers for insects to hide in and for birds to feast on during the cold winter months, and we need to leave them just a while longer. It is not quite warm enough yet for some of our most loved and iconic insects to emerge from their winter hibernation, for example we often see groups of ladybirds huddled together on the stems of willows, and in the hollow stems of teasels and old sunflowers. To disturb them now means that they may not survive the next cold spell which will inevitably happen after a mild early Spring.

This doesn’t mean you can retreat back into winter hibernation yourself though. March is the last month for pruning your apple trees, and it is a great idea to clear grass from around them and mulch with cardboard and bark mulch.

All bareroot planting needs to be completed this month as well. Trees and hedges establish much better, and are much cheaper to buy during bareroot season when the plants have no leaves and are dormant.

Hibernating Ladybirds

If you want to increase biodiversity in your garden a mixed hedgerow is a vital resource. You can select species that will not grow quite as large as a wild hedgerow, which means you won’t have to cut it to often and so won’t remove its flowers and fruits. Good species to add into the mix are: Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) which has beautiful white flowers, followed by translucent red berries in the autumn. Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Star shaped white/pinkish flowers followed by clusters of black berries. Our native Spindle tree Euonymous europaeus) is a fantastic addition to a garden with its exotic looking pink flowers covering emerging bright orange fruits. And don’t forget the humble currants, they come in black, red and white varieties and make an edible hedge that stays compact, attracts the bees and you and the local bird population can argue over who gets to eat the berries in July.

Communities who haven’t gotten in touch regarding planting biodiversity are encouraged to contact Rachel on 02960633