Gardening

Magnificent magnolia makes a real statement M agnolia are prized for their large tulip or star-shaped flowers that usher in the spring. They come in a varied colour range from white, pink and purple through to yellow and they make a real statement if you’re looking for a special ornamental tree or shrub.

Magnolia can be incorporated into almost any garden style. They vary from small multi- stemmed shrubs to large trees and whilst full sun will give the best flowering, partial shade is well tolerated.

Smaller varieties like Stellata with its abundant flowers make fantastic patio features and some are evergreen and perfect for screening or being trained against a trellis or wall.

The magnolia is an aged species having been with us for many centuries. They became fashionable in Europe from the 17th century, have played a large part in Asian cultures and are popular in larger Chinese gardens.

The large specimens that we see giving an outstanding display of blooms often date back to the Victorian era as they are fairly slow growing. If you are tempted to remove a large magnolia give it a second chance and think of pruning it first.

They are fairly easy to grow and are best pruned midsummer to early autumn but they will thrive on neglect. Some prefer acidic soil or neutral and some, like magnolia grandiflora, prefer an alkaline soil so finding the perfect specimen for your soil type should be easy.

Like most spring flowering plants, the magnolia has a short flowering season but will often give another, although not so prolific, display later in the year.

Whilst we’re on the theme of covering shrubs, now is the perfect time to plant them. Think about a Garrya elliptica or silk tassel tree, which can be seen now with impressive long hanging catkins which can easily reach 20cm if it’s a male specimen. They do prefer a sheltered sunny spot as they are not very frost hardy but are not fussy about soil type.

With shiny silvery tinged leaves and long silky tassels, they are stunning at this time of year and there is a particularly good example in the gardens at Jinney Ring Craft Centre at Hanbury. Visit soon before it goes over. March is the time to give the lawn a little attention if it is not frosty, scarify out the moss and feed with a top dressing of lawn feed and weed. If the area is liable to water logging go over it with a fork and brush some silver sand into the holes to help with drainage. Repair any damaged or crumbled edges with new turf and for small worn areas now is the time to reseed.

Remove any well-established deep-rooted weeds like dandelions and daisies. Start to cut the lawn as soon as the weather allows but raise the height of the blades for the first few cuts, just removing the tips. Recut a nice sharp edge with a half moon edger for that well finished look and you will be all set up for the summer. Karl Strawbridge Wagon House Gardens The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, B60 4BU Tel: 01527 821421 Garrya elliptica

Gardening jobs for March

Protect new growth from slug damage Prune bush and climbing roses Lift and divide and replant large clumps of perennials Sow broad beans (see right), plant early potatoes and prepare the vegetable beds Last chance to plant bare root roses

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