Trees and Shrubs

February is generally regarded as cold and frosty with some snow, this winter has been exceptionally wet yet unseasonably cold in comparison to previous winters.

Because of the cold weather the growing season is delayed, this is the time to prune your fruit bushes and canes before the rising sap, trimming off the dead wood which has protected the main growth, clematis, rose bushes, and fruit trees are showing new buds.

Prune at an angle just above a new full bud, this will encourage the sap to stop at the last bud and not be wasted flowing up to the dead or dying parts.

Mulch with garden compost or bark and apply a dressing of general fertilizer

 

Lawns

Probably the focal point of most gardens ; now is the time to start working on your lawn if dry and no signs of frost, if the lawn is wet the blade of the mower tends to pull at the grass and possibly pull out the roots, also the grass sticks to the underside of the deck and foul the blade, the blade should cut the shards.

Another consideration to be aware of if the lawn is wet is the impression that walking on the grass and roller marks make onto the base soil

Rake vigorously and mow with blades set  high.

Spike badly drained lawns and brush sandy compost into the holes.

Feed the lawn to help grass recover from winter and apply moss killer if this wasn't done the previous autumn.