The Garden in February

After a mild December and January some bulbs are sprouting out of the ground whilst others are already in full bloom. That said, the plants and bulbs that are brave enough to put theirs stems above the parapet are in for a bit of a shock this month! Young stems and shoots can easily be damaged by hard frosts or fall of snow and there is very little you can do about it I'm afraid.

Skimmia and Mahonia which have seasonal interest at this time of year are less affected as they are pretty robust shrubs.

Skimmia japonica flower buds in snow

Snowdrops on the other hand are already out in force and what a welcome site they are too. They look great in clumps but just take a moment to raise their delicate flower heads to see the full beauty of their inner flower. They are so intricate; almost a world within a world...

Inside a Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) flower head

Other plants to keep an eye out for this time of year are Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose), Iris reticulata, Pyracantha, Eranthis, Muscari, Aucuba, Hamamelis trees (see below) and Crocus bulbs.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'

A couple of plants to keep your nose ready for are Daphne mezereum and Lonicera x purpusii 'Winter Beauty' both of which have white or creamy white flowers which produce perhaps unexpected at this time of year but very fragrant.


Herbaceous

If you have left seed heads and statuesque stems on herbaceous plants for the winter, now is the time to remove them. Keep enough stem on the bottom of the plant to protect any young shoots from wind, particularly if the site is exposed. The same goes for deciduous grasses which were left uncut in autumn/early Winter.  

Well established borders would benefit from being top dressed with John Innes as a base with a Hoof and Horn fertiliser (Slow release nitrogen) on top. If you have refrained from digging around plants until now, spread the fertiliser around then dig it in. 


Water features and aquatic plants

Continue to ensure that pools and ponds are protected from ice and get rid of weeds from the bog garden.


Lawns

When there is dry and mild weather, the lawns would benefit from being aerated and scarified. This is a good time to apply lawn sand and to treat moss in the lawn. Scatter worm casts with a soft brush or besom when they are dry. Do not mow your lawn before March comes! If you are planning to seed grass, preparation of the soil can begin as long as the weather is favourable!


Fruit and Vegetables

Good time to sow early peas and beans. Potato tubers will be available now, also for early crops. They can be sprouted in a light frost-proof room or maybe in a shed. Shallots can be planted now and carrots can be sown in a cold frame, in fertile soil. Net fruit to reduce the risk of damage by pigeons.


General 

Good time to plant trees, shrubs and deciduous hedges (Pick mild weather).  Overgrown hedges should be pruned back towards the end of the month. Autumn bulbs can be bought cheaply this time of year. Well worth buying a few as they will still flower, even if a little later than 'normal'. Check the bulbs for disease and that they are hard to touch when squeezed.

Prune Wisteria plants and winter flowering shrubs which have finished flowering. February is the last month to think about pruning apple and pear trees.

Plant and/or divide bulbs in-the-green; Galanthus (Snowdrops or Eranthis (Aconites). Also divide large herbaceous plants.