The garden in March.

So the new season is underway. We have all seen the massed groups of Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrops) under the trees and hedges, but how many of us have actually stopped to investigate the small white flowers which are biggest sign of spring since Christmas?

When you have a moment, and bend down and look up into the centre of the flower, you might get a surprise. The white de drop flower heads which nod gently in the early morning before the sun is out are only half the story.

The outer white tepals give the flower it's familiar shape whilst the shorter inner ones which generally have green coloured markings are generally accepted as being guides for insects to direct them to nectar. In doing this, the stamens are brushed upon and the insect receives a shower of pollen.

Galanthus nivalis inverted to show the inside of the flower

Whilst the common english snowdrop is one of around 20 wild snodrops, there are a growing number of around 250 cultivars around, all slightly different from each other.  Collectors pay an enormus amount of money for them; in one case, a single bulb was actioned for £150 a few years ago. 'Snowdropmania' as it has been called, is set to produce massive prices for bulbs as the European market gets addicted to.

This first happened with tulip bulbs in the early 17th century when people were buying them for ridiculous amounts. In 1635, a sale of 40 bulbs was recorded to have cost 100,000 florins. Just as a comparison, 1 ton of butter cost 100 florins and an average yearly wage was around 150 florins in that year. The bubble burst in 1637 when sellers could not get the inflated prices they were now accustomed too. Many businessmen and well healed Dutch society were financially ruined.

That said, there are some beautiful varieties to try, including the double petal varieties.

The more unusual ones are worth the effort. Whether they are worth the money is only for you to decide! The clump of 'Wendy's Gold' below would set you back the best part of £300...

Galanthus nivalis 'Wendy's Gold'

By this time, my favourite flowers at this time of year are out. Helleborus are very beautiful plants which grow in dappled shade under tree branches. There are hundreds of variations of variety to choose from, each and every one are very beautiful to look at.  

Helleborus orientalis 

Keep your eyes open for Crocus, Euphorbia and of course Narcissus this time of year too. Shrubs like Berberis can look good for most of the year with interesting leaf colours but Berberis 'Pow Wow' is stunning this time of year with delicate yellow flowers set amongst its sharp spikes. 

Daphne's might be just going over at this point, but the flowers are really pretty and best of all, they smell devine in order to attract insects to pollenate them.

Daphne mezereum 'Alba'

Andy

So, here's a few things to do in the Garden in March...


Herbaceous

Good time to divide plants which have outgrown their allotted space or are becoming overcrowded and are not flowering as well as they used to.. Hellebores (after flowering), Hostas (before the leaves appear). Ornamental grasses and other perennials which were left for winter interest need to be cut down now if not already done. If you look closely you will see the new growth starting at the base so be careful not to take all this off too if possible!  


Hedges

Deciduous hedges can still be planted up to the end of March. Feed hedges with a general purpose fertiliser.


Water features and aquatic plants

When the temperatures start to improve, remove pool heaters and check pumps and other electrical systems are in good order after the winter. Remove nets which were put over the pond to prevent leaves from collecting in the bottom.


Lawns

When there is dry weather and the lawn is showing signs of springing back into life, give it a mow! (Keep the blades high for the first cut). New turf can be laid. Apply a high nitrogen spring/summer lawn fertiliser.


Fruit

Weed then mulch around fruit trees which have been recently planted. Prune Autumn Raspberries, Gooseberries and Blueberries. Check ties on fruit canes and fans, loosening and tightening as and when necessary.


Vegetables

Plant Shallots, Garlic and Onion sets as well as Jerusalem Artichoke's and Asparagus crowns. Many other vegetables can be planted at this time including broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, peas, spinach, leeks, swiss chard and turnip but in all cases sow the seed only if the weather is suitable! Uncover forced rhubarb and let them grow in the 'sun'!
 

Shrubs

Feed shrubs with a general purpose fertiliser. Cut back dogwoods now the new growth is starting to appear again. This will stimulate new brightly coloured stems to shoot up again. Summer or late flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between January and March. Once the flowers have been and gone, prune winter flowering jasmine.


General 

This may seem strange but containers can often go dry this time of year so it is worth just checking on your pots and planters to check. Aim to keep pots damp rather than wet.

Borders can be fed with a general purpose fertiliser. Check the manufacturer's instructions for spreading details.

Top dress pots and planters with compost.

Plant summer flowering bulbs.

Keep your eyes on newly sprouted shoots as slugs will be after their first juicy meal of the year! 

Hardy annual seeds can be sown in pots then keeping sheltered, or if it is mild weather, plant them directly into the ground.

Deadhead Narcissus flowers when they are fading but do not cut off the leaves.

Feed trees with a general purpose fertiliser.

Prune autumn flowering clematis (Group 3).


The garden advice and plant information contained on this page has been created as accurately as possible, but localised weather conditions and yearly variations in climate mean that information should be used as a general guide only and acted upon accordingly.

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