Look out for Snowdrops!

Look out for the snowdrops that are now emerging in our parks, woodlands and churchyards. These delicate blooms are among the first to be seen in the New Year and when it gets warmer they release a fragrance. If you look carefully at the heads you can see their green markings inside.

Spring Gardening Tips and Advice

The adverse weather conditions have made it almost impossible to get out into the garden these past few weeks. It may seem like the warmer weather is a long way off but even in these difficult times there are small preparations we can make for the forthcoming Spring. Here are a few tips and suggestions.



Pruning Wisteria
If you are lucky enough to have the beautiful wisteria growing in your garden then now is the time to be thinking about pruning the shoots back to about 4-5in. This will ensure more abundant flowers later in the year.


Deadhead Winter Bedding Plants
Prolong the displays of your winter bedding plants by deadheading any faded flowers and removing any yellow leaves. This will encourage more colourful blooms well into the Spring.


Looking After Your Flower Beds
Get some good quality mulch and distribute evenly around your flowers beds. This will add valuable nutrients to the soil. You can also give any potted plants a new lease of life by replacing the top layer of soil with a little compost.


Pruning Summer Clematis
Give your summer flowering Clematis a good prune – this may seem a little drastic but it will give the plant the chance for rapid new growth during the coming Spring.


Safety in the Garden
Of course, at this time of year it is really important to take care in the garden. Try to avoid going out in the icy conditions unless it is absolutely necessary.