There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to get outside at the first glimmer of warmth and sunshine. Perhaps it’s because we’ve been stuck inside for what feels like five hundred months of constant rain. Although it hasn’t been that long, it certainly seems like it. I love it when the weather is warm enough to enjoy spending time in the garden. Even if only for an hour or so it really is time well spent. Although we haven’t had scorching temperatures, here in the south east of England we’ve had a few days when there’s been blue sky, some with sunshine and some… well, I’ve just been thankful for some days with no rain!

(The pic in my featured image is what I’m aiming for in my little kitchen garden I’m working on! )

Spending time outside is so good for our mental health. The fresh air is a benefit, as well as getting close to nature. Spending a short while gardening is so rewarding – it gives you exercise and whatever task you do – no matter how small – will give you a sense of achievement and the satisfaction that you have done something good!

Who else is happy that the clocks have gone forward? Today dawn was at 6.40am and dusk will be 7.30pm – over 12 hours of daylight sounds blooming good to me! The birds are getting busy to build their nests and singing about it beautifully as they go about their business. Did I tell you I spotted a magpie pecking one of the dogs’ tennis balls in the garden the other day – can you believe it! Poor thing was desperately pulling out the fluff, it must have missed all the other garden debris that it could have used…

That brings me in to the point of my blog post. I thought I’d share a few jobs I’ve been doing in the garden over the last three or four weeks. Perhaps it will inspire you to get outside, or even act as a guide to what you could do if you have the time.

I’ve tried not to overdo anything, just spending a little time here and there getting the garden a little more spring-ready.

One of the first jobs I tackled was pruning the roses. I did this first because it’s important to get the timing right. It’s quite a daunting task because these beautiful plants put on such a stunning show every year and it feels a bit cruel to cut them back when they’re there enjoying the early spring sunshine and quietly growing in readiness for their summer show. However, by cutting them back fairly harshly, we’ll be helping them to maintain a great shape and produce gorgeous healthy flowers. March is the exact right time to prune roses.

By pruning now, while the plant is waking up and just starting to produce new shoots, you’re encouraging strong, healthy new growth. By getting rid of old and dead wood and cutting back some stems you will help improve air circulation, reduce the risk of disease, and ultimately give you better flowers in the months ahead.

I like to:

• Remove dead or damaged wood
• Cut back crossing stems
• Remove any rose hips

It always feels quite drastic at the time… but come summer, it’s worth every snip!

Pruning back the Red Robin

My red robin (photinia) had got a little overenthusiastic – in fact I hadn’t cut it back at all over the last couple of years so it looked like it was about to grow beans and wait for Jack to climb it. Note to self to keep it under control. A good trim keeps it neat and encourages a beautiful flush of fresh red leaves.

If you keep it under control each year it won’t need a heavy prune – just a tidy-up to shape it and stop it taking over. It’s a forgiving plant and responds brilliantly to a haircut.

Hard Pruning the Dogwood

The dogwood (cornus) has been cut right back, almost to the ground, which always looks a bit shocking for a few days! But this is exactly what keeps those vivid winter stems coming back year after year.

By hard pruning now, you’re encouraging fresh, brightly coloured stems for next winter. It’s a case of short-term sacrifice for long-term beauty.

Weeding and clearing

Not the most glamorous job, but probably one of the most satisfying, especially if you take a before and after photo!

A good clear-out of weeds makes such a difference, especially before everything really starts growing. It gives your plants space, light, and nutrients – and makes the whole garden feel instantly tidier.

I’ve also been tackling the brambles, which have a habit of creeping in where they’re not invited. Thick gloves are essential for this job and chopping them down or digging them up will help them become less prolific and easier to control when the weather is warmer.

Creating a new border

This has been a lovely little project.

I’ve added a border to the part of my garden path nearest to the house. My vision is for lavender, rosemary, salvia, nepeta and some brightly coloured ground cover plants to gently spill over the path. The intention is to soften the harsh concrete and just imagine the gorgeous scents as you brush against them. The reality at the moment is that the dogs don’t really understand what I’ve planned and keep trampling them but that’s a learning curve; in hindsight, I should have bought bigger plants but we’ll see how we go. I can always add to it if I end up with nothing left. Isn’t that part the joy of gardening – that it’s an ever evolving landscape – I LOVE it!!

Creating a kitchen garden

I’ve had raised beds for a couple of years now but they were just plonked on the grassy area between the path and the patio.

This year I’m working on making this a more intentional space! I’ve moved the three planters, giving space between them to make more of the area.

Here’s what I’ve done:

• Moved the three planters, giving more space between them.
• Filled the plants with a mixture of topsoil and compost.
• Laid weed membrane between and around the planters.
• Laid some stepping stones to create an informal path from main path to patio.
• Laid 20mm shingle in the whole area, creating a more seamless transition between patio and path.
• Planting will begin very soon!

Planting seeds indoors

While the garden outside is slowly waking up, indoors things are already underway.

I’ve planted:

• Dahlia seeds
• Sweet peas
• Nepeta
• Petunias
• Livingstone daisies
• Red bell peppers
• Butterhead lettuce
• Nasturtiums
• Basil, parsley and chives
• Zinnias

There’s something SO exciting about seeing those first tiny shoots appear. It a wonderful feeling to have a go at growing things from seed, it kind of makes you feel optimistic that spring is here and summer won’t be far behind it.

I’m super excited and hopeful that the dahlias and sweet peas will be a success and have already planned where they’re going!

Take it easy

If you feel like your garden is a bit of a mess after winter, you’re not alone. Mine certainly was. But a few small jobs, done little and often, can make such a difference. You don’t need to do everything at once, just make a start.

Pop the kettle on, step outside, and enjoy it.

Spring is quietly arriving… and it’s a lovely thing to be part of! 💚

All the best

Fiona 😊