In the Garden: Signs of life picking up

AND just like that it was March, how did that happen?

Spring is definitely happening in the garden and signs of new life are picking up a pace now with previously dormant buds swollen with the promise of a new growing year.

Some early flowering magnolias are bursting buds and daring to flower amid the risk of frost and Rhododendron arboreum ‘Cornish Red’ is beginning to show off its spring coat of red bell flowers which will be produced in abundance over the next few weeks.

Traditionally Saint Patrick’s Day has always been a rough guideline for completing jobs like pruning and planting and this year is no different. Pruning can be undertaken no matter what the weather once there is access to beds from paths but working the soil is a different matter and planting sometimes needs to be delayed if soils are waterlogged as more damage can be done to the structure of the soil by compaction by machinery or pedestrian traffic.

TIPS FOR PRUNING

The dormant months are a great time to complete jobs like renovation pruning of shrubs that may have become too large for their space and late winter into early spring is a good time to do this. It may result in less or no flower for the year after as the plant recovers its shape and size but it will also result in rejuvenation of the plant and the production of healthy new growth where old and tired branches were removed.

Do be careful to research the tree or shrub that you may be considering pruning severely to ensure that it will regenerate successfully from the old wood as some plants may not and severe pruning will result in their ultimate demise. This all needs to be considered before heading out with the pruning saw, loppers and secateurs!

Seasonal pruning of shrubs like hydrangea, fuchsia and buddleja can all be done now with any dead, diseased or damaged branches removed initially, then step back and take a look at the overall growth habit of the shrub or tree before reducing the height and old flower heads. If it is congested looking at the center then consider removing a few stems near the base to encourage new growth.

Coppicing of hazel, willow and cornus can all be undertaken in the next few weeks and this will ensure that colourful young stems will be produced over the summer months for next winters display. Indeed it is a very busy time in the garden getting ready for the new growing year!

Annual pruning of fruit trees and bushes should be completed now before growth commences, apples, pears, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, loganberries and blackberries all need to be pruned and may need to be tied into a framework or support depending on how they are being grown.

Now is a good time to invest in planting some fruit plants if space allows and they can be purchased bare rooted at this time of year.

Also a great time to plant trees of all descriptions and with National Tree Week starting tomorrow there is not better time to get planting. There are a range of planting projects taking place all over the country and to discover events happening near you check out www.treecouncil.ie

TIME TO SOW YET?

It is still a little early for sowing seeds of most varieties but preparation is beginning in earnest for the growing year ahead. Cleaning polytunnel plastic and glasshouse glass or perspex is a good idea to ensure good light transmission for seed germination and growth. Cider vinegar is useful for eliminating pests and disease that may be lurking over the winter months.

Applying a thick layer of homemade compost will nourish the soil and lay the groundwork for a good crop.

Chitted potatoes can go into the soil once the eyes are a few cms in height and these will go on to produce an early crop in late May/ early June if planted now under protection. Any potatoes planted outdoors early in the year should be covered with horticultural fleece to protect against late frosts that can burn the emerging foliage.

Sowing seed of tomato, chillies, lettuce, onions, leeks, celeraic and sweet peas can all be considered now but unless plenty of protected growing space is available to move seedlings and transplants to then hold off for another few weeks. The weather at this time of year can still be very erratic and we do well not to get complacent so as to avoid disappointments.

At this time of the year we can all be a bit impatient to get out and get going but it is wiser to wait until growing conditions have become more favourable and consistent before planting in earnest.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Daphne bholua ‘Spring Beauty’, pictured inset, is at its flowering peak in the garden at the moment.

Flowering slightly later than ‘Jacqueline Postil’ and with slightly larger clusters of star shaped flowers with a stronger pink flush in the petals.

This is a beautifully scented early spring shrub that will draw you out into the garden to inhale its sweet fragrance.

Evergreen dark green leaves make this an attractive shrub all year round with its upright growth habit.

A medium sized shrub it will get to about 4m tall and about 2m wide.

Best grown in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered location as it does not like severe cold.

Will do best on a free draining soil and provide weeks of pleasure during some of the most inclement days in the garden.