Another muddle out of the way? A sunlit and very soggy month has slipped by. Some days were really quite uplifting and certainly in the middle of the month, there were some joyous moments. But my goodness the squelching was quite something. It is astonishing how quickly we can switch from wet to dry and with so much to do now, I hope that the drying starts soon. There were a few frosty days when the ground was almost quite workable, but recent attempts to pop in a few new pots of Snowdrops have been thwarted as each new hole became a bowl of water. If you are out and about this month keep an eye open for snowdrops in pots. Garden centre sales rely on flowers, and these are almost over, so there are some clearance bargains about and pots of tired leaves will come good next year.

Anyway, if the weather does start to turn, the growing season will be on a romp. Everyday through March new bud will emerge and within weeks Spring will be back. In the early days of the month, you can finish your pruning and the planting or relocating of trees and shrubs can be settled. The sap is rising and will bring everything back to life.

In the vegetable garden you can start to put out some potatoes and continue to set out onions, shallots and garlic. Rhubarb can be divided or planted anew and mid-season peas and broad beans can be direct sown into the ground. If have a sheltered spot, a frame or greenhouse or even a regularly seen (essential if things are to get watered) window sill, then play with some seeds. Many varieties of vegetables and flowers can be sown now. A pinch in a pot is a great measure for most domestic needs and you can always sow more later.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to tidy the lawn, then do snatch the first break in the weather. Lawns have become very untidy and there is a good amount of moss about.

And finally, look out now for flowering Cherries, I think they are going to be good this year.

P.S I love reading and everyday will find a moment to delve into my latest book. I have just finished a joyous celebration. If you enjoy reading and an intimate connection with the garden, then check out ‘In Kiltumper’

Happy Gardening

Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org