At this time of year winter can seem never ending, so thank heavens for Snowdrops. The sight of their pointed leaves pushing their way through frozen soil reminds us that Spring is just around the corner and Is so up-lifting. They are much better planted in the green after flowering as opposed to dry bulbs in the autumn. You can order them by the hundred in the
spring at reasonable prices or lift and divide existing clumps after flowering to spread them out.
Jobs for January and February
- Prune old leaves from Hellebores so that the nodding blooms are easily seen. (Also reduces the spread of the leaf spot virus)
- Prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant. Remove dead or dying branches, and about 10-20% of the old wood, with the aim of creating an open centre.
- Peruse the seed catalogues and plan for the growing season ahead, order seed early to avoid disappointment.
- February is the month to prune hardy evergreen hedges such as Privet, Yew, and Laurel prior to mid spring growth.
- Prune Wisteria in February to encourage more flowering spurs, work your way over the climber cutting back whippy tendrils to two or three buds. (These should have already been pruned to five or six buds in the summer prune.)
- Sow a batch of Sweet Peas in a greenhouse or cold frame
- Cut back deciduous grasses left intact over winter, ready for new Spring growth.
Plant of the season
One of my favourite winter flowering shrubs is Sarcococca, otherwise known as Christmas box. An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and a fantastic addition to the winter garden but also adding structure year-round. The flowers are pretty insignificant, (a little cluster of white stamens) but they have an amazing scent that can be detected from meters away. They tolerate most soils and positions in the garden and are even tolerant of shade. After flowering they will sometimes produce black berries which the birds enjoy.
