Handy Hints
Plants that provide interest in the month of March
This is the month when we welcome the most fascinating season of the year, Spring. It
started early this year with crocuses flowering last month, and daffodils all of a sudden
opening their vivid yellow trumpet-like blooms. Soon to follow will be another splash of
golden colour: the bright blossom on the forsythia shrubs that come into flower before the
leaf buds open. Polyanthus and primroses providing a variety of colours come into their
own this time of year. Early spring heathers with their whites and pastel pinks contribute
to the overall theme of a garden. Usually found planted against a wall, the red and pink
flowering Japanese Quince provides some rich March colour.
Herbaceous perennials
Lift and divide as appropriate, if not done already. Management of the herbaceous border
is necessary to prevent overcrowding and to provide smaller, healthier clumps.
Garden alterations and re-planning
It’s that time of year when we need to plan our gardens for the new season. See what
changes you may like, either to make the task of maintenance easier, or perhaps to create
additional features. If you need any professional help, Rob Blann will be pleased to
assist.
Fruit trees
Winter-prune immediately, if not done already.
Trees
Any pruning of deciduous trees should have been done while they were still dormant. All
forms of tree surgery, including topping, shaping, lopping, thinning and felling should be
carried out by suitably qualified personnel employed by a reputable long-established
company such as Rob Blann Garden Services.
Wobbly saplings, shrubs and roses
Paying particular attention to those planted in the autumn, check for movement in the soil
and re-firm any that have become loosened by March winds or frost but only do this when
the surface of the soil is fairly dry or it may become compacted. With young trees, check
stakes and ties, and renew if necessary. If a plant is allowed to wobble back and forth in
the soil, its growth and general health will be inhibited.
Digging
Dig and weed the beds and borders if not already done. Apply a thick dressing of soil
conditioner (a rich, dark organic medium which not only improves the texture of the soil
and feeds the plants, but also provides a good healthy-looking finish to the garden).
Digging can be a back-breaking job so do take care. Don't struggle and do yourself an
injury, call in the professionals, Rob Blann.
Levelling a bumpy lawn
Choose a time when the soil is fairly dry. Bumps and hollows in the lawn can be levelled
out by lifting small areas of the turf and either adding or removing soil as appropriate.
Laying a new lawn or replacing a bad one
This can be done providing the ground is not frozen or the soil is waterlogged. The art of
creating a new lawn is in the ground preparation, for it is most important to carry out
the following tasks: firstly, dig over the ground and remove any roots, large stones and
any other debris; secondly, rake level; then consolidate the soil by repeatedly walking
over it with your weight over your heels; and finally rake to a fine tilth before laying
good quality turf. A lawn is meant to stay level, its no good if after 18 months it starts
to sink in places, so do make sure the ground is well consolidated before you lay that
turf. To avoid disappointment later on, call in Rob at the beginning.
Fences and sheds
The winter is an ideal time to apply wood preservative. Repair or renew damaged fencing,
and re-felt that leaky shed roof. When engaging the services of a contractor or company,
ensure that the work will be properly carried out and guaranteed. Rob's your man.
Trelliswork
The use of a good trellis can be an asset when positioned correctly within the garden.
Heavy-duty trellis is recommended and the supporting posts should be sturdy and set 2 feet
in the ground with concrete. My advice is, if you are unsure, contact me and I will come
and view your garden and quote for the complete job; this service is free to you.
Archways and pergolas
Why not build an archway or pergola? If it's a natural looking feature you are looking
for, Rob Blann Garden Services specialise in rustic work.
Paving
Patios and paths can be laid now. When engaging the services of a contractor or company,
ensure that the work will be properly carried out and guaranteed. Rob Blann will be
pleased to quote for your patio or path, and even design it if required.
Ornamental trees
If pruning is required it should be done while the deciduous trees are still dormant.
Special attention should always be given to the overall balance and shape of a tree
when pruning or lopping. Remove any dead or diseased wood. Any suckers growing
from the base of the tree should be snipped off. For professional advice contact Rob
Blann.
Shrubs
Prune as necessary but be careful with certain shrubs or you will lose the coming
season's flowers.
Planting
Planting of container-grown shrubs and trees can take place now..
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Decking
