Handy Hints
Plants that provide interest in the month of April
April is most notable for its blossoming bulbs: with the tulips following on from
last month’s daffodils and the grape hyacinths spreading across the beds. The
polyanthus are still flowering strongly and the biennial wallflowers come into their own
this time of year, to fill the gap between the winter bedding and the summer annuals.
Forget-me-nots, self-seeded from last year look pretty in between other border plants and
shrubs. On the rockery the perennial yellow flowering alyssum contrasts vividly with the
purple aubrieta. Let us not forget the magnificent magnolia which never fails to please.
Herbaceous perennials
If the herbaceous perennials have not been lifted and divided by now, then they are best
left until the autumn. Management of the herbaceous border is necessary to prevent
overcrowding and to provide smaller, healthier clumps of plants.
Garden alterations and re-planning
If you wish to add additional features to your garden or want to make other
changes, then consult Rob and benefit from his professional expertise.
Fruit trees
It’s too late to prune most fruit trees now. Discuss any requirements with
Rob.
Trees in general
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
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.
Rose bushes
Spring is the recognised time for hard-pruning the rose bushes, although there is no harm
done if they were pruned hard back in the winter. Roses particularly benefit from being
pruned well back. Spray every 14 days with Roseclear 2 to control aphids and blackspot.
Climbing Roses
The pruning of climbing roses is different from bush roses, mainly because a
framework of stems must be left and tied in. Spray every 14 days with Roseclear 2.
Beds and borders
Keep beds and borders free of weeds. Remember the old saying: one year’s seeds is
seven years weeds.
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 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
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 have been done while the deciduous trees were 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
