Head gardeners tips for the Spring
In early Spring gardeners can still be taking the time to prepare the garden for the coming year. Spring is a good time for dividing any hardy perennials. Dividing helps make the most of the plants you already have in your garden, helping keep your garden tidy and encourage plants to bloom. A final cut down of borders will also help keep your garden ready for the next season and primed for early flowering plants.
Now is the time to add any plant supports which will help keep plants from falling down or snapping their stems. Climbing plant supports can also be used to encourage plants to grow in a certain direction to make the most of your space. At Hardwick we use natural plant supports from our trees such as Hazel and Birch which we harvest from the wider estate. These plants are easy to bend into plant supports and become almost invisible once the plant grows through them.
Any late flowering deciduous shrubs and climbers can be pruned now. Roses, Honeysuckle and Clematis. Make a note of how your spring bulbs are doing for ordering more or different varieties later in the year. Start to look at your seed requirements for the coming year to order soon. Borders can be cut down, weeded and mulched in preparation for the new seasons display.