Gardener's Diary

Daffodils in Heatherside Recreation Spring Diary

As I write this there are signs of spring already with daffodils now being seen since mid January and hawthorn hedges blanketed with green. We are still getting some frosts, but buds are breaking and we have a plethora of bulbs everywhere. Although continuing to give us unseasonable conditions, our weather so far in 2008 has not
been that unusual. January temperatures were a few degrees above average while in February only a fraction above. Rainfall in January was up by 20mm but February has been drier with 25mm less than average.

Things really are now starting to come 'alive' again after the winter and many bulbs are flowering extremely early.

The work load in our parks and open spaces is now beginning to build as the grass and weeds start growing and work is required to prepare the fine turf areas for the new season. Moss has been a real headache in recent years with mild damp conditions favouring this plant which is proving very difficult to control. Many of the old remedies are no longer available and modern chemicals have a much reduced impact on moss. We find we are increasingly having to rely on cultural means such as scarifying and aeration to have any impact, perhaps it is a good thing to move away from powerful chemicals but it can be quite a struggle to achieve affective control on a bowling green.

Another problem which effects all the turf area are worms, although these creatures are very welcome in many areas as they are nature's little cultivators churning the soil and incorporating organic matter as they go, they are certainly not wanted on turf sports areas as their casts can make a horrible mess of turf areas. This is again an area where some 10 years ago there were some very effective chemicals on the market now with removal of many of the old remedies we are left with fairly ineffectual substances which have limited effect.

We are now coming into the season where grass can be fertilised and selective weed killers applied to remove the broadleaf weeds. Any repairs needing turf could be finished in March while areas for seeding need to
wait until the weather warms up however, with our changing climate seeds are beginning to germinate earlier.

Some jobs to do around the garden include; Now is a good time to move or plant Snowdrops or Aconites which survive best if moved green, also divide and replant perennials where necessary.

Buddleia can be cut down hard now, this will ensure better flowers but, do apply a good mulch or feed after pruning.

Refirm any plants which may have been rocked loose by the winter winds .
If you have been feeding birds throughout the winter the RSPB remind us that we should keep feeding as some birds become dependent upon the provided food.

For information and advice, please visit BBC Gardening

For events and walks programme please visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure or for more gardening information and advice please visit BBC Gardening. Opens in a new window