Gardening Advice for April
Spring has finally sprung and the list of jobs to do in the garden is growing!
1. Tend the lawn
Due to the sunny spells and light showers, our lawns will be growing again and needing more care and attention. Be aware of moss and weeds. Now is the time to act by using an all-in-one moss and weed killer and feed before they get established. This will create a healthy, luscious, green lawn. But remember folks, keep your blades high when cutting!
2. April showers
This is the month to embrace spring colour in all its glory, and usually it is a month where most early spring flowering bulbs, trees and shrubs are looking their finest. Unfortunately we have to expect the inevitable April showers. But don’t let this keep you indoors! With sunnier, longer days and lighter nights, there is much to do in our beloved gardens right now.
3. Spring refresh
April is a great opportunity to fresh up borders and pots. Every garden needs a good backbone so why not add Magnolia soulangeana, Forsythia weekend, Prunus pissardi, or Exochorda the bride? These are only a few of the varieties that will add that wow factor to any garden. Also, planting with beautiful Primula veris (common cowslip) will really lighten up the borders.
4. A good feed
Another top tip to get your garden ahead of the game in spring is to feed your shrubs and trees. Feeding now will encourage growth throughout the year so use Vitax Q4 to give your garden that head start. These products are available at most local garden centres.
5. Final cut
Prune Hydrangeas, cutting back old stems to a healthy new shoot. Hydrangea buds can easily be knocked off, so cut carefully using the tips of your secateurs. Make a cut on an angle away from the bud. A good prune will promote strong growth and large flowers.
6. Pond life
Start to add Aquatic plants and Irises to your pond to attract wildlife into your garden. Grow pond plants in aquatic compost, topped with grit, and choose plants that are suited for the space you have available. In addition to looking attractive, oxygenating plants can also help to keep the water clear.
7. Branch out
April is one of the best times to plant conifers and evergreen trees and shrubs. As the soil begins to warm up the roots will soon start to grow. A lovely option is Prunus Amanogowa, an upright columnar tree producing double pink flowers in spring time and stunning autumn colour. This beautiful tree is perfect for smaller gardens.
8. Sweet scents
Sow sweet peas at the base of supports, and transplant those sown in autumn into their final positions. They’re happiest in plenty of compost. Tie in the plants to help them get going. After a few weeks, they will attach themselves with their tendrils.
9. Rock garden
It’s a good month to freshen up your rockery. Clean any rocks which have a covering of moss and prune back existing plants that are overgrown. Then add new plants, such as Aubretia, Saxifraga and Dianthus, to fill gaps and add a splash of colour, turning over the soil first with a trowel.
Feature plant
French Lavender
My feature plant for this month is Lavandula stoechas or French Lavender. It is an easy to grow, evergreen shrub that produces masses of beautiful fragrant flowers above green or silvery-grey foliage. This plant thrives in a sunny, well-drained soil and also makes an ideal container plant or herb garden addition. Lavandula releases a relaxing aroma, perfect for making your garden a pleasant, peaceful environment. It also attracts bees to the flowers for pollination, creating an inviting hub for wildlife. It really is an outstanding, all-round contributor in a spring garden.
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