What do gardeners do when the sun shines? Answer - get out and enjoy the garden. The great weather we’ve been experiencing has been magnificent and it is a far cry from the wintry weather 6 weeks ago. Although March is the month that we see the first changes in the garden with the likes of Forsythia, Cherry Blossom and Daffodils in flower; April is the month when everything comes back to life. Blossom from Pear trees and Apple trees is set against a backdrop hazy green deciduous shrubs and trees which are bursting into leaf. April this year will undoubtedly be the month of the Tulip; it is my favourite of all bulbous plants and the mild weather we have been experiencing now will mean that many Tulips will peak towards the end of this month. Of course there are many other plants to look out for this month. The first: Fritillaria Meleagris. This has mauve and white heads with a checkerboard pattern which is why it gets its common name Snakeshead Fritillary. Another beautiful plant to look out for is Viburnum X Burkwoodii. I think it is underrated as an evergreen garden plant; not only does it not get out of hand (growing to about 2 metres in height and spread over 10 years) but it also has beautiful delicate white fragrant flowers at this time of year.
Things to do this month - It’s time to move any evergreen trees and shrubs if desired. It is also not a bad time to feed the grass, treat for moss and weeds and re-seed any bare patches. It’s a busy time in the vegetable garden too; Sow broad beans, brussel sprouts and summer cabbage and don’t forget to water and hoe regularly.
