Gardening by Month - March

The winter has been a washout, but it’s time to prepare for spring and look forward to months of enjoyment in the garden.

While the soil is still damp, it’s a good time to get new shrubs established. It’s Mother’s Day on 15th March, so choose a gorgeous shrub as a gift or treat yourself. Our Plants of the Month are the rhododendron and azalea, with 20% off for Garsons cardholders.

If you don’t have space for a large shrub, choose a climbing plant to scramble up a wall or fence, such as a climbing rose. Japanese maples are an elegant choice for a small garden or courtyard. They can create a focal point, or overhang a pond or water feature. They look stunning in a large container.

Summer bulbs such as allium and agapanthus can be planted now the soil is starting to warm up. Bulbs can also be planted in containers to brighten up your patio. For an instant lift, you can choose ready-made planters filled with colour.

Plant sweet peas and sunflower seeds this month to give height and colour to your summer flower garden. Scatter some wildflower seeds for a gorgeous natural look. Cornflowers and poppies are lovely, and there are plenty more to choose from, including mixed packets of wildflower seeds.

If you haven’t ventured into the garden much since the rainy weather, take some time to clear any fallen branches and leaves. It’s satisfying to see new life bursting through when you clear the borders, and it looks so much neater.

Thinking ahead to the drier months, if you don’t already have a water butt, invest in one so it can be full by the time the hot weather is with us. A mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around established shrubs and hedges will help moisture retention in the soil as well as keeping weeds at bay.

Until next month, happy gardening!