No - this book isn't my technical handbook. For those who appreciate it - a piece of terrific nostalgia!
So - what do we look for in the garden?
- A chance to mow the lawn on a dry day - but look out for mowing to hard (aim for approx 45-50mm for the first cut).
- Pulling out the strimmer and trying to make it work! - but look out for going too close to trees and shrubs or you will damage the bark ( it is just behind there that the sap goes up the plant to make the branches and leaves grow).
- Applying lawn weedkiller and fertiliser - but be careful on quantities or you will have no lawn left ( as a former client will testify!)
- Sowing grass seed in slightly warmer weather- usually the second half of April
- Getting into a routine for watering new trees and shrubs that will see you through the growing season - but look out for over-watering (2 or 3 times a week for 20 minutes is plenty especially on heavy soil).
- Tree ties that are beginning to squeeze the stems - don't tie them too tight because some movement in the stem is actually good for a tree ( it is the root that needs to be stable).
- Weeds that are beginning to make an appearance, especially in tarmac or brickwork - but don't use a spray in windy or very hot weather ( the weedkiller will "drift" and take out your beloved plants or lawn too!).
- A good spot to sprinkle your annuals onto bare soil - but watch out for the neighbours cat ( a few pieces of well-placed prickly Berberis usually do the trick!).
- Hard pruning evergreen shrubs such as Photinia, Griselinia, Prunus lusitanica and cut back to a chosen node to renovate Fatsia, Hebe, Cistus, Mahonia - but don't do it if a frost is due.
- Getting the best out of your Cotinus by pruning it back one fifth to encourage large colourful leaves
What else to look out for in Spring? Where does one begin? Birdsong, colour, fresh shoots, insect life, the cricket season, a nice spot to read the paper......take your pick.
Oh - and watch that back as well will you?!
