February In the Garden
After a long January, the shortest day has passed, days get longer and soil temperatures start to increase. Daffodils and primroses make a welcome appearance in gardens and roadside verges, brightening up our journey to work. It also means there is plenty to do as the garden comes to life after the winter.
Prune winter flowering shrubs that have finished flowering. They usually flower on the previous year’s growth. Pruning immediately after flowering allows the maximum time for development of young growth to provide the following year’s flowers before the end of summer. Examples include Winter Flowering Jasmine. winter-flowering heathers, Mahonia.
Deciduous grass can be cut back hard. Deciduous grass turns a golden, straw brown which add movement and interest over winter but need to be cut back hard to allow new growth to flourish. Trim to 3-6 inches from the ground, avoiding the crown of the plant.
Bush roses, and repeat-flowering climbers, should be pruned early Feb if not already done.
Prune Wisteria. While wisteria can be left unpruned if space allows it will produce a better show and flower more often if pruned 2 x annually.
Remove faded flowers from winter pansies to encourage a second display
February is still in the bare root planting season so there is still time to plant Bare root plants. Planting bare root is cheaper, easier and faster than planting container-grown plants. The plants also establish and grow very quickly.
Clean / rake out borders and shrub beds. Debris like leaves and twigs can harbor slugs and other unwanted pests as well as potentially damaging the stems.
Avoid walking on lawns if it is wet or frozen.
For help carrying out any gardening tasks please contact me via the contact page
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I am a keen gardener but can no longer do the heavier work. Tony comes around and carries out all the tasks I cannot manage; He has a great ‘can do’ attitude and his rates are reasonable.
- Billy, Ballymote
Tony came when he said he would and did a really professional job. Don’t normally give tips but gave extra €20.
- Brendan, Sligo town
Trees have established themselves very well. Residents are delighted. Hope to plant more next season now we have a winning formula.
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Mother Earth have been looking after my garden for the last 12 months. My garden always looks neat and tidy and well cared for. I work full time so now I can relax and enjoy my garden rather than just seeing it as a chore after work.
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Great job, Very pleased.
- John, Strand hill
Looks great. You should take on an apprentice and pass on some of those skills.
- Passer-by, Sligo
After a bad experience I was worried about employing someone else and the garden became a mess. An elderly friend recommended Mother Earth. Tony quickly and quietly brought the garden back to its original state and visits for a couple hours every month to keep it tidy. I now never think about the garden knowing that it is been well maintained.
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