1. It's Snow Joke! The 'Beast from the East' has met Portuguese Emma and we have a lovely blanket of snow this week. This will delay some of the tips below, so in the meantime, remember my tip from January - with larger shrubs just take some time to knock off the heavy snow fall. I'm lucky as I have a leaf blower and it does this job lovely with minimal fuss!
2. Mowers are back in business!
As long as it's not too wet (or snowy!), you can now get out and start cutting that lawn. Keep the cutters high for now and take only about 1/3rd off the length of your grass. March is also a good time to re edge the lawn with a half moon cutting or edging tool. Doing these things now will help your lawn 'shine' during the rest of the year.
3. March is a great time to seperate overly dense perennials (that is if you did not do in Autumn/early Winter). Carefully dig them up, gently divide with a fork or by hand, and re plant where needed. Apply some mulch or manure to help them on their way.
4. March is a good time to check over your ponds. A general tidy and clean is essential so that they are ready for the burst that will come from spring. Alas, I won't be doing mine this year as I am 'redecorating' my garden and removing the pond - not in a great place for the soon to be crawling granddaughter Gracie!
5. Here's a nice quote that supports the theme of 'right plant right place':
"I work with nature, not against it, and use only plants that will thrive in my area" (Sir Frederick Gibberd)
I work a lot with heavy Essex clay soil and I could not agree more with this quote. It is important when planning your planting to consider this - even if it means not choosing your favourite plants. Just put your favourite ones in pots!