With colour in the garden from daffodils and tulips, herbaceous perennials are beginning to emerge from their winter slumber.
Lawns are growing creating a lush canvas for flowers and new leaf growth; it is also a good time to lay new turf or repair damaged grass or bare patches. Make sure soil is well prepared and keep moist.
Remember the following:-
- There are chemical treatments for moss, but for me it’s a traditional rake to remove any excess. Power scarifiers are also available and help to remove grass thatch (congested roots from living and dead grass).
- Aeration or spiking grass using a traditional fork or simply walking using aeration sandals allows air, nutrients and water to penetrate grass roots. There are also power aerators, or hollow tines that remove a core of soil for more drainage.
- A crisp lawn edging using a half moon tool or adding an edge to control your new green carpet will set your borders off ready to ‘sing’
- Remember to cut grass higher until the end of April
- Another great tip is to mow in different directions to stop wash-boarding. It also helps grass stand up straight and look better
Now with the border detail:-
- Check tree stakes and remove once the tree is stable. 6-24 months is the usual period for staking.
- Weed borders.
- Sow annuals and protect from frost-also make sure seeds get enough light. Annuals are a great way to fill border until smaller plants mature
- Purchase bedding plants if you have a safe/frost free storage.
- Tie in roses, especially rambling ones.
- Deadhead bulbs for strong flowers the following year.
April showers leave your lawn green and borders flourish. One is organised ready for the joy May can bring.