Reproduced from February 07 issue of Gardeners' World magazine. This month's issue on sale now Subscribe now and save 30 per cent.
bird boxes...agapanthus...
Checklist
- Secure rabbit guards around trees to protect the bark.
- Treat fences and timber structures with preservative.
- Firm the soil around plants lifted by frost or wind rock.
- Pressure-wash patios.
- Get petrol mowers serviced.
- Check ties are holding trees firmly
Valentine's Day marks the start of this year's National Nest Box Week, organised by the British Trust for Ornithology to encourage us all to put up nesting boxes. At least five million boxes have gone up in gardens all around the country over the 10 years the campaign has been running and I've joined in too. My homemade nesting box has been used every year by blue tits. I've spotted them exploring the box as early as January, checking out nesting possibilities, so do put your boxes up as soon as possible. For more details visit www.bto.org or call 01842 750 050.
Beetle mystery latest?
My plea for help in identifying a large beetle spotted crawling over my garden bench was met by a chorus of replies from across the country. What an informed bunch of entomologists we have among our readers. The general consensus is that this was a longhorn beetle, but exactly which one is still in question - there are apparently about 80 species in Britain! Suggestions included the variable longhorn, musk beetle, European longhorn, house longhorn and dusky longhorn. On balance you thought my beetle was feeding on rotting wood and not a threat to my plants. Any other thoughts?
tip snow warning
If heavy snow falls in your area, be prepared to knock it from the branches of evergreen shrubs
and conifers. A build-up of snow can weigh down, damage and even break branches, so use a longhandled broom to brush it off regularly. Sweep and grit paths and steps, too, to avoid slipping.
Looking ahead: March essentials
Winter prune roses: It's your last chance to winter prune your roses, shortening old stems to promote new growth from lower down. Unpruned roses will grow leggy, bare at the bottom with flowers high up.
Plant agapanthus: Garden centres offer greatvalue pre-packed perennials, including agapanthus. They come bare rooted so need potting up in a loam-based compost and growing on for planting out later in spring.
Cucumber guide: March is the perfect time to sow cucumbers in warm conditions. Don't miss my complete cucumber sow-andgrow guide next month, with step-by-step advice on caring for greenhouse cucumbers.
Care for your shrubs: Some popular garden shrubs require hard pruning in late winter to control growth. If you grow buddleia or elder, look out for my pruning advice in next month's issue to keep your shrubs in check.