April showers this year? Can the garden take it?

Gardeners do seem to have had many challenges in the past few years. The “Beast from the East” and it’s frozen March temperatures in 2018, the record summer temperatures of 2022, and the cold snap in December 2022 which killed off many usually hardy plants have all contributed to weather uncertainty. A year after being told to prepare for drier summers we are hit with one of the wettest winters on record. Those drought-loving plants we planted for hot conditions have taken a hit this winter, but mostly where they do not have adequate drainage. When the rain finally stops, try to identify the soggiest areas and add grit and sand to beds and borders to improve drainage. Horticultural sand will also help to improve lawns and keep moss at bay. It may have been wet, but it has been a mild spring. After a relatively dull and grey start to the year, April will see gardens burst into colour: daffodils, forsythia, bluebells, aubretia, magnolia, vinca and flowering cherry blossom to name a few. One of the boldest spring displays is that of rhododendrons and azaleas. They range from dwarf specimens of around 30cm, up to 1.5m and beyond. If you need convincing, take a trip to Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham or Valley Gardens in Virginia Water soon to see wonderful displays in full glorious bloom. If you have acidic soil in your garden, they are a “must” and will thrive, especially in shady woodland conditions. Alternatively, azaleas will happily grow in ericaceous compost in pots; move them into the shade during hot summers and keep well watered. It’s wonderful to feel warmer temperatures and see brighter skies and longer daylight hours. Plants notice as well, so let’s get gardening!

David Hogg Buckland Nurseries