MONTHLY TIPS

FEBRUARY

February, and things in the garden are starting to wake up.
The first of the bulbs are starting to break through, many are already blooming.
Buds are begining to swell on shrubs and trees.

We had a lot of sunny, spring-like days last year through February, so if we get the same thing this year, there's plenty to get on with in the garden.

Evergreens are the things that provide a lot of colour at this time of year, and there are quite a few shrubs that are looking good at the moment.

Senecio Greyi is an excellent shrub for the border. It has silver foliage all year round. In early summer it is a mass of yellow daisy-like flowers.

Elaeagnus Ebbingei 'Limelight' has large oval leaves that have a gold variegation in the centre. They also have an attractive scent in autumn. They grow to about 6ft in height and make an excellent shrub for the back of the border.

Skimmia Rubella is a striking dwarf evergreen. Dark green foliage with clusters of red flower buds all winter that open as white flowers in spring. We use this one a lot in winter and spring patio pots.

Conifers, of course are ideal evergreens, and come in all kinds of greens and golds. A well planned conifer bed can look excellent at this time of year.

For extra spring colour at this time of year, I always plant up the tubs and borders with primroses, a clump of brightly flowering primroses really is a reminder that spring is on the way.

 

All of the above plants are generally available at the nursery.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

VEGETABLES
Sow vegetables under glass.
Plant out shallots and onion sets.
Chit early potatoes ready for planting.

FRUIT
Prune all fruit bushes.
Plant new fruit trees and bushes as long as the ground is not frozen. Prevent bird damage by placing netting over trees and bushes.

FLOWERS
Cut back early and late flowering honeysuckle.
Sow half hardy annuals.
Prune clematis.
Continue to dead-head winter flowering containers.

GREENHOUSE
Sow greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, melons and peppers.
Take geranium cuttings.
Check heaters regularly.

LAWNS
LIghtly mow if conditions are right.
Spike established lawns in late February to let air in.

GENERAL
Keep all water pipes drained or lagged.
Apply lime if not already done in November.
Continue digging when conditions allow.
Avoid walking on wet or sticky soil.

 

Blenheim Nurseries was established about 20 years ago.
Specialising in growing a range of garden plants.
The nursery has grown steadily over the years attracting more and more customers from the local area. We produce a range of top quality bedding plants, basket plants, shrubs and perennials. In spring and summer the nursery is a mass of colour with hanging baskets, tubs etc many made to order for customers who have been coming back to us for years.

At Blenheim Nurseries the emphasis has always been on customer service.
Because we grow most of the plants that we sell we are able to give informed advice to our customers.
So if you need any help or advice on any of the plants that we sell, please ask, we like to try and help.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon

Bromley Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7SF
Telephone: 01206 870605

 

Contact us: johnharris@blenheimnurseries.co.uk

 

Opening times vary according to the seasons.
We are open:
Mon-Sat 9AM - 5.30PM or untill dusk
Sunday 10AM - 4PM