In the Garden

The weather over the past few months has been splendid and I have been enjoying some wonderful weekends in the garden. Not only have I been tidying up borders and mowing the lawn, I have been entertaining family and friends by serving up, if I do say so myself, my best barbecue dishes. I think I have truly surpassed my barbecuing techniques (I might be blowing my own trumpet now), but I’m very proud of myself.

However, as the early flowering perennials have begun to stop flowering I’m going to be spending my time pruning them back to the base and hope I get a second round of flowering. With the spring starting to turn into the summer season, I can now begin to fill my borders with some summer plants that will really bring a burst of colour into the garden. I’m really looking forward to getting my clematis, pansies, marigolds and busy lizzies planted up as I’m sure they’re going to look magnificent.

Mrs McGregor’s roses are wonderfully trained up to the trellis, but to encourage further blooms I will deadhead a few of them and try not to go overboard. I will have to keep a watchful eye on them as during this time of year roses are prone to insects and diseases. Luckily there are no signs yet, but if you have noticed anything make sure you act quickly and treat them with a fungicide or systemic insecticide.

Other Gardening Jobs on My To-Do List

• ·         Feed fuchsias weekly to encourage growth and flowering
• ·         Continue to weed (my favourite job of all)
• ·         Prune forsythia, weigla, philadephus and pieris
• ·         Dig up and divide primulas

There is a lot to do in the garden this month and if the weather continues like this Mrs McGregor is sure to have a challenge getting me to come inside.

With my to-do list complete, I better hop to it!

Mr McGregor