Tower and Town, March 2026 (view the full edition)The Thing About SpringThe joys and challenges of gardening in the UK are shaped by the seasons. Despite changes in climate we can still recognise, with some surprises, which season we are in and thus the relative needs of our gardens. Following on from the dark, wet winter Spring with its new signs of life and brighter colours brings an abundance of joy. It is a very special time of the year. The fresh green of leaves, trees and lush new grass are worth savouring too. It is a period to enjoy and a time to implement plans made in front of the fire in winter. Make that construction project a reality, revise faded planting schemes and experiment with new seeds and cuttings. Snowdrops (sometimes known as Wiltshire's weeds) are the first flowers that tell us winter is on the way out and by March they are ready to be moved as they have finished flowering but are still in leaf. Source a large clump, split it into smaller groups and replant in a shady, dampish area to create a swathe for next January. This might be the last chore on your mind when other plants need immediate attention but that is the thing about Spring. It is a juggling act with the need to prepare for Summer, whilst also thinking about the rest of the year and of course soaking in the moment. Spring is the season for bulbs to show off. Daffodils and alliums are amongst the most popular, and a vibrant source of colour, regularly returning year after year. Camassia bulbs, also known as wild hyacinth, put on a good show in late Spring, looking good either naturalised in long grass or planted in the middle of a border. They can be untidy after flowering so try growing them around a broad leafed Hosta which will cover the fading leaves. Many shrubs too provide a show in Spring and look good surrounded by bulbs. A flowering currant with its deep magenta blossoms and typical currant scent works well with Leucojum at its feet (as in the photo above). This bulb resembles a snowdrop but is taller and flowers later. This combination is hardy and frost tolerant. Chalky soil is not conducive to growing Magnolias but choosing Magnolia Stellata will work if protected from frost. Whilst buying new plants and looking forward to planting them in warm soil remember at this time of the year the weather can be frosty with cold winds or suddenly dry and hot ..... but that is Spring!
Anna Marsden |
