In her March garden notes, Maggie Baldwin shares seasonal advice on supporting wildlife for World Wildlife Day, sowing hardy vegetables, cutting back Buddleias and preparing lawns for spring.
As I write this article, it is raining and feels as if it’s been raining since Christmas! I’m sure we must be due some drier weather soon and hopefully it will be this month. Tuesday 3rd March is World Wildlife Day. Birds still need feeding, keep an eye out for Hedgehogs as they come out of hibernation and as the first frogspawn arrives, leave plenty of rocks and logs near ponds to act as hiding places for mating adults.
If your soil is dry enough, hoe over beds or between rows of plants, all the better if there is a light breeze, as the weed seedlings dry up on the surface rather than re-rooting. Once weeds begin to grow it’s a good indicator that the soil is warming up and some hardy veg such as broad beans, carrots and parsnips can be sown early into prepared ground. Work some blood, fish and bone or other general fertiliser in around fruit trees to help the roots and general growth.
Buddleias, the davidii type, can be cut back hard to a low framework of stems. It not only encourages new growth, which will bear bloom in the summer and attract the butterflies, but it stops the shrubs getting tall and out of hand.
Depending on weather it may be possible to give the lawn its first mow; make sure the mower is on its highest setting. With the lawn mowed and the edges clipped it immediately makes the garden look tidier.
If any of you have any spare time you may like to consider volunteering with Thetford Town Council. They have a group of volunteers who help to maintain the troughs and gardens around the town as well as carrying out conservation tasks. Extra pairs of hands are always welcome!
Thetford Garden and Allotment Club will be holding their Spring show at the Methodist Church in Tanner Street on Saturday 11th April. Both members and non-members are welcome to exhibit. There are classes for spring bulbs, flowers, vegetables, culinary and crafts. Entries are 40p per item for members and 50p per item for non-members. Schedules are available from Chairperson Yvonne Rout, please email: yvonneout@gmail.com
Happy Gardening!
Maggie Baldwin
