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Early spring gems
One of the breeziest and brightest of the early-flowering daffodils is aptly called 'February Gold'. This superb little variety is not as tall as the large trumpet daffodils that follow in a few weeks. Instead, it is about two-thirds the height and size, which makes it neat and tidy for use in small gardens as well as large ones. It also has its petals curving backwards slightly, which gives it a lovely jaunty appearance. Certainly, this is a plant to brighten the mood!
One of the finest flowering cherry trees is also one of the earliest to flower. Conrad’s cherry, botanical name Prunus conradinae, is a medium-sized garden cherry tree. It has neat clusters of pale-pink flowers in February, carried along bare branches. The branches angle upwards and the shape of the tree is very pretty, none more so than when it is clothed with blossom. The leaves soon open, bronze at first and later green. Unlike many cherries, the foliage is very wellshaped and the tree looks good even when not in flower.
Related to Conrad’s cherry, the purple plum, Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', has a completely different style. It has masses of small pink flowers and there is a white form too. The effect is more airy with pinpoint bright buds and blossoms. The branches and twigs are finer and dark in colour and they seem to blend into a background of brooding sky or dark foliage.
Snowdrops and crocuses are the first of the spring bulbs to make a show in February. Their small size makes a fine counterpoint to the harshness of the weather, but small flowers can cope better with difficult weather. These plants have a wonderful naturalness about them, which is why they are always best used and most effective, in semi-natural conditions.
Spring heathers offer a great deal of bright blossom in the early part of the spring season. Some of these have, of course, been flowering since early winter, but there are lots more varieties that come into flower about now. Even a few heather plants dotted around the garden can have a significant effect. They can be used on banks, rock gardens and the front of beds and borders
Lungwort is a special little plant for early spring. The flowers are produced even before leaves are sent. After a mild spell, a few short stems are tentatively raised and some red and blue flowers open. More stems are sent up eventually and a patch of lively red or blue colour is created. These are good for front of border and can be tucked in close to deciduous shrubs, helping to take the bare look off the latter.
Some people hold the view that March is the best time to prune, but others now believe that the correct time is much earlier and that latter view makes a lot of sense. Roses may start growth in late winter, especially in the south of the country. By March, the shoots can be as much as 15cm long and this growth is lost if pruning is delayed. Late pruning means late flowering in summer, whereas early pruning promotes early flowering and then flowering can continue for the remainder of the growing season. So if your roses are not pruned by now, do so without delay and resolve to prune in early February, or even January, in future.
Birds are busily checking out nesting places at the moment and soon they will want to build nests in preparation for the return of the foliage and the insects that feed on it. Birds devour large quantities of caterpillars and greenflies, among other insect pests. By encouraging all birds, in particular blue tits, you can provide valuable protection to the garden plants.
