As the first signs of spring begin to show, attention turns to neglected outdoor spaces – and Monty Don urges people to complete this task now
Gardens can look shabby at this time of year, as people begin to head back outside and begin a long list of jobs. And horticulturalist Monty Don has put one task at the top of all priorities, and that’s pruning.
In his list of March jobs, pruning comes near-top, and gardeners should act within the first two-weeks of the month to cut back shrubs and climbers. He said cornus, willow and sambucas are among the key plants that can be cut back “hard” to encourage more growth. “I know that pruning can be the cause of some anxiety,” he said. “But there is only one rule to follow which is always cut back to something, be it a side shoot or leaf bud.”
Pruning is often encouraged to promote new growth, which will produce an abundance of flowers. He added that for climbers, pruning can be a big help in stopping bulbs from appearing higher up, with the lower half of the plant being bare. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, roses are also among the top plants to prune as this is when they start to grow – but people must do this before any leaves unfurl.
It added: “Many summer or late-summer flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between January and March. Examples include Buddleja davidii, Caryopteris clandonensis, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata, Leycesteria, Lavatera, Perovskia, hardy fuchsia, and deciduous Ceanothus species.” It urged people not to get too prune happy, though, and to leave some plants for a little while that are on the verge of flowering around now.
This includes spring flowering shrubs, which can be cut back once they have flowered. Others to avoid are slightly tender evergreen shrubs, with Choisya raised as an example. This, the RHS said, is best left until next month. It also added: “Tie wall shrubs and climbers onto their supports to protect them from wind damage.”
Pruning and grass cutting
In terms of neatening up gardens, and cutting back some unruly plants, Monty Don also pinpoints mid-March as being the perfect time to get the lawn mower out. He says: “The grass will need mowing in March but do not cut it too short. Just give it a light trim for the rest of this month. This will encourage good root growth and as a result the grass will be a lot healthier and better able to resist summer drought.”