5 hours Ago By Chanelle Georgina
Monty Don said now is the "best time to prune any shrubs and climbers, " especially flowering clematis, roses, and buddleia. I like to do this when I start to see new shoots appearing," he elaborated, adding that shrubs such as Cornus, Willow, and Sambucus can also be cut back. However, many amateur gardeners might feel a tad anxious when it comes to pruning correctly.
Thankfully, Monty Don shared his "one rule" all gardeners must follow in order to prune well. "There is only one rule to follow which is always cut back to something, be it a side shoot or leaf bud," he said. He added to his gardening blog : "Other than that do not worry unduly about outward facing buds or any such finessing.
" Pruning is an essential gardening task that helps encourage "vigorous new growth" that will produce "lots of flowers". The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advised that "many summer or late-summer flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between January and March". Buddleja davidii Caryopteris clandonensis Ceratostigma Hydrangea paniculata Leycesteria Lavatera Perovskia Hardy fuchsia Ceanothus species.
Any spring-flowering shrubs should not be pruned "until after they have flowered". A good, sharp pair of secateurs (i.e.
gardening scissors) are needed to prune plants and shrubs. Monty Don said now is a good time to mow the lawn, but only if the grass is dry. Plus, the lawn should only be cut back ever so slightly to "encourage good root growth".
By only giving the lawn a "light trim", the grass will be "a lot healthier" during the summer. It's also key to aerate the lawn by "sticking a fork in the ground and wiggling it about". This is to help prevent compacted soil that may start to grow moss on top of it.
"Mix up equal portions of sieved topsoil, sharp sand and sieved leaf mould or compost," Monty Don instructed. "Spread it across the area you have pricked and brush it in with a stiff broom, filling the holes with the mixture. This will help drainage and feed the grass.
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