A Few Cutting Remarks

February is short but sweet, says Will Clark, and full of anticipation of the long gardening season ahead

- Will Clark

FOR many keen gardeners, February is a fairly cheerful month. Snowdrops are blooming and the daffodils and other spring bulbs are starting to peep through. You can see buds appearing on your favourite trees and shrubs, and the days are getting noticeably longer. If the weather permits, there are plenty of jobs to do in preparation for the busy months to come.

Any perennials and grasses not cut back in the autumn can be done this month, but leave anything a bit tender for now, as the top growth will continue to protect from frosts. It’s a good idea to start with the tough characters, like geraniums, and leave things like salvia and penstemon until well into March.