The Holyrood Gardener

Essential Spring Tasks

• Clear winter debris: Remove fallen leaves, branches, and any winter damage to prepare for new growth
• Prune shrubs: Cut back winter-damaged growth and shape summer-flowering shrubs
• Feed your lawn: Apply spring lawn fertilizer to encourage healthy growth
• Start weeding: Remove weeds before they establish - it's easier now than later
• Mulch borders: Add a layer of compost or bark mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Plant summer bulbs: Get dahlias, gladioli, and other summer bulbs in the ground

Scottish Tip: Be mindful of late frosts in Scotland - keep fleece handy to protect tender plants on cold nights.

Keep Your Garden Thriving

• Water wisely: Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation, focusing on roots not leaves
• Deadhead flowers: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering throughout summer
• Mow regularly: Keep grass at 2.5-3cm height - never cut more than one-third of the blade length at once
• Control weeds: Keep on top of weeding - they compete with your plants for water and nutrients
• Trim hedges: Give hedges a trim to keep them neat and encourage dense growth
• Feed containers: Potted plants need regular feeding - use liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks

Scottish Tip: Make the most of our long summer days! The extended daylight hours mean plants can photosynthesize for longer.

Prepare for Winter

• Plant spring bulbs: Get daffodils, tulips, and crocuses in the ground for spring color
• Rake leaves: Remove fallen leaves from lawns but use them to make compost or leaf mould
• Scarify lawn: Remove moss and thatch to improve grass health before winter
• Prune roses: Cut back long stems to prevent wind rock damage over winter
• Protect tender plants: Move containers to sheltered spots or wrap with fleece
• Clear annuals: Remove spent bedding plants and prepare borders for winter
• Service tools: Clean and oil garden tools before storing for winter

Scottish Tip: Autumn can be very wet in Scotland - avoid working on waterlogged soil as it damages the structure.

Winter Garden Care

• Protect from frost: Cover vulnerable plants with fleece during cold snaps
• Clear snow from structures: Prevent damage to greenhouses, pergolas, and arches
• Check drainage: Ensure gutters and drains are clear to prevent waterlogging
• Plan for spring: Order seeds and plan next year's planting scheme
• Prune deciduous trees: Winter is ideal for pruning while trees are dormant
• Feed birds: Help wildlife through winter with bird feeders and water sources
• Stay off frozen lawns: Avoid walking on frosted grass as it damages the blades

Scottish Tip: Don't be too tidy - leave some seed heads and stems for wildlife shelter and winter interest.

Top Tips for Scottish Gardens

• Work with your soil: Test pH and improve structure with organic matter
• Choose appropriate plants: Select varieties suited to Scotland's climate and your specific conditions
• Improve drainage: Many Scottish gardens suffer from poor drainage - add grit or create raised beds
• Create windbreaks: Protect plants from strong winds with hedges, fences, or screens
• Mulch, mulch, mulch: Conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil with regular mulching
• Be patient with spring: Spring arrives later in Scotland - don't rush to plant tender species
• Make compost: Turn garden waste into valuable soil improver
• Encourage wildlife: Create habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and hedgehogs