Cut out weak, thin growth, especially when it’s growing in the wrong place
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS LOCATION: WEST DEAN GARDENS, WEST SUSSEX
This is the time of year when the garden is just beginning to emerge from its winter phase, with the first daffodils and crocuses in flower. Despite this, February is still a month in which you can expect cold conditions. It is a lovely time of the year to get lots of gardening jobs done but without feeling rushed.
In terms of pruning, most plants are still dormant, so this is a good time for pruning many deciduous trees and shrubs, some of which will have dead branches after two very challenging years for trees – little or no rain, and then excessive rainfall. It is still a little early for pruning tender plants, and for evergreens, that will best be started either in March or April.