Spring is so close we can almost taste it and this year in particular, the need for warmer days and new beginnings is greater than ever. March welcomes wonderful carpets of colour from spring perennials and bulbs bringing cheer to our gardens and faces in abundance. It is a month full of preparation for the new season and anticipation of all last year's hard work coming to fruition.  Grab those gloves, breathe in the fresh air and get sowing, pruning and renewing, but don't let those late frosts catch you out!

1. It's nearly Mother's Day and there is no greater gift than one that can bring joy year after year.  Whatever your budget we have something for you, from spring bulbs to blossom trees.  Click here for inspiration.  If you're a Langthorns loyalty card holder then take advantage of our free pottting service when choosing plants and a pot and there is no need to even get your hands dirty!

2. Revitalise containers, baskets and borders with some bright and cheerful colour.  Try combining spring bulbs, such as Tulips and Daffodils, Crocus, Anemone Blanda, Chionodoxa, Iris reticulata, with spring bedding and evergreens, such as Ferns, Grasses, Heuchera, Skimmia or spring heathers.

3.  Get seed sowing.  There is no better feeling than sowing your own seeds, nurturing them and watching them grow from day to day.  We now stock a fantastic range of annual, perennial and vegetable seeds. Click here to view the full range.

4. If a dry period presents itself tackle those early weeds when they are small and easy to remove and give existing lawns a first mow on the highest setting.

5. Prune 1/2 or 1/3 of established colourful Cornus and Salix stems to promote new vibrant growth for dazzling displays later this year.  Repeat next year with the remaining stems.

6. If you have left last years blooms on your mophead hydrangeas, now is the time to deadhead and prune.  Cut just above the first pair of buds below each bloom and remove any weak or damaged branches.

7. Lift and divide older clumps of herbaceous perennials to encourage healthy growth and of course make new plants!  Do this approximately every 4 years for best results. Dig up the whole plant with as much root as possible, pull the clump apart using two forks back to back and replant the young healthy growth. 

8. Providing the weather isn't severely cold and frosty, now is the best time to prune bush and climbing roses.  Pruning will rejuvenate your plant and encourage lots of strong, healthy new growth.  Start by removing dead, weak and diseased stems, and then concentrate on crossing or rubbing stems.  By opening the centre of the plant, you'll promote good air flow and better health.  For further information, see our Rose Pruning Information Sheet.

9. Prune shrubs that flower on new stems such as Buddleja and Caryopteris to maintain shape and size and encourage healthy growth and maximum flowering.  They'll respond well to a hard pruning, so you can cut the older, woody stems to within 2-3 buds.  Follow with a slow release plant food and mulch.

10. Plant some charming Alpine pots for a fabulous spring display.  Click here for planting advice and plant ideas.

11. Apply an organic balanced feed such as PlantGrowSoil Conditioning Fertiliser or Fish, Blood and Bone to fruit trees and bushes.  If you don't own any, then why not treat yourself . . . there is nothing tastier than freshly picked produce and you don't need a huge garden either! we have a fantastic range available grown on dwarf rootstocks, which are perfect for smaller gardens.

12. Chit early potato tubers.  Old egg boxes are perfect for placing seed potatoes into.  Place them in a cool, light spot indoors for 4-6 weeks until they produce shoots around 2cm long.  Click here to view our range of seed potatoes.

13. Treat yourself to a spring shrub or tree with sensational blooms, such as an Amelanchier, Calycanthus, Loropetalum or Magnolia.  Click here for Spring Plant Inspiration.

      

15. Remove the top 2-3cm of old compost from permanent pots and top dress with fresh compost.