Helen and Dave’s Garden Calendar & Task List
February 2026
General Garden Maintenance
- Apply Growmore fertiliser to beds and borders – one handful per square metre, water in if no rain expected
- Continue mulching borders with spent mushroom compost or well-rotted manure, particularly around grasses
- Lay cardboard onto beds as weed suppressant before adding mulch layer
- Apply additional top dressing to garden beds as needed
- Check all plants for winter damage and frost protection needs
Lawn Care
- Monitor lawn for signs of leatherjackets (crane fly larvae) – look for brown patches and birds pecking at turf
- Watch for chafer grubs in lawn areas
- Keep lawn free of debris and fallen leaves to prevent disease
- Consider timing for lawn lifting and top dressing project (discuss with Dave)
Pruning Tasks
- Continue winter pruning of roses while dormant
- Apply winter wash to roses on pergola once leaves have fully fallen
- Tie down climbing rose onto fence to encourage horizontal growth and more flowers
- Cut back fuchsia to approximately 6 inches above ground level
- Thin out quince near conservatory – retain main shoots, remove thinner crossing branches
- When weather improves slightly, begin cutting back hydrangeas to new developing shoots
- Check wisteria on pergola and tie in any loose shoots
Planting & Transplanting
- Plant yew and other plants under the front hedge (weather permitting if ground not frozen)
- Move salvia from under olive tree into herbaceous bed when conditions allow
- Plant or decide on location for Amelanchier to replace removed Acer
- Consider planting additional Cotoneaster at base of front hedge for increased coverage
Feeding Specific Plants
- Feed camellia with Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) – 2 spoonfuls per watering can to prevent leaf yellowing
- Feed magnolia with Epsom salts to support healthy growth
- Apply Growmore around base of hedges to maintain health and density
- Feed acid-loving plants (Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Pieris) if showing signs of nutrient deficiency
Pest & Disease Management
- Continue monitoring for vine weevil larvae in container plants
- Watch for early signs of slug activity as temperatures rise
- Check roses for overwintering pests and diseases
- Look out for early aphid colonies on new growth
Hard Landscaping
- Apply Doff Patio Killer to paths and patios to clean and prevent algae buildup
- Plan patio renovation and shed improvement projects for spring
- Check all paving for frost damage and loose slabs
Container Plants & Bulbs
- Ensure containers have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Replant any bulbs that have been displaced or need repositioning
- Check bulbs are showing healthy growth
- Source large pot for Acer once decided on location
General Tasks
- Repaint garden furniture using Hammerite spray paint on mild, dry days
- Get chicken wire for protecting pots from squirrels and other wildlife
- Remove any remaining dead foliage from perennials
- Check plant supports and stakes are secure before spring growth begins
OUTSTANDING TASKS
Priority Tasks
- Cut down the conifer (recently added task)
- Plant under the hedge, including placing the yew plants
- Discuss with Dave preferred approach for lawn renovation (lifting and top dressing)
- Ask Dave to monitor for leatherjackets in lawn areas
- Check if birds have been pecking at lawn (indicates leatherjacket or chafer grub infestation)
Roses
- Complete winter wash application to all roses
- Tie climbing rose down onto fence for better flowering
- Apply winter wash to roses on pergola once leaves have completely fallen
Pruning & Cutting Back
- Cut back fuchsia to approximately 6 inches above ground level
- Thin out quince near conservatory – keep main structural shoots
- Cut back hydrangeas to new developing shoots when weather improves
Planting & Moving
- Move salvia from under olive tree into herbaceous bed
- Decide on planting location for Amelanchier (where Acer was removed)
- Decide whether to add more plants at base of front hedge (mainly Cotoneaster)
Feeding & Soil Care
- Feed camellia with Epsom salts (2 spoonfuls per watering can)
- Feed magnolia with Epsom salts
- Apply more top dressing to garden beds
- Mulch borders again, particularly around the grasses
- Lay more cardboard onto beds as weed suppressant
Hard Landscaping & Maintenance
- Apply Doff Patio Killer to paths and patios
- Repaint garden furniture using Hammerite spray paint
- Work out detailed plans for redoing the patio and the shed area
Pots & Containers
- Get chicken wire for protecting pots
- Replant some bulbs that need repositioning
- Source a large pot for the Acer
PROJECT IDEAS & FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Based on the garden report and ongoing discussions:
Front Garden Enhancement
- Consider increasing winter coverage of front hedge with additional Yew or Lonicera nitida plantings
- Evaluate need for additional Cotoneaster at hedge base
- Monitor hedge health and feeding requirements
Lawn Improvement Project
- Discuss detailed lawn renovation plan with Dave
- Consider whether to lift sections for top dressing
- Evaluate bio lime application trial area results
- Plan overseeding with clover for climate resilience if desired
Major Projects
- Patio renovation and redesign
- Shed area improvements
- Long-term planting scheme to replace lavender bed
Climbers & Vertical Interest
- Plan eventual replacement of Clematis montana with Clematis armandii near shed
- Ensure wisteria on pergola is properly trained and supported
- Consider additional climbing plants for house corners
Pest Control Strategy
- Review effectiveness of companion planting (Calendula, Nasturtiums) around roses
- Plan timing for nematode applications (slugs, vine weevils) when weather warms
- Monitor ant activity in lawn following lime application
RELEVANT GARDENADVICE.CO.UK RESOURCES
Feeding & Fertilising
- Hose-end Feeder Guide: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/plant-hose-end-feeder-and-sprayer/
Pest Control
- Controlling Slugs: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/controlling-slugs/
- Ant Problems in Garden: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/ant-problems-in-the-garden/
Weeds
- Difficult Garden Weeds: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-plants/difficult-garden-weeds/
Plant Support
- Supporting Plants: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/blog/support-your-plants-this-summer/
Composting
- Creating Simple Compost Heap: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/tomsgarden/creating-a-simple-compost-heap/
Watering
- Watering Houseplants Guide: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/houseplants/watering-your-houseplants/
Client Garden Page
- Helen’s Garden Blog: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/helens-chester-garden/
NOTES FOR FEBRUARY
Weather Considerations: February can be unpredictable with frost, rain, and occasional mild spells. Prioritise tasks that can be done in varied conditions and avoid working on waterlogged soil.
Key Focus Areas:
- Complete winter pruning while plants remain dormant
- Prepare soil with mulch and fertiliser for spring growth
- Address outstanding structural tasks (hedge planting, conifer removal)
- Plan major projects for execution in spring
Equipment Needs:
- Hammerite spray paint for furniture
- Chicken wire for pot protection
- Large pot for Acer
- Winter wash for roses
- Epsom salts for acid-loving plants
- Doff Patio Killer
- Additional cardboard and mulch materials