{"id":985,"date":"2026-01-09T17:16:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T16:16:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/helens-chester-garden\/?p=985"},"modified":"2026-02-08T12:00:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T11:00:37","slug":"helen-and-daves-garden-calendar-task-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/helens-chester-garden\/helen-and-daves-garden-calendar-task-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Helen and Dave’s Garden Calendar & Task List"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

General Garden Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Apply Growmore fertiliser to beds and borders – one handful per square metre, water in if no rain expected<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Continue mulching borders with spent mushroom compost or well-rotted manure, particularly around grasses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lay cardboard onto beds as weed suppressant before adding mulch layer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Apply additional top dressing to garden beds as needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Check all plants for winter damage and frost protection needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Lawn Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Monitor lawn for signs of leatherjackets (crane fly larvae) – look for brown patches and birds pecking at turf<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Watch for chafer grubs in lawn areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Keep lawn free of debris and fallen leaves to prevent disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Consider timing for lawn lifting and top dressing project (discuss with Dave)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Pruning Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Continue winter pruning of roses while dormant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Apply winter wash to roses on pergola once leaves have fully fallen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Tie down climbing rose onto fence to encourage horizontal growth and more flowers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cut back fuchsia to approximately 6 inches above ground level<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Thin out quince near conservatory – retain main shoots, remove thinner crossing branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • When weather improves slightly, begin cutting back hydrangeas to new developing shoots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Check wisteria on pergola and tie in any loose shoots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Planting & Transplanting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Plant yew and other plants under the front hedge (weather permitting if ground not frozen)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Move salvia from under olive tree into herbaceous bed when conditions allow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Plant or decide on location for Amelanchier to replace removed Acer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Consider planting additional Cotoneaster at base of front hedge for increased coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Feeding Specific Plants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Feed camellia with Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) – 2 spoonfuls per watering can to prevent leaf yellowing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Feed magnolia with Epsom salts to support healthy growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Apply Growmore around base of hedges to maintain health and density<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Feed acid-loving plants (Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Pieris) if showing signs of nutrient deficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Pest & Disease Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Continue monitoring for vine weevil larvae in container plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Watch for early signs of slug activity as temperatures rise<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Check roses for overwintering pests and diseases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Look out for early aphid colonies on new growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Hard Landscaping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Apply Doff Patio Killer to paths and patios to clean and prevent algae buildup<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Plan patio renovation and shed improvement projects for spring<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Check all paving for frost damage and loose slabs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Container Plants & Bulbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Ensure containers have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Replant any bulbs that have been displaced or need repositioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Check bulbs are showing healthy growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Source large pot for Acer once decided on location<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  General Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Repaint garden furniture using Hammerite spray paint on mild, dry days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Get chicken wire for protecting pots from squirrels and other wildlife<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Remove any remaining dead foliage from perennials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Check plant supports and stakes are secure before spring growth begins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n\n\n\n

                    OUTSTANDING TASKS <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Priority Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Cut down the conifer (recently added task)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Plant under the hedge, including placing the yew plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    3. Discuss with Dave preferred approach for lawn renovation (lifting and top dressing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    4. Ask Dave to monitor for leatherjackets in lawn areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    5. Check if birds have been pecking at lawn (indicates leatherjacket or chafer grub infestation)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      Roses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Complete winter wash application to all roses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Tie climbing rose down onto fence for better flowering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Apply winter wash to roses on pergola once leaves have completely fallen<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Pruning & Cutting Back<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Cut back fuchsia to approximately 6 inches above ground level<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Thin out quince near conservatory – keep main structural shoots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        3. Cut back hydrangeas to new developing shoots when weather improves<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Planting & Moving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Move salvia from under olive tree into herbaceous bed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. Decide on planting location for Amelanchier (where Acer was removed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Decide whether to add more plants at base of front hedge (mainly Cotoneaster)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Feeding & Soil Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            1. Feed camellia with Epsom salts (2 spoonfuls per watering can)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Feed magnolia with Epsom salts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            3. Apply more top dressing to garden beds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            4. Mulch borders again, particularly around the grasses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            5. Lay more cardboard onto beds as weed suppressant<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Hard Landscaping & Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              1. Apply Doff Patio Killer to paths and patios<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              2. Repaint garden furniture using Hammerite spray paint<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              3. Work out detailed plans for redoing the patio and the shed area<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                Pots & Containers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Get chicken wire for protecting pots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. Replant some bulbs that need repositioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                3. Source a large pot for the Acer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  PROJECT IDEAS & FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Based on the garden report and ongoing discussions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Front Garden Enhancement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  • Consider increasing winter coverage of front hedge with additional Yew or Lonicera nitida plantings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Evaluate need for additional Cotoneaster at hedge base<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Monitor hedge health and feeding requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Lawn Improvement Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    • Discuss detailed lawn renovation plan with Dave<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Consider whether to lift sections for top dressing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Evaluate bio lime application trial area results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Plan overseeding with clover for climate resilience if desired<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Major Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                      • Patio renovation and redesign<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Shed area improvements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Long-term planting scheme to replace lavender bed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        Climbers & Vertical Interest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        • Plan eventual replacement of Clematis montana with Clematis armandii near shed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Ensure wisteria on pergola is properly trained and supported<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Consider additional climbing plants for house corners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                          Pest Control Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                          • Review effectiveness of companion planting (Calendula, Nasturtiums) around roses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • Plan timing for nematode applications (slugs, vine weevils) when weather warms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • Monitor ant activity in lawn following lime application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                            \n\n\n\n

                                            RELEVANT GARDENADVICE.CO.UK RESOURCES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Feeding & Fertilising<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                            • Hose-end Feeder Guide: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/plant-hose-end-feeder-and-sprayer\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                              Pest Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                              • Controlling Slugs: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/garden-pests\/controlling-slugs\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • Ant Problems in Garden: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/garden-pests\/ant-problems-in-the-garden\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                Weeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                  \n
                                                • Difficult Garden Weeds: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/garden-plants\/difficult-garden-weeds\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Plant Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \n
                                                  • Supporting Plants: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/support-your-plants-this-summer\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Composting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \n
                                                    • Creating Simple Compost Heap: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/creating-a-simple-compost-heap\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Watering<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \n
                                                      • Watering Houseplants Guide: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/houseplants\/watering-your-houseplants\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Client Garden Page<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \n
                                                        • Helen’s Garden Blog: https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/helens-chester-garden\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \n\n\n\n

                                                          NOTES FOR FEBRUARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Weather Considerations:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Key Focus Areas:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Complete winter pruning while plants remain dormant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Prepare soil with mulch and fertiliser for spring growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Address outstanding structural tasks (hedge planting, conifer removal)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Plan major projects for execution in spring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Equipment Needs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Hammerite spray paint for furniture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Chicken wire for pot protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Large pot for Acer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Winter wash for roses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Epsom salts for acid-loving plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Doff Patio Killer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Additional cardboard and mulch materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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