href="#fb3_img_img_0b43ad6e-17e2-54a9-a204-89c7545525cf.png" alt=""/> In mild winters, new rosettes of leaves may already have started to form at the junction of the old and new wood and these should be left undamaged.
PRUNING BERBERIS AND COTONEASTER
Barberry (Berberis) and cotoneaster shrubs, both of value for their berries, can be cut back to prevent them becoming too overgrown and woody. The thicker, tougher three-year-old stems (or older) are cut out at ground level, opening up the plant to allow more light and air to the centre.
LIFTING AND DIVIDING BORDER PERENNIALS
Hardy perennial plants which have been in place for three years or more can be lifted and divided now to make new plants. All the species listed are good for wildlife, and this is the simplest method of propagation. (Division can also be done in autumn.)
PRUNE SHRUB ROSES
The species shrub roses can be pruned now that the hips have been safely eaten during the winter months and while the plant is still dormant. Wild and species roses, whether grown as hedging or as shrubs, do not need annual hard pruning like the hybrid bush roses, but from time to time they will benefit from a light ‘tidying up’ — perhaps every three or four years. Dog rose (Rosa canina), sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa), Rosa rugosa, Rosa x alba, and Rosa glauca can all be treated in the same way.
PLANTING LILY OF THE VALLEY
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), best known for the delicious fragrance of its white, bell-shaped flowers, is so widely planted in gardens that it is sometimes forgotten that it is a native of our woodlands, although not so widespread in the wild as it used to be. It spreads rapidly if given the right conditions and makes an excellent woodland floor plant for a wild part of the garden. Existing clumps can be divided now or individual crowns can be bought from nurseries.
TRIMMING BACK PERENNIALS
Border perennial plants which were not cut back in autumn (leaving the stems for over-wintering insects) should be trimmed now to make room for new growth. Cut off any dead or straggly stems to just above ground level with secateurs.
In mild winters, young leaves and stems will already be appearing. Removing the old growth rejuvenates the plants and allows these new leaves and stems plenty of room to grow. Add the cuttings to the compost heap.
PERENNIALS TO DIVIDE
Globe thistle (Echinops ritro) B, N Golden rod (Solidago canadensis) B, N Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) B, N, Nat Michaelmas daisy (Aster nova-belgii) N Sedum (S. spectabile and ‘Autumn Joy’) N Yarrow (Achillea millefolium and A. filipendulina) B, N, Nat
SHY-FLOWERING LILIES One of the reasons lily of the valley often fails in gardens is that it is planted in dry, open, sunny beds, when it really needs a moist soil and the cover of deciduous trees.
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