Hello and Welcome to our February Newsletter!

• Prune Wisteria now, shortening the side shoots back to 2-3 buds. This has two benefits it helps to keep these vigorous plants tidy and also means the flowers can be fully appreciated without being hidden by excess foliage. Also, make a note in your diary now to do the same in July this time taking the side shoots back to 5-6 buds.
• Buddleja can be pruned between February and March. They flower best on the new season's growth and also have a tendency to get out of control so don't be afraid to prune them very hard, back to 6-12 inches above the ground. You really won't do them any harm at all! another option if you actually like the height is to pollard them to about 5-6ft above ground level and thin out but taking a 3rd of the stems right back.
• Gardeners tend to fall into two groups - those that tidy up in the autumn, and those that don't. If you fall into the latter group do not think that you are being lazy -  quite the contrary. You are doing a great deal to maintain the biodiversity of your garden. Wherever you can leave seed heads, not only do they look attractive but they are home to a myriad of insects which provide food, along with any seeds, for the birds. If you do need to cut dead stems back consider chopping them roughly and using them as a mulch between the plants. Plants such as Miscanthus, Phlomis, Echinacea and many other plants will provide interest for you and the wildlife in your winter garden. 
• Sow seeds of hardy perennials - many plants such as Primulas need a cold spell in order to germinate. A layer of snow on top of the trays can work wonders! Fine seed can be sown on top of a tray of compost then covered with a thin layer of grit, then with a sheet of fine metal mesh to keep birds and mice at bay. 
• Keep an eye on forecast the for frosts, the coldest time of night is very often just before the sun rises! Place any plants you are concerned about against a house wall and make a tent of several layers of fleece or garden netting to keep the frost off them. 
• Check any houseplants - they will need careful watering this time of year. With low light levels they won't be growing much, and will usually need less water. You should aim to water only when the top half or so of the compost has dried out, leaving the plant to drain thoroughly before placing it back in its pot.  However, some plants may get stressed in a dry centrally heated room, and will benefit from being placed on a dish of moist gravel. Pick off any dead or dying leaves as you go round watering. 
• If planting shrubs and trees consider using microrhizal fungi to help in their establishment. This is widely available from garden centres now and is worth the investment if you are planting expensive shrubs and trees. It is not a substitute for thorough soil preparation though!
• Keep up with feeding the birds, remember they are active just before dusk, and at dawn before we get out of bed so check feeders and water in the evening and first thing in the morning if possible. 
• Keep an eye out for small hedgehogs or any hedgehog that is out during the day, as they will almost certainly be too small or sickly to get through the winter. A good source of information is The British Hedgehog Preservation Society alternatively check with your local (county) Wildlife trust.Think about making a hedgehog shelter and check that there are some gaps in your fences so they can roam naturally.