jim’s maintenance Tips

Adding organic matter can make a big difference to the quality of the garden soil. Every other year, cover the borders with a layer of mulch. This is an approach that has greatly improved the light, free-draining chalky soil of the garden here. Planting densely will help suppress weeds. Prune sensibly. While it is rare to kill a plant with judicious pruning, a good plant can be spoilt without it. Work hard on clearing up the garden in winter, so that it is tidy and ready for the new season. Thereafter, do not do much until after spring’s bulbs have finished. Then, trim them back before they smother emerging herbaceous perennials.

A painted red bench set into a secluded alcove cut from box offers a sheltered spot to sit and enjoy the late spring garden.