Start in March — prune roses hard, divide overcrowded perennials, mulch borders deeply, pressure wash hard surfaces, plan your pots, and book your gardener before the diary fills up for the season.
It's tempting to wait until the sun comes out, but the gardeners who get the best results in summer are the ones who start preparing in March. A few weekends of focused effort now will pay dividends when July arrives and your neighbours are wondering how your borders look so good.
🌹 Prune roses hard
March is the ideal time for hybrid teas and floribundas. Cut back to an outward-facing bud, about 15–20cm from the base. It feels brutal, but they'll reward you with much better blooms. Here in Warwickshire, our relatively mild springs mean roses respond well to a confident cut.
Always cut to an outward-facing bud at a 45° angle sloping away from the bud. This directs the new growth outward, opens up the centre of the plant, and improves air circulation dramatically.
🌿 Divide perennials
Lift and split overcrowded clumps of hostas, heucheras, geraniums and grasses. You'll get free plants and the originals will perform better with more space. This is one of the most satisfying spring jobs — turning one tired clump into three or four fresh plants costs nothing.
🪵 Mulch borders
A thick layer (5–8cm) of bark or well-rotted compost suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and feeds the soil. Do it now while the ground is moist and before plants fill out. For Leamington Spa's clay-heavy soils, composted bark is particularly effective at improving drainage over time.
🧹 Clean hard surfaces
Paths, patios and decking get slippery with algae over winter. A stiff brush or pressure wash now makes the garden feel instantly fresher and safer underfoot. It's remarkable how much of a difference clean paving makes to the overall feel of a garden.
🪴 Plan your pots
Order compost and choose your containers now. A few well-planted pots near the front door or on the patio can transform the feel of your outdoor space. Consider using loam-based compost for larger pots — it holds moisture far better during hot spells.
Add a slow-release fertiliser granule to pot compost at planting time. It feeds quietly for the whole season and means you never forget to top up liquid feed during busy summer weeks.
At a glance — summer prep
- Prune hybrid tea roses to 15–20cm — it feels brutal but works
- Divide crowded clumps for free plants and better performance
- 5–8cm of mulch suppresses weeds all summer long
- Clean paving transforms how the whole garden looks and feels
- Loam-based compost for large pots — holds moisture in heat
- Book gardening help early — spring slots fill up fast
Spring is our busiest season — if you'd like regular maintenance through summer, now is the time to get on the schedule. Call us on 07904 174399 or use the booking form on our website.