The Easter weekend is traditionally the start of the new gardening year. This year the clocks will have gone forward the weekend before, so our days are now longer than our nights.
There is always a lot to do in the garden once the new season gets underway, and to help you get started here are a few simple tasks you can begin with:-
- Weeding! The weeds will be starting to appear and it is always wise to get on top of them as soon as possible.
- Pruning – plants like Dogwoods can be cut back to near ground level to encourage strong, vibrant new growth later in the year. Ensure you know what you can prune back at this time of year, as you don’t want to cut back a shrub whose new flower buds are produced from last year’s growth.
- Have a good look at your garden and start to plan this year’s planting requirements.
If you are looking for a traditional plant or something just that bit different, why not visit Arundel Arboretum, your local tree nursery in Sussex? We have an extensive range of trees and shrubs suitable for all conditions, which will enhance all your garden requirements.
We are eagerly awaiting the warmer days now and the anticipation of our tree nursery changing daily as more trees and shrubs burst into their vibrant spring colours. We particularly look forward to our stunning Japanese maples coming into leaf, as this is always a spectacular show.
Some of the early Prunus (flowering cherry) trees are revealing their splendid spring blossom. Two trees looking good in our tree nursery for blossom now are:-
Prunus ‘Okame’ is a splendid small tree with ascending branches. These are covered with an abundance of shell pink single flowers in March and April. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in the autumn. It has an eventual height of approximately 4m and a spread of 4m. It can, therefore, be considered for a small garden. Prunus ‘Okame’ can be planted in full sun, in a moist, fertile soil. It will not, however, be happy in waterlogged or permanently wet conditions. The tree is tolerant of pollution and popular with bees.
Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ (Purple leaved-plum)
Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a small purple leaved tree. It flowers in early spring. The pale pink flowers emerge from a mass of pink buds. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a massed branched, deciduous tree, which is sometimes used for screening. It is a very easy tree to grow and can withstand hard pruning. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ can produce plums, but when it feels like it! It is not, therefore, a regular fruiting tree. It has an eventual height of 8m and a spread of 6m.
We shall look forward to welcoming you to our tree nursery, where our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you with all your plant requirements. Please note, we are closed on Easter Sunday.
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