Once more, Spring is on its way; and a new year of gardening begins. I find myself asking why we like gardening so much.

Of course, not everyone does; some people dislike all the digging and weeding, the back-ache, creepy crawlers, and dirt on their hands, but most gardeners love all of that. Lots of people spend most of their day in an office, sitting at a desk all day, so it’s great for them to get outside in the fresh air. It is also a way of connecting with nature and, what’s more, there is no age limit on who can do it! Many of us have good memories of gardening with parents and grandparents; it helps to bring us closer together. It’s the joy you get on a warm sunny day, the birds singing, insects buzzing, and the peace and tranquilly is beyond words.

It is like the poem by Dorothy F Gurney says, “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

I have visited many gardens over the past ten or twelve years, and it amazes me the originality of them, whether big or small, they can be very inspiring. I never fail to bring back ideas for my own garden, even though they may only be small things, a different plant or a pot at the end of a path etc.

Summer flowering bulbs like gladioli, lilies, Nerines and eucomis can be planted now. Spray the new foliage of roses against black spot. Lift and replant snowdrops where they are too crowded. A top dressing of general purpose fertiliser should be put on flower beds and the shrubbery, at this time of year, it helps them cope throughout summer. Do not be in a hurry to remove your plants from the greenhouse; there is still a chance of frost.

Prune hydrangeas back to a strong bud and feed. Sow hardy annuals outside, plant onion sets and shallots. Sow seeds of cucumber, tomatoes, peppers and chillies indoors. Sow brassicas in seed beds outside.

Most of all, enjoy your gardening !

Barbara J Clemerson