Mar09

The month has been very dry and for the first time ever we have been watering the garden in March. Coupled with strong winds, plants are drying out quickly. In pots they can dry out in a few hours. In the ground most are happy, but now is a crucial time for Heleniums. It is now they are growing their new roots and without moisture these just die. Most years our weather is wet enough but this year has been exceptional

Pulmonaria are looking good now - although this year they are about 3 weeks later than usual coming into flower. They like sun in spring with some shade in summer. They can grow in very dry soils but don't let them get bone dry in summer - its easy to forgot them. During summer the leaves may start looking tatty. Cut them back to the ground and enjoy fresh leaves in a few weeks. In our experience they don't do well in pots - we lost lots this winter but those in the ground they were fine. It will self seed but not come true.

Left is Mawson's Variety - the best blue. Above is Sissinghurst White. Why not plant together with Bowles Red for a truly patriotic colour scheme!

Border Phlox are just pushing their way into the light after a winter's rest. The foliage is often brightly coloured at this time, although most (Starfire is an exception) lose the colour as they mature. Now is a good time to divide - look for rooted stems from the side of the clump or you can dig up and cut into sections - but plants may be slow to establish. March is probably the last chance to do this if you want perfect flowers this summer. The plants can be divided later but the check in growth can lead to distorted growing points and poor quality flowers

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