After the extremely dry summer last year and the very cold temperatures we experienced back in December many plants are looking a little (perhaps an understatement for some plants!) dead. Plants I have noticed that have suffered are Pittosporum, hebes, Penstamon,Salvias, Rosemary, Bay and Choisya.
If you can put up with looking at these sad plants a while longer you might find that they may rejuvenate from lower down the plant, but this takes time and you might not see anything until early summer. If the frost damage has just caused the top most leaves to turn brown, like on Bay trees, at the end of this month, when risk of frosts have gone, prune out the damaged growth by cutting back to an undamaged side shoot, give the plant a multi purpose feed afterwards.
If some of these plants are showing no signs of life, then perhaps use this opportunity to go shopping and buy some new plants, but perhaps be aware that these extreme temperatures might happen again. Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month but watch out for late frosts, and if necessary, cover tender plants.
Lift and divide over crowded Spring bulbs, trim back Aubrietta and Sweet Alyssum after flowering, to tidy them up and encourage fresh new growth. Hoe beds regularly to keep on top of the weeds. Put supports in (if not already done so) for herbaceous plants that need extra support. Spring flowering shrubs can be pruned after they have flowered but check for nesting birds before attempting this.
Mow lawns weekly now, apply a weed, feed and moss treatment if not already done. Think about leaving some areas of lawn to grow, allowing wild plants already in the lawn to flower which adds colour and attracts pollinating insects. Earth up potatoes as they grow to protect early shoots from frost damage and to ensure the potato tubers are not exposed to light.
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