In The Flower Garden This February

Prune Winter-Flowering Shrubs 

• Prune Winter Shrubs: If you have winter-flowering shrubs like witch hazel, viburnum, or hellebores, prune them after they’ve finished flowering to keep them tidy and promote healthy growth for the next season. Remove any dead or damaged wood to improve airflow. 

Divide and Move Perennials 

• Divide Overgrown Perennials: If you have overcrowded perennials such as hostas, aster, or daylilies, now is a good time to divide them. This will rejuvenate the plants, and you can move the divisions to other areas in your garden. 
• Transplanting: It’s also a good time to move any dormant perennials to a new location if you’re rearranging your garden. Make sure the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged before transplanting. 

Deadhead Winter-Flowering Plants 

• Deadheading: If you have any winter-flowering plants such as pansies, primroses, or winter jasmine, now is the time to remove any faded or dead flowers. This encourages more blooms and helps keep the garden looking neat. 

Protect Early Flowering Bulbs 

• Check Bulbs for Frost: Bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses, and tulips may be starting to poke through the soil in February. If frost is expected, cover them with a light fleece to prevent damage. 
• Clear Debris: Ensure that flower beds are free of fallen leaves or other debris that could smother emerging bulbs and prevent them from growing properly. 

Check and Prepare Plant Supports 

• Inspect Plant Supports: Take stock of your plant supports (e.g. for climbing roses, sweet peas, or clematis). Check for any broken or rusty supports and replace them if necessary, so they’re ready when plants start growing in the spring. 
• Install New Supports: If you’re planning to grow tall plants or climbers, you can install new supports such as trellises, canes, or wire structures to ensure they have something to cling to as they grow. 

Mulch for Protection 

• Apply Mulch: A light layer of mulch (such as compost or well-rotted manure) around the base of plants helps protect them from frost and cold temperatures. It also conserves moisture and suppresses weeds once the growing season begins. 
• Protect Tender Plants: If you have plants that are particularly sensitive to frost, like fuchsias, geraniums, or begonias, consider covering them with fleece or a cloche to protect them from the cold. 

While February can feel like a quieter month in the garden, it’s the perfect time to get ahead with preparation tasks. By taking care of these essential tasks now, you’ll set your flower garden up for success when the warmer spring weather arrives. 🌷🌿