February can be a bit of a funny time in the calendar, with spring just starting to be visible but weather still very unpredictable! You might not want to use your garden for play or entertaining during this time so it’s a good idea to get some of those little jobs done that will make a big difference in the long run.
Clear out your gutters…
The leaves have all fallen and now they’re sitting in your garden and your gutters. Excess leaves can become a problem when there is heavy rain, with water spilling over the sides rather than entering a drain. Give them a clear out and they’ll look much better, as well as save your from excess water and puddles on your patio or front step! If you’ve got fake grass it’s a good idea not to allow leaves to build up too much so give your lawn a sweep too.
Check your fences…
The weather isn’t always that great during the winter, with wind and storms being frequent visitors. It’s a good idea to check your fences for rot on both the panels and the posts. If your fence is structurally weak then it could blow over, potentially damaging yours or a neighbour’s garden.
Check your garden equipment…
Make sure your trowels and forks are looking good before you get stuck into the planting season. And if you keep them in a shed, make sure the structure is sound with any broken windows repaired or noted.
Prune your plants…
It’s good to have a general tidy up before spring in order to make room for new plants. Your flowering winter plants might be looking a bit scrappy by now, and if you still have the dead remains of your summer plants it’s well worth clearing them up. This is the same for unruly looking evergreen hedges. This could be as simple as cutting back the dead parts, or removing dead heads. Check online to see what is best for your plant.
Plan your colours…
If you find you need to do some repairs, take a trip to the garden centre or hardware store and take a look at the outdoor paints at the same time. Choose some bold fresh new paints for a door, fence or planter that you can refresh on a sunny day.
Spread these jobs over the course of the month and your house and garden will look much better come spring and summer. Of course if you don’t have to cut the grass, you’ll have plenty of time to do so!
