Garden Jobs in April

Be prepared for an explosion of flowers once the weather warms up, along with unfolding foliage on trees and shrubs. This could be the month that lifts our spirits and encourages us all to get out in the garden.

There are plenty of jobs to do this month

• Continue to water newly planted trees and shrubs if the weather is dry.
• Plant evergreen trees and shrubs. In cold exposed sites erect a windbreak to protect them.
• Tie in the new shoots of climbers.
• Prune early-flowering shrubs.
• Prune shrubs grown for large or colourful foliage, such as cotinus.
• Divide perennials.
• Stake tall growing perennials.
• Shorten straggly shoots on camellias after flowering.
• Sow or turf new lawns.
• Feed established lawns.
• Plant late flowering herbaceous plants.
• Keep weeds under control.
• Protect fruit blossom from late frosts.
• Last chance to plant summer-flowering bulbs.
• Move young plants from the greenhouse to the cold frame to harden off.
• Prepare your runner bean beds.
• Sow broccoli seed, kale, spinach beet, cauliflower and winter cabbage outside.

There are many lovely gardens to visit this month, a few are listed below

Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AB.
Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ.
Abbey House Gardens, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AS.