Totnes gardens are a living, breathing tapestry, ever-changing with the rhythm of the seasons. From the first tentative snowdrops pushing through the frosty earth to the fiery hues of autumn foliage, there's always something to captivate and inspire. Let's embark on a month-by-month journey through your Totnes garden:
January: The garden rests, but the gardener's mind is active! Plan for the year ahead, browse seed catalogues, and dream of the blooms to come. Just like after that storm cleanup we did, it's also a time to check for any damage from winter weather and make sure everything is secure.
February: Signs of life begin to stir. Snowdrops and early crocuses brave the cold, a promise of spring's return. Start sowing seeds indoors for early vegetables and flowers. Perhaps it's time to think about revitalising a border, ready for the new season.
March: Spring's awakening! Daffodils and tulips burst into colour, a joyful chorus of yellow and gold. Get your peas and lettuce in the ground, and don't forget the early potatoes. The cottage garden renewal we did showed how much difference a little spring TLC can make!
April: The garden is a hive of activity. Fruit trees blossom, a delicate cloud of pink and white. Sow more seeds, plant out seedlings, and keep those weeds at bay! Remember how we tackled that blocked drive? Spring is a time for clearing and preparing.
May: Growth is in full swing. Everything is bursting with life! Keep on top of weeding, watering, and pruning. The first strawberries ripen – a taste of summer to come.
June: Summer arrives in all its glory. Roses are at their peak, filling the air with fragrance. Enjoy the long days in your garden, and savour the first harvests from your vegetable patch.
July: The garden is a haven of colour and scent. Lavender attracts bees and butterflies, and sunflowers stand tall and proud. Keep watering during dry spells, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labour.
August: A time for relaxation and enjoyment. The long grass cut we did earlier in the summer will be paying off now – a perfect lawn for summer games.
September: The first hints of autumn appear. Chrysanthemums and asters add splashes of colour as the leaves begin to turn. Harvest your pumpkins and squash, and prepare your garden for winter. Remember that riverside garden we reclaimed? Autumn is a good time to reflect on the season's successes.
October: Autumn's beauty is at its peak. The garden is a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Clear away dead leaves, mulch borders, and protect tender plants from the coming frosts. Dahlias are still going strong, adding a final flourish of colour.
November: The garden settles down for winter. Plant spring bulbs, and prepare your soil for next year.
December: A time for rest and reflection. Enjoy the beauty of your winter garden, and start planning for next year's projects. Just like we did with the storm cleanup, it's a good time to make sure everything is safe and secure.
Totnes Gardening is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need a quick grass cut, rose bed maintenance, help revitalising a border, or advice on creating a new wildflower meadow, contact me today!