At last the warmer days have encouraged the grass seed to germinate and the grassed areas are looking better already. They've got that fresh, green look, adding to the new spring foliage on the trees and shrubs. Generally we can be assured that spring has arrived in April, but, as I have said recently, the odd cold snap is still not far away so go careful when planting out bedding plants fresh from the garden centre - these may still need a bit of protection to get them through the colder nights. A supply of Horticultural Fleece is not a bad idea. If you can't get this then some sheets of newspaper anchored down will suffice. The problem this month is some rain which will cause water-logging, often followed by a dry spell and windy conditions which will dry out the soil surface. Keep an eye on the ground and water if plants look a little thirsty. Fancy something exotic?I like exotic plants in my garden and if you want a plant to look the business - either in a pot or in the open ground - then you will not be disappointed with Cordyline "Sundance".  | | Cordyline "Sundance" |
This group of plants, and there are many varieties, will make what can only be described as a big statement. Planted in Terra Cotta Pots and stood on a patio, decking or terrace, this plant will make you feel that you are in an exotic hotel somewhere in the South Pacific, especially when we get the hot days we are promised. Use general potting compost with plenty of drainage when potting up or, if you are planting in the open ground, dig in plenty of sharp drainage material like sharp sand or gravel. Given a little shelter, these handsome plants will give pleasure year after year. Colin's veg cornerIn your vegetable garden the soil should now be just about right, especially if it is on the moist side and has had plenty of sun over the past few days. Just rake over the surface to a fine tilth and firm with a shovel or the back of a rake until the ground is fairly level. With the aid of a straight edge or line make some shallow drills and sow lettuce, radish, beetroot, onions, carrots, parsnips, peas and Chinese leaves.  | | Colin Evans |
I also like to grow shallots - which are basically onion bulbs planted into the ground with the tops just showing above the surface. They are good if you cannot wait for the onion seeds to turn into bulbs you can harvest. Herbacious remediesIf you are into herbs, then chives are a good bet at this time of year. They can be sown in pots under cover, as chives are rarely frost hardy, and left to germinate until they are a few centimetres high. Once the seedlings are growing well then take out the whole clump - in other words don't separate the group - and plant the clump either in another larger pot or into the open ground. They won't last through the winter outside but if you keep them well watered and fed then you will have masses of chives to use throughout the summer and into early autumn.  | | Horticultural fleece |
Prune shrub roses back to new shoots, growing at the base of the stem, and remove all old and diseased wood. Loosen the soil at the base of the roses and apply a couple of handfuls of sulphate of potash or bone meal to feed through the spring months when the plants will be making plenty of growth. Firm in around the base to ensure that the plants have not been rocked about by strong winds during the winter and give a good drenching with a liquid rose feed. If you watch out for pests and diseases and treat early at first signs of attack, you will have roses to be proud of. Happy Gardening! | 
