February – that curious month where winter still clings on, but the promise of spring is just around the corner. It’s the time when gardens in Cheltenham, Bishops Cleeve, and the surrounding Cotswolds start to stir from their winter slumber. Snowdrops dance under hedgerows, and if you listen closely, you might even catch the early trill of birdsong, hinting that brighter days are on their way.
There’s something almost magical about this time of year. I always feel a thrill of anticipation stepping into a garden in late February. It’s as if the earth itself is taking a deep breath, ready to burst into life. But as any seasoned gardener will tell you, a little preparation now can make all the difference once spring fully arrives. So, what should you be doing in your garden this month? Let’s dive in.
1. Tidy Up and Clear Debris
Winter can leave a garden looking a little worse for wear – fallen leaves, broken branches, and perhaps a few rogue weeds that have braved the cold. Now’s the time to clear away any debris, giving your plants space to breathe and grow.
I remember working in a stunning Grade 1* listed garden, where even the smallest leaf out of place would catch the head gardener’s eye. “A tidy garden is a healthy garden,” he’d say, and he wasn’t wrong. Not only does clearing debris reduce the risk of pests and diseases, but it also gives you a clean canvas to work with as you start planning your spring planting.
If you’re in Cheltenham or Bishops Cleeve and need a hand with the heavy lifting, Marcus Bergin Gardening offers seasonal clean-ups to get your garden in tip-top shape. It’s amazing how transformative a good tidy-up can be!
2. Pruning and Cutting Back
Late winter is the perfect time to prune deciduous shrubs and trees before they burst into leaf. Aim to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, allowing more light and air to reach the centre of the plant.
This month, I’ll be heading to gardens across Gotherington, Winchcombe, and Southam, pruning roses and cutting back ornamental grasses that have provided structure through winter. There’s something satisfying about this process – shaping and preparing the plants for a new season’s growth.
If you’re not sure where to start or are worried about getting it wrong, give me a shout. I’ve spent over 20 years perfecting the art of pruning, from delicate climbers to ancient fruit trees.
3. Lawn Care: The Early Bird Catches the Worm
I know it’s still a bit nippy, but February is a great time to start thinking about your lawn. Clear away any fallen leaves, twigs, or debris, and give the grass its first light rake. This helps to improve air circulation and prevent moss from taking over.
If the weather’s mild and the ground isn’t too wet, you might even be able to give it a light mow – but keep the blades high. It’s all about waking the lawn up gently, not giving it a shock!
And if your lawn’s looking a little worse for wear after the winter months, don’t worry. Marcus Bergin Gardening offers bespoke lawn care services, from scarifying to feeding and reseeding, ensuring your grass looks lush and green come spring.
4. Planning and Planting for the Season Ahead
February is the perfect month to start planning your garden for the year. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant borders bursting with colour or a vegetable patch to feed the family, a little forward-thinking can go a long way.
I often find myself sketching out planting schemes over a cup of tea, imagining how the garden will look come June or July. If you’re feeling inspired but need a helping hand, I’d be delighted to offer planting advice or even bring your vision to life with new additions to your garden.
In fact, one of my favourite tasks is designing planting schemes that provide year-round interest. From early spring bulbs to late summer perennials, I love helping clients in Cheltenham and Bishops Cleeve create gardens that truly sing through every season.
5. Pressure Washing Patios and Decking
Finally, don’t forget your hard surfaces. Patios, paving, and decking can get dangerously slippery over winter. A good pressure wash not only makes them safer but also gives them a fresh, clean look.
Here in the Cotswolds, we’re blessed with beautiful stonework, but it can get stained with algae and dirt. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, Marcus Bergin Gardening offers professional pressure washing services. There’s nothing quite like seeing a patio restored to its former glory!
Get Your Garden Ready with Marcus Bergin Gardening
As the days get longer and the promise of spring dances on the breeze, now’s the perfect time to get your garden ready for the growing season. Whether you need a helping hand with pruning, lawn care, or a full garden tidy-up, Marcus Bergin Gardening is here to help.
With over 20 years of experience – from working in historic estates to modern family gardens – I’ve seen it all. And I bring that expertise to every garden I work in, from Bishops Cleeve to Cheltenham, Winchcombe to Gotherington.
Give me a call on 07488 390 576 or visit www.marcusbergingardening.com to book your garden maintenance today. Let’s get your garden ready to burst into life this spring!
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