T
he days may not be long in April,
butthelightisalreadydifferent,
bringingaglamourtolifethat’s
been sadly lacking in recent
months. The outdoors is more
enticing, the air alive with insects
buzzingandbirdscourting—whenit’snot
lashinguswithwind,hailandsnow.Toooften,
longed-for weekends outside are compromised
by unpredictable weather systems, in any
season. Take your cue from professional
gardeners who confront the elements by
dressing accordingly (hint: invest in some
waterproof trousers). By consulting our weather
calendar, you will find yourself similarly
un-botheredbywhateverthedaythrowsatyou.SPRING
When a wicked wind blows
It’s invigorating to feel the wind against your
face: a stiff breeze gets the adrenalin flowing
–muchlikeabracingwalk.Digging,turning
compost, mulching, planting out vegetables:
these high-energy activities are enhanced
withabitofwind–honest.
Some plants are suited to blowing around;
movement is important in a garden. Plant
things that move gracefully: pale, windswept
daffodil‘Jenny’looksasthoughitspetalsare
beingblownback,evenonastillday.
When the sun shines
Rearrangeyourscheduleandgooutright
now. Follow the light; don’t work in the
shade. Distracted by the sun’s warmth,
tacklelaborioustasks,suchasdividing
and re-planting clumps of snowdrops and
winter aconites.
Look at the forecast. If rain is predicted
forthefollowingweek,youcanmoveshrubs
without remembering to water them later.
Whenitwon’tstopraining
Flowers look wonderful in rain: their colours
aremoreintense.Visitopengardenswithan
umbrella;famouslyinspiringplaceslike
Hidcote Manor Garden are quieter when
the weather is patchy. Buy plants from
interesting nurseries; they’ll appreciate the
businessonamiserableday.“Too often, longed-for
weekends outside are
compromised by weather”
109NEST (^) | GARDENS