March is a fantastic time to visit the gardens, as the winter gardens reach their peak and spring bulbs begin to emerge. It has become a reliably mild spring month, with the last particularly cold March occurring in 2013, when we also experienced heavy snowfall. In recent years, the month has been wet, but on average, it can be surprisingly dry—much like April. Frosts have become rare, though we always remain anxious, as our magnolias do not respond well to the cold.
The dogwoods are ablaze with colour, along with much of the winter border plantings, but it’s the spring bulbs that excite us the most—especially after a dull and chilly February, like the one we’ve just had. The arboretum and moat banks in the outer gardens will soon be full of daffodils. We have planted a vast range, from wild Narcissus to hybridised orchid types, which I particularly love—especially on a mild, sunny evening, when their golden-yellow hues glow beautifully.
Perhaps it’s also the scents that become more noticeable in the milder weather—the fresh smell of cut grass mingling with a cacophony of birdsong, creating a truly perfect atmosphere. The vast rampart bank is carpeted with primroses, and this year, we have planted thousands of yellow Tulip sylvestris, which should start flowering before the month is out.
March is also a time for the final stages of garden maintenance. We complete any clearing and pruning, then lightly fork over the borders, adding feed for the roses and mulch where needed. Lawn care also begins, and if the weather is dry enough, we start cylinder mowing the Croquet Lawn. One of the benefits of March is that once we clear the borders, they will remain tidy for a while—before the weeds get their chance to grow!
We look forward to welcoming you to the gardens this March.
James Cross, Head Gardener