Rutland, April 2025 — Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes a burst of colour and new life at Barnsdale Gardens, home to 38 individually designed gardens in the heart of Rutland. As the team at Barnsdale gears up for a busy season, they’re sharing their top gardening tips to help green thumbs make the most of the warmer weather and longer days.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these April tasks will set your garden up for success:

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🌹 Mulching Roses
With soil temperatures rising, now’s the ideal time to mulch around your rose bushes. This helps retain moisture and keeps plants healthy and hydrated. The Barnsdale team recommends homemade compost or well-rotted farmyard manure—both nourish the soil while improving texture and fertility.

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✂️ Trimming Cornus
If you grow Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’, early April is perfect for light pruning. Unlike other dogwoods that are cut back hard, these benefit from retaining a framework. Simply trim side shoots back to 1–2 buds from the main stems to ensure vibrant stem colour next winter.

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💧 Watering Divided Snowdrops
After an unusually dry March, the soil may be lacking the moisture snowdrops need. If you’ve recently divided them, give them a deep, occasional soak to keep the roots moist (but not waterlogged). Consistent moisture will help them establish and thrive.

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🌿 Feeding Wisteria
Wisteria plants are heavy feeders. A once-a-year application of fertiliser gives them the boost they need to flourish. Barnsdale uses organic chicken manure pellets, but Growmore or a rose fertiliser will also do the trick. Apply around the root zone for maximum benefit.

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🍂 Mulching Perennials
With perennials emerging earlier than usual, it’s time to apply a good layer of mulch. Whether it’s compost, bark, or shredded plant material, mulching helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. For best results, aim for a layer 5–8cm (2–3 inches) thick.

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By taking action now, gardeners can ensure a strong start to the growing season and enjoy a vibrant, thriving garden throughout the year.

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Barnsdale Gardens is open all year round, offering visitors inspiration across its beautifully maintained spaces, expert-led courses, and seasonal events.

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To find out more, visit: 👉 www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk