David's Tips For April
Houseplant of the month
Spathiphyllum (Peace lilies)
With their glossy leaves and striking white spathes, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) bring calm and beauty to any indoor space. These plants are native to the humid rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in southern Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, where they thrive on the shady forest floor in warm, moist conditions.
Interestingly, the “flower” is a modified leaf called a spathe, wrapped around a central spike of tiny flowers. These elegant blooms usually appear in spring but can surprise you with repeat performances throughout the year.
Peace lilies are also brilliant air purifiers. NASA studies ranked them among the top houseplants for removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from indoor air.
To keep yours thriving, place it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of compost dries out. Avoid soggy soil, and mist regularly if the air is dry. With a little care, peace lilies add lasting charm and clean air to your home.
Outdoor plant of the month
Magnolia (Magnolia)
Magnolias are one of spring’s most spectacular sights. Their tulip or star-shaped flowers bloom on bare branches, creating a showstopping colourful display before the leaves even appear. From small varieties perfect for patios to majestic trees for larger gardens, there’s a magnolia to suit every space.
But these blooms come with a fascinating backstory. Magnolias first appeared during the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. They evolved before bees, which is why they’re pollinated by beetles to this day.
In the garden, they prefer a sheltered spot with sun or light shade and neutral to slightly acidic soil. Avoid pruning unless necessary for damaged, diseased or crossing branches, and mulch annually to keep roots cool and moist. Popular compact varieties like Magnolia stellata or Magnolia ‘Susan’ are ideal for smaller gardens or containers, offering reliable blooms every April.
Gardening job for the month
Feed and train Roses
April is the perfect time to give your roses a head-start for summer. As new growth begins, apply a specialist rose feed to encourage strong stems and plenty of flower buds. These should ideally be general-purpose or rose fertilisers. Feed around the base, then mulch with compost or well-rotted manure to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
For climbing and rambling roses, now’s the time to tie in new shoots. Secure stems gently and horizontally along trellises or wires. This encourages more flowering side shoots and a better, more balanced display.
Check for aphids on new growth and remove them by hand or with a quick blast of water from a hose. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds by avoiding chemicals and planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby.
Finally, prune out any dead, damaged or crossing stems to improve airflow and overall plant health.
With a little care now, your roses will thrive, rewarding you with a beautiful, fragrant summer display.
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