In the garden: April is an exciting time

Audley End gardens (Image: Archant)

Most importantly, find the time this month to enjoy this fabulous stage of the year, the blossom is emerging, bulbs are flowering, the birds are singing and the lawn is beginning to look healthy again!

The garden team at Audley End will be focusing on the following tasks this month and here are some ideas for you in your garden at home:

• Prune herbs to encourage fresh growth and to keep tidy. Plants such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme all respond well to this treatment and you will be rewarded with fresh new leaves. Avoid cutting into old wood and aim to leaves enough foliage to help the plant continue to grow.

• Begin sowing seed outside. The soil temperature will be ideal this month for seeds to be sown directly. Salads, broad beans, beetroot, onions and potatoes are just a few that can all be started. Check seed packets for guidance on sowing dates or come to Audley and speak with our expert staff if unsure.

Alan North (Image: Archant)

• Tender plants can be continued to be sown indoors until risk of late frost is over. Vegetables such as sweetcorn, tomatoes and courgettes are just a few to get started. Ornamental plants including annuals such as cosmos, salvias, zinnias and sunflowers also need frost protection and should be raised indoors.

• Autumn sown sweetpeas that are already established can be planted out safely. They love plenty of compost so incorporate some into the planting hole or trench.

• Lay turf this month. This is the perfect time to do so with the warmer temperatures and the likelihood of April showers to set it on its way.

Visit the garden at Audley End this month with our spring bedding and pot displays looking sensational. Over 25,000 bulbs were planted in the autumn so this is the time to come along and enjoy our stunning display.

Best wishes, Alan.