Blossom time is the best time of all

A video tour of my early spring garden

It is madcap time in the garden! So much to do and never enough time. If I spent every day out there, I might keep it all in check, but I like to see friends, play golf, read books and go to exhibitions too, so the garden gets attention as and when I can manage to give it.

I am always so daunted when I look out on my plot in early spring. I can’t believe I will ever manage to do enough to get it ready for the seasons ahead. As I age, with dodgy hips, aching back and creaking knees, it becomes even more challenging. Last year I wrote a note-to-self in my calendar to repeat annually for the 1st of March saying “Remember, just a few days work in the garden can make a huge difference”.

It is a relief then, that some plants/trees require almost nothing from me and give generously. This winter flowering cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’) is one of them. I bought it about 12 years ago when it was a sapling of five feet. I barely noticed it growing larger because it did so very slowly. Then one day I realised it was arching above my head at around 12 feet and making quite a statement in the garden. All I have to do is occasionally prune any spindly branches but mostly it just does its own thing.

The buds begin to break during the cold days of winter from November to February when little else is happening in the garden and by March it is in full bloom. The continuing warmth here in the south east of England this spring has brought out the pretty, pale pink blossom in profusion. This picture was taken this week from my bedroom window looking down onto the branches.

These trees are ideal for smaller gardens as they can be pruned to limit the height and, even when large, the canopy of branches is sparse, so doesn’t cast much shade. They will grow in full sun or semi-shade, and will even be content in a large container as long as they are fed regularly.

I thought you might like to see what else is going on in my garden, so here is a video to show you around. It is six minutes long so I hope it doesn’t clog up your inbox or fail to work for you. Do let me know. I hope you enjoy it.

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FOOTNOTE

You’re reading Home Truths, from me, Susy Smith. I write here on an eclectic mix of subjects about home and lifestyle. I am many things: a parent of grown-up kids, a dog owner, a gardener and a compulsive mover of vases (I worked for years as a stylist). I am also a writer/editor and former Editor-in-Chief of British Country Living Magazine.