In an earlier edition (or two?) I mentioned that Valentines was named after an early Christian martyr called Valentine, well actually there were several of them and few if any know why they were martyred. However to further update you my beloved reader(s), the Saint Valentine whose feast is on February 14; nothing is known except his name and that he was buried on the Via Flaminia north of Rome on February 14 (according to Wikpedia).

So there you are nothing more to report. It was Geoffrey Chaucer who was responsible for triggering the romantic associations we know and love today. The day was associated with the mutual exchange of love notes but since the 1800’s handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced cards. So we send mass produced cards and make up for the lack of originality by sending flowers (or horror of horrors, Chocolates ), which seeing as this is a gardening blog has contained very little about it.

Seeing as several parts of the country will have had some frosts, sharp or prolonged, now is the time to check for frost heave and if you find any plants which have been pushed out of the ground, firm them back in again.

Most perennials may be divided and moved up until they begin to show new growth. Anemone corms can be potted up, after soaking for a day, just to get them primed and ready. Lilies can also be planted.

Plug plants such as geraniums, petunias and impatiens will soon be available and are a good source of young plants, with minimal labour from yourself which will then enable you to do the myriad of other things which do not involve being outside unless it is in the potting shed (thermos at the ready). You need to think carefully about any outdoor plantings and these should be avoided where the soil is lying wet. Check pots and tubs to make sure that they haven’t dried out (it can happen even in weather like this!) Trim lawn edges to save work later in the season. Clear any debris off your lawn or you will finish up with a bare patch, again if it is not too wet think about scarifying it. Notice I said think about it and not actually do it. In fact February is a good month for thinking about lots of things in the garden as there is always March to catch up.
Deadhead winter bedding as this can carry on into early summer, if done regularly. Plan your summer planting schemes with some lovely new plants in good time for ordering the necessary bulbs, annuals and seeds, and for propagating the relevant material.
Looking forward to roaring into March, and being another year older!