Spring is arriving – and there’s never been a better time to get out in the garden!
March is one of the most rewarding months in the gardening calendar. After the long winter, the garden is finally waking up, and there’s a real sense of possibility in the air. Our Alex has put together his essential March jobs to help you make the most of the season – and don’t forget, we’ve got everything you need in our Potting Shed, from sweeping brushes and garden bags to spades and secateurs, to get you started.
Choose a mild, dry day for your outdoor tasks – the soil is much easier to work with, and you’ll enjoy it far more!
Alex’s march Gardening Jobs
Give the Garden a Good Tidy
After months of wind, rain and frost, a thorough tidy-up is the perfect place to start. Clear away dead stems, fallen leaves and winter debris from beds and borders to let fresh new growth breathe. It’s enormously satisfying – and your garden will thank you for it.
Protect New Growth from Slugs and Snails
As temperatures rise, slugs and snails will be on the move and new plant growth is their favourite feast. Get ahead of them now using wool pellets or beer traps as a natural barrier. A little prevention at this stage saves a lot of heartache later in the season.
Re-start Lawn Maintenance
March is the moment to give your lawn some love. Start with a good feed to wake it up after winter and give it the boost it needs for healthy growth through spring and summer. Little and often is the key with lawn care, and getting going early really pays off.
Install a Water Butt
With the growing season just around the corner, now is a great time to install a water butt and start collecting that valuable Yorkshire rainfall. Plants thrive on rainwater, it’s better for the environment, and your water bill will thank you too!
Sow Hardy Annuals Outside
The good news is that hardy annual seeds can now be sown directly outside. Try calendula, cornflower, cerinthe or poppy for a beautiful, colourful display later in the year. They’re easy, rewarding and wonderfully cheerful.
Create a Wildflower Meadow
If you’ve been thinking about creating a wildflower meadow, March is a brilliant time to sow a mix that will benefit pollinators through the warmer months. Even a small patch will make a big difference to bees, butterflies and other wildlife – and it looks stunning too.
A Helping Hand for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs will be emerging from hibernation this month, hungry and in need of energy. Leave out a shallow dish of water and some specialist hedgehog food to help them build up their strength. They’re wonderful garden allies and well worth looking after.
Sow Tomato Seeds
Get your tomato seeds started now! Sow them in pots and place them somewhere warm and bright – a sunny windowsill is perfect. Give them a head start indoors and they’ll be strong, healthy plants ready for planting out when the frosts have passed.
Plant Onion Sets and Seed Potatoes
From mid-March, onion sets and seed potatoes can go into the ground. There’s something wonderfully optimistic about planting potatoes – and by summer you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown crop. We have seed potatoes and onion sets available in store while stocks last.
Feed Your Beds and Borders
Give your beds and borders a boost with a general-purpose fertiliser such as fish, blood and bone or Growmore. It’s a simple job that makes a real difference to plant growth as the season gets underway. Apply on a dry day and water in if rain isn’t forecast.
Ready to get started? Visit us in Ilkley and pop into the Potting Shed for all the tools, seeds and supplies you need to make March a brilliant month in the garden. Our team are always on hand with advice and inspiration.
March Plants of the Month
garden Plant of the month
Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’
Chosen by Kerstin
Every year, when March arrives and the garden is just beginning to stir, I find myself drawn to one plant above all others. Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is, without doubt, one of my absolute favourites – and this month I’m delighted to share it with you.
The name means ‘dance of the butterflies’ in Japanese, and once you see it in full blossom, you’ll understand why. Those delicate flowers – soft white flushed with the palest blush pink – appear on the most wonderfully sculptural zig-zag branches, almost like something from a beautiful ink drawing. It’s one of those plants that genuinely stops you in your tracks.
What I love most about ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is that it earns its place in the garden all year round. In early spring it’s all about that gorgeous blossom, which arrives just when we need it most – that lovely reminder that warmer days really are on their way. Through summer, fresh green foliage takes over, and then in autumn the leaves turn the most beautiful shades of orange and red. Three seasons of real interest from one small, elegant tree.
And it truly is small – which is what makes it so special. If you’ve always dreamed of having an ornamental cherry but thought your garden wasn’t big enough, ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is your answer. It’s perfect for courtyards, smaller gardens and even containers, where it will thrive beautifully on a sunny patio or beside a front door.
Growing ‘Kojo-no-mai’ in Yorkshire:
Position – Choose a sunny, sheltered spot. It will reward you handsomely for a little protection from harsh winds.
Soil – Well-drained soil is key. If you’re growing in a container, a good quality peat-free compost works wonderfully.
Watering – Water regularly when newly planted or growing in a pot, particularly through dry spells. Once established in the ground, it’s wonderfully easy-going.
Pruning – Very little needed! Just remove any dead or crossing branches after flowering to keep it looking its best.
Wildlife – The early blossom is a fantastic source of nectar for pollinators just emerging in spring. Planting one is a lovely way to support bees and other beneficial insects at a time when food sources are still scarce.
I have a real soft spot for this little tree – it’s just so full of character and charm. We have a lovely selection in stock right now, and I’d love to help you find the perfect spot for one in your garden. Come and find me in store – I’m always happy to chat plants! 🌸to help with advice on varieties and planting.
Houseplant of the month
Phalaenopsis – Moth Orchid
Chosen by Jenny and Oli
If you’re looking for a houseplant that combines exotic beauty with genuine staying power, look no further than the Phalaenopsis – or Moth Orchid as it’s more commonly known. This is a plant that never fails to draw admiration, and honestly, it’s one of those joyful things we love having in the shop because people are always so delighted by them.
What makes the Moth Orchid so special is its incredible variety – from pure whites and soft blush pinks to deep purples, vibrant yellows and the most gorgeous speckled and patterned varieties. There really is something for everyone. And those flowers! Long-lasting, elegant and wonderfully exotic-looking, they’ll bring a real lift to any room in the house.
Here’s the thing that surprises so many people: don’t throw your orchid away once it’s finished flowering. With a little care, it will bloom again and again, making it one of the best value houseplants you can buy. We think that’s something worth celebrating.
Care Tips for Yorkshire Homes:
Light – Find a bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Strong sun can scorch those beautiful leaves, so a windowsill with filtered light is ideal.
Water – Once a week in summer is plenty, and ease off a little through winter. The golden rule with orchids is never to let them sit in water – this is the quickest route to root rot. At the same time, don’t let the roots dry out completely. A handy tip: if the roots start to look grey or white, that’s your orchid telling you it’s thirsty and needs a drink. Rainwater is best if you can manage it.
Humidity – In summer, or if your home is particularly warm and dry, give the foliage a gentle mist every now and then. Orchids love a little humidity and it really does make a difference.
Pruning – Once your orchid has finished its display, don’t cut the stem right back. Instead, trim it to just above a node – that little bump on the stem – and with patience, a new flower spike should emerge from that point. It feels like a little miracle every time!
We have a gorgeous selection of Moth Orchids in store right now in a wonderful range of colours – perfect as a treat for yourself or a truly beautiful gift for someone special. Jenny and Oli are always on hand in our houseplant area if you’d like advice on choosing the right variety or finding the perfect spot for it at home. 🌸
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This March
There’s never been a better time to visit our award-winning garden centre in Ilkley. Whether you’re stocking up on gardening essentials, choosing beautiful houseplants, or treating yourself to lunch in our restaurant, we’d love to welcome you.
Opening Hours:
- Garden Centre: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
- Restaurant: Mon-Sat 9am-3pm (last orders), Sun 9.30am-3pm (last orders)
Find us at Moss & Moor, Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Free parking available.
Happy gardening!
Spring is stirring in Ilkley, and there’s plenty to be getting on with as your garden gently awakens from winter.
February might still feel chilly here in West Yorkshire, but it’s one of the most exciting months for gardeners. There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air – and some genuinely rewarding jobs to crack on with. Our Alex has put together his essential February gardening tasks, and we’re delighted to share our Plants of the Month, chosen by our team.
Alex’s February Gardening Jobs
Spring Bulbs – It’s Not Too Late!
Missed planting bulbs in autumn? Don’t worry! Pop into our garden centre in Ilkley for pot-grown Tulips, Daffodils and Crocus to brighten your borders. Plant them now and you’ll still enjoy a beautiful spring display. They’re the perfect way to add instant colour while you’re waiting for everything else to catch up.
Prune Hedges Before Nesting Season
Give your hardy evergreen hedges a gentle trim now, before our feathered friends start nesting. Box, yew, holly and laurel can all benefit from a tidy-up this month. Not only will your hedges look smarter, but you’ll be doing your bit for garden wildlife by getting this done early.
Feed Your Favourites
Treat roses, fruit bushes and shrubs to a boost of slow-release fertiliser. A sprinkle of bonemeal or chicken pellets around the base will set them up beautifully for the growing season ahead. It’s one of those simple jobs that makes all the difference come summer.
Chit Potatoes
Get your first early spuds started somewhere bright and frost-free, ready for planting in March. Chitting potatoes is wonderfully satisfying – just pop them in an egg box on a windowsill and watch those shoots emerge. If you need seed potatoes, we’ve got a great selection in store.
Protect Tender Plants
Make use of cloches and cold frames to keep precious plants cosy through late frosts. February in Yorkshire can be unpredictable, and those tender shoots need a little extra care. We stock a lovely range of protection options at Moss & Moor.
Bring in Instant Colour
Why wait for spring? Plant Hellebores, Viburnum and Skimmia now for instant seasonal cheer. These beauties will reward you with flowers and interest right through the coldest weeks. We’ve a lovely selection in our plant department.
Fill Containers with Hardy Bedding
Create early interest with hardy bedding plants that can brave Yorkshire weather. Pansies, Primroses and Dianthus will reward you with colour right through spring and into early summer. Perfect for pots by your front door or dotted around the garden for cheerful splashes of colour.
February Plants of the Month
garden Plant of the month
Camellia
Chosen by David and Kerstin
For outdoor impact this month, we’re spotlighting the stunning Camellia – a true garden treasure. With glossy evergreen leaves and breathtaking blooms in shades of pink, red and white, camellias bring elegance and colour when we need it most, from late winter right through to spring.
Why we love them:
- Spectacular flowers that last for weeks
- Evergreen foliage for year-round structure
- Surprisingly hardy once established in Yorkshire gardens
Growing Camellias in Ilkley & West Yorkshire:
Location – Find a sheltered spot with partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Camellias are happiest away from harsh winds and morning sun, which can damage frosted buds.
Planting – Autumn or early spring is ideal. Keep the root ball level with the soil surface – no deeper. If your garden soil is alkaline (common in parts of Yorkshire), grow camellias in containers filled with ericaceous compost.
Watering – Regular watering is key, especially when establishing. Rainwater is best if you can collect it, as camellias prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Feeding – After flowering, treat with ericaceous fertiliser to keep them thriving. We stock everything you need in our gardening department.
Mulching – A generous layer of bark or leafmould helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.
Pruning – A light trim after flowering to remove any dead or crossing branches keeps them tidy and healthy.
Frost Protection – Young plants and flower buds appreciate shelter from severe Yorkshire frosts. Fleece works wonderfully, or move containers to a protected spot on particularly cold nights.
We have a beautiful selection of hardy camellia varieties in stock, perfect for Yorkshire gardens. Come and choose your favourite – our team are always happy to help with advice on varieties and planting.
Houseplant of the month
Kentia Palm
Chosen by Jenny and David
This month, we’re celebrating the elegant Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) – a graceful touch of the tropics for your home. This stunning palm has been beloved since Victorian times and even graced the grand rooms of the Titanic. Native to Lord Howe Island, it’s wonderfully easy-going and completely pet-friendly, making it perfect for family homes.
Care Tips for Yorkshire Homes:
Light – Your Kentia enjoys bright but indirect light. It can tolerate a little shade, but keep it away from harsh sun to protect those lovely fronds.
Water – Wait until the top few inches of compost feel dry, then give it a good drink. Let excess water drain away completely.
Humidity – This palm loves a humid atmosphere, which can be tricky in centrally heated homes. Mist the leaves regularly or place on a pebble tray filled with water for that tropical feel.
Temperature – Keep things cosy between 18-24°C, never dropping below 12°C.
Growth – A slow and steady grower, reaching 2-3 metres indoors over time.
Pop into our houseplant area to see our beautiful Kentia Palms and get advice from our knowledgeable team.
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This February
There’s never been a better time to visit our award-winning garden centre in Ilkley. Whether you’re stocking up on gardening essentials, choosing beautiful houseplants, or treating yourself to lunch in our restaurant, we’d love to welcome you.
Opening Hours:
- Garden Centre: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
- Restaurant: Mon-Sat 9am-3pm (last orders), Sun 9.30am-3pm (last orders)
Find us at Moss & Moor, Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Free parking available.
Happy gardening!