'Gardener's Calendar is the place where you can sometimes have a laugh! Or a chuckle at least. It is a gardener's calendar, and it does describe the Gardener's Calendar which ought to be done during any month. But this is Winsford Walled Garden's 'Gardener's Calendar', it is created by real gardeners and not only shows what should be done but also compares it with what is actually done (written in italic) as a result of the vagaries of the English weather or any other external interest.
 January
The festive season is over and the sky covers everywhere with its dank, grey blanket. It's very easy to stay indoors, but now is the time to overcome the couch and get outside, because working in the garden during these early months can often make the biggest difference for the summer.
February
February is very much a continuation of the previous month. It's also the time to when the days get longer and you can look to making your earliest preparations under cover. Start your anti-slug programme to kill of the first generation.
 March
March is the surprising month. A time to renew your acquaintance with 'old friends' as they reappear for the early summer. Prepare your hanging baskets. Sow your annuals and vegetables.
April
April can be the tricky month as steadily rising temperatures tempt plants in to growth and just one freezing night can suddenly set things back a month. April is also for weeding and lawn care. Plant out your annuals.
May
Tidy up those early spring flowering shrubs for the summer. Remove those wilting heads from your rhododendrons. Feed your lawn. Your roses will need a spray to deter blackspot and aphids. Watch out for those bamboo shoots!
'Glorious June' is a wonderful month. Keep on top of the weeds. Watch over your climbers and your roses. Water those new plants you put in. Bring out your tender plants. Ensure your climbers are twining around their supports.
After all your earlier preparations July is the month when you can reap your reward. Cutting grass and dead heading are the biggest tasks for July. Watch over garden, take things easy and enjoy it. Look out for young stressed plants under the summer sun.
August
The highlight month for the summer garden. Watering and dead heading can be the most onerous tasks for the gardener during August. Prune after flowering.
September
Summer is drawing to a close. Start off your winter vegetables. September fruits ripe for the picking. Dig up your tender bulbs and store them in dry sand. Ease off on the watering of all your potted plants. Prepare your composting area. Make a start on your winter tasks.
October
October and November are, for me at least, the busiest months in the garden. This is the best time to dig up and relocate any existing plants. All those herbaceous plants which are past their best can be divided up, rejuvenated or relocated for next year.
November
November is clear up month in the garden, I like to have everything that's due to be cut down that winter (which isn't still in flower) to be cut down and cleaned away into heaps either for composting or burning.
December
The bonfire ash can be spread about. The soil forked over and compost added. Any major new projects for the garden ought to be well under way.
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