The Gardener's Diary: February at Kilver
The Gardener's Diary: February at Kilver
As February unfolds, the garden at Kilver Court begins to stir with the promise of spring. With longer days and the first flush of early flowers, there’s a quiet sense of renewal in the air.
Our Head Gardener, Chris Inchley, shares an insight into what’s happening in the garden this month and offers some expert advice for the season ahead.
Snowdrops in Bloom
The snowdrops we planted in autumn are now emerging just in time for the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival. Among them, Galanthus elwesii, nivalis, and woronowii bring a mix of heights, flower shapes, and foliage textures. While the first year is a time for establishment, these plantings will soon grow into a dense, naturalised carpet of white. If you have snowdrops in your own garden, this is the perfect time to lift, divide, and replant them ‘in the green’ to encourage even more blooms next year.
A Flash of Gold
One of the highlights of February is the bright yellow glow of Eranthis hyemalis, or winter aconites. These golden blooms are the first splash of colour along the path leading to our newly built bridge, a fantastic addition created by our maintenance team.
The Lake’s New Reflection
After months of restoration, the newly dredged lake is already transforming the landscape. The improved depth of water has enhanced the reflections of the viaduct and surrounding planting, while the fiery stems of Cornus and Salix create a striking contrast against the water’s surface.
Preparing for a Productive Year
February is an important month in our newly renovated vegetable garden, where we are preparing to grow produce for the café. This month, we’ll begin sowing leeks and chitting our first early potatoes. With careful planning and the enhancements made by our team, we’re looking forward to a productive year ahead.
Winter Pruning and the Beauty of Ornamental Grasses
Late winter is the perfect time to prune Wisteria, cutting back the strong summer growth to encourage future flowering buds. By focusing on the shorter spurs, we ensure a spectacular display later in the year.
At the end of the month, we will also cut back our ornamental grasses, including Miscanthus zebrinus, Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ and Arundo donax. These grasses offer structure and movement throughout the seasons, from fresh green growth in spring to striking seed heads in autumn and winter.
With the first signs of spring appearing, February is a time of anticipation in the garden. Whether you visit for the snowdrops, the reflections on the lake, or simply to soak in the changing landscape, we hope you enjoy the transition into the new season as much as we do.
