The March Awakening
In 2026, the stakes are slightly higher. With Easter arriving early on the 5th of April, there’s a lovely sense of urgency to get the garden 'guest-ready' for Easter egg hunts and that first outdoor coffee.
At Leckford Estate, March is the most important month in the horticultural calendar. Whether you are looking for a few trays of vibrant primulas to brighten the porch or you are finally ready to commit to that complete garden redesign, we are here to help you bridge the gap between winter dormancy and spring vibrancy.
What Your Garden Needs Right Now
Before we examine the big picture of landscaping and design, let's discuss the boots-on-the-ground tasks. March is about preparation. If you do the heavy lifting now, you can spend April, May and June enjoying the fruits of your labour.
- The Big Tidy-Up: The winter winds often leave a trail of debris. Begin by clearing away fallen leaves and twigs from your borders. This isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about hygiene. Removing rotting vegetation prevents slugs and snails from finding easy hiding places near your emerging perennials.
- Mulching: The Gardener’s Secret Weapon: Think of mulching as an investment in the months ahead. Applying a thick layer of organic matter (like well-rotted manure or garden compost) to your beds while the soil is moist will lock in hydration for the summer and suppress the first wave of weeds.
- Pruning for Summer: March is the deadline for pruning many of your garden favourites. Late-flowering Clematis should be cut back to about 30cm above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth. Roses should also be finished this month, so aim for an open-centred shape to allow air to circulate, which prevents blackspot later in the year.
- Lawn Care Kickstart: If the ground is dry enough, give your lawn its first light "haircut." Keep the blades on the highest setting; you just want to tidy the tips rather than scalp the grass. This is also the perfect time to aerate compacted areas with a garden fork.
Leckford Tip: Visit our plant nursery to find the best peat-free soil conditioners to give your plants the nutrient boost they crave.
Longstock Park Landscapes and Garden Design
While the to-do list above handles the maintenance, March is also the peak time for transformation. Many homeowners wait until May to think about their garden layout, but by then, the best landscaping teams are often booked until autumn. If you want to change the bones of your garden, including the patios, the pathways, the structural planting, the time to talk to Longstock Park Landscapes is today.
The Art of the Garden: Thinking Beyond the Border
We often think of our gardens as another 'room' in the house. So a little structural thought now ensures that when the sun finally stays out, your space works just as hard for a Sunday roast as it does for a quiet morning tea. Our garden Design and Landscaping Services are built on the philosophy that a garden should be an extension of your home, an extra outdoor room that works for your lifestyle.
Whether you have a small urban courtyard or an expansive rural plot, a professional design ensures:
- Proportion and Flow: Ensuring your dining area feels generous enough for hosting, without losing that sense of intimacy.
- A Garden for All Seasons: Choosing structural planting so that even in the depths of January, your view from the kitchen window remains interesting.
- The Practicalities, Beautifully Done: Whether it’s navigating a tricky Hampshire slope or creating privacy from the neighbours, we believe the solutions should be as aesthetically pleasing as the plants themselves.
Outdoor Living: The 2026 Trend
In 2026, we are seeing a continued shift towards outdoor living. Beyond the simple pleasure of a garden bench, we are seeing a move towards creating truly integrated spaces, with integrated lighting, high-quality stone paving and sheltered spots that allow you to use the garden even when the British weather is being semi-predictable.
March is the month to finalise these plans. Building a new terrace or installing a pergola now means it will be ready exactly when the temperatures start to climb in late spring.
The Leckford Estate Difference
As the first green shoots appear, we’re here to help you welcome the new season. While there are many places to find a plant, Leckford offers a sense of place you won’t find elsewhere. Home to the renowned Longstock Park Water Garden and guided by the values of the John Lewis Partnership, we bring a century of stewardship and care to every project, whether it’s a single primula or a complete garden redesign.
When you buy a plant from our Nursery, you are getting a plant that has been cared for by experts who understand the local Hampshire soil and climate. Our plant nursery is a place of inspiration, where the displays are designed to show you exactly what will work in your own backyard.
Choosing to partner with our landscaping team means benefiting from a legacy that spans more than sixty years. That wealth of experience, rooted in our long history as an estate nursery, is woven into every project, ensuring your own outdoor space is treated with the same expertise and quiet care we’ve practised here for over half a century.
The Spring Q&A
From the Nursery Team: The Horticultural Experts
As the garden wakes up, so do the questions. From the right time to prune to the best way to plan a terrace, we’ve gathered a few of the questions our visitors are asking us right now - offering you a little extra confidence as you step back into the garden.
Is it too early to plant out my summer bulbs?
It depends on the bulb! Lilies and Gladioli can go in now as they are hardy. However, wait until the risk of frost has passed (usually May) before putting Dahlias or Cannas directly into the ground unless you are starting them off in a greenhouse.
What can I plant for instant Easter colour?
Primroses, Violas and potted Narcissi are your best friends. We have a huge selection at the plant nursery that can be popped straight into containers or window boxes for an immediate lift.
Should I feed my plants now?
Yes! As plants wake up, they need energy. Use a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser for your borders and an ericaceous feed for Camellias and Rhododendrons to ensure a spectacular bloom.
From the Design Team: The Landscapes Specialists
The rhythm of a redesign is very much shaped by the scale and complexity of your vision. A straightforward project, such as a small urban courtyard or a focused refresh of a specific seating area, can often be completed quite swiftly, allowing you to move from initial ideas to planting in a relatively short space of time.
For more intricate transformations involving structural landscaping or expansive plots, we prefer a more measured pace. This ensures every vista and material is carefully considered
before any work begins. Ultimately, starting the conversation in early spring ensures you are perfectly placed
How long does a garden redesign actually take?
It’s a process! From the initial consultation and site survey to the final concept drawings, you should allow 4–8 weeks for the design phase. The build time depends on the complexity, but starting in March often means you can be enjoying the results by mid-summer.
I have a small budget; can I still have a designed garden?
Absolutely. Good design is about making clever choices, not just spending money. We can focus on high-impact areas like a beautiful new entrance or a strategic planting plan to transform the feel of your space without a total overhaul.
What is the biggest mistake people make with their gardens?
"Impulse planting." People buy what looks pretty in the garden centre that day without considering if it suits their soil or where it will go. A professional plan prevents this waste and ensures every plant has a purpose.
