Spring will soon be here and with it comes explosions of colour and scent from our gardens and outdoor spaces. As the weather slowly warms the soil there’s plenty to be done in our gardens to prepare for the coming sun. February is the perfect time to put on those gardening gloves, embrace the fresh air and put in the foundation work for a plentiful spring and summer garden.

To really hit the ground running it’s the perfect time to start propagating seeds in your greenhouse or conservatory, ready for transplanting when the frosts clear up and the days get longer. Whilst your plants are getting their head start it’s the ideal time to clear debris from the lawn and prepare your flowerbeds by breaking up and turning the soil, adding in nutritious compost as you go.

Deadhead any hardy winter plants and trim back any overgrown foliage that has lasted the winter to make room for your new plants and check on any congestion amongst your spring bulbs. Allow them to enjoy the rest of month until they sprout and then spread them to their new positions to ensure they are not overpowering the rest of your flora.

Ruxley Manor, based in Sidcup, is the perfect place to start your gardening journey this year. With competitive prices on quality gardening tools, plants, seeds and everything garden related their helpful staff can advise on your projects and offer insight from their personal experience of garden care to help you achieve your gardening goals.

There’s an extensive range of stoneware and patio options, artificial turf (if you’ve had enough of mowing the lawn) and water features or ponds, plants and koi to add a little serenity to your garden. Each department has a resident expert for any questions or recommendations you may need.

It’s not only just gardening products on offer at Ruxley Manor, as a destination garden centre there is everything you could want under one roof. Make a day of your visit by booking a charming afternoon tea in The Mulberry Tree Restaurant and peruse the Lifestyle Department for gifts, books, clothes and beautiful homeware. Take dinner home with you from our Food Hall, offering fresh local produce and an on-site butcher.

If you’re fed up with the drizzle and the wind take a trip to Ruxley Manor where spring starts in February. We all need a little colour and comfort in the colder months and with their ranges of plants, pets and a new head chef creating delights for your palate it is certainly the place to breathe a bit of fresh air into the dreariness.

During February half term Ruxley Manor hosts John Lawson’s Circus following a sell out run in October, tickets are just £6 with babies on laps going free for each 45 minute show. More information and tickets can be found online.

To find out more about Ruxley Manor visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ruxley.manor.