6 Jobs to Prepare Your Garden for Spring

As a West London based garden designer and glass artist, Agata Henderson specialises in creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces for busy families with children and pets. Working across Ealing, Hanwell, Chiswick, Brentford, Richmond and Harrow, she designs gardens that invite relaxation, connection and joy, spaces where her clients can unwind and make lasting memories with loved ones.

With a Degree in Garden Design from the British Academy of Garden Design and a professional background in project management on major developments including Battersea Power Station and Crossrail, Agata combines creativity with structure and precision. Her gardens are delivered on time, on budget and with exceptional attention to detail.

She understands that modern life is hectic and believes gardens should offer both comfort and escape. Whether working with heavy clay soil, creating privacy through clever screening, designing durable spaces for energetic children and playful pets, or building low maintenance retreats that support biodiversity, her aim is always the same: to transform outdoor spaces into resilient, beautiful environments that evolve with life’s changing stages.

For Ealing Living Magazine, Agata shares her advice on preparing West London gardens for spring.

Q: What are the early signs of spring you are seeing in West London gardens?

In my Hanwell garden, the first signs of spring are already appearing. Crocuses are in bloom, daffodils and alliums are well on their way and hellebores are looking stunning, often lasting well into April. Buds on fruit and blossom trees are swelling, ready to burst into flower and my roses have begun producing new growth at least a month earlier than usual.

Across Ealing and surrounding areas, it is clear that our climate is shifting. Winters are milder and growth starts earlier, yet frost remains a risk and summer droughts are becoming more common. We need to adapt by starting garden care earlier and preparing plants and soil for the conditions ahead.

Q: Is now the right time to apply bark mulch?

If bark was not applied in late autumn, now is an excellent time. February weather can be deceptive, encouraging plants to sprout too early while frost is still possible. A generous layer of bark protects tender shoots, improves soil structure as it breaks down, feeds plants naturally and helps retain moisture ahead of summer dry spells.

I recommend topping it up later in the year once it has decomposed and reapplying again in autumn to keep soil protected throughout the year. Bark is particularly important for protecting new planting.

Q: How should we be caring for roses at this stage?

Roses in West London gardens are already showing fresh shoots, so this is an ideal moment to shape them. Established roses are hardy and rarely suffer from late frosts, so you can remove crossing, damaged or leggy stems with confidence. Most roses respond well to firm pruning, producing stronger and bushier growth.

For climbing roses, train the long green stems horizontally along supports. This encourages vertical flowering shoots and results in a far more impressive display. Feeding every two weeks with a tomato feed will support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Q: Should we be pruning hydrangeas yet?

Not quite. Frost is still in the forecast in West London and last year’s flower heads provide natural protection for emerging buds. I advise waiting until late February or early March before cutting them back. A little patience now prevents damage later.

Q: How important is water management in West London gardens?

Water management is becoming increasingly important. With water meters now common across Ealing, Richmond, Hounslow and Harrow, installing water butts is a worthwhile investment. Harvested rainwater supports plants through summer droughts and reduces reliance on mains water.

Efficient irrigation systems used at night help minimise evaporation and ensure water reaches the roots where it is needed most. Even short periods of targeted night time watering can make a significant difference in the average suburban garden while keeping bills under control.

Q: Many gardens in this area have heavy clay soil. How can it be improved?

Heavy clay soil is typical across much of West London. It is highly fertile and rich in nutrients but can become waterlogged in winter and rock hard in summer, which makes lawns and new planting struggle.

When planting, dig holes wider than necessary and incorporate high quality compost to break up the clay and give roots the best start. In very dense soil, adding gravel can improve drainage. Where soil becomes extremely compacted, gypsum is very effective. It separates soil particles, improves drainage and does not alter soil pH, which is important in our naturally alkaline soils.

We recently applied gypsum in a Harrow garden that quickly turned into a waterlogged clay pit during landscaping works. Within a week, the improvement in drainage was visible and water began naturally soaking into the ground despite continued rain.

Q: What early season lawn care do you recommend?

Lawns remain a central feature in many suburban West London gardens and benefit from early attention. As growth resumes, aerate while the soil is still moist to improve root health and drainage. An organic liquid feed can be applied in early March, a few days after mowing to avoid scorching freshly cut grass.

Repair bare patches in March so new grass has time to establish before hot weather arrives. Consistent mowing throughout the season keeps lawns dense and healthy and modern robotic mowers are becoming a practical solution for smaller gardens.

Preparing your garden now sets the stage for a resilient and healthy outdoor space, ready for the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns we are experiencing in West London.

Agata Henderson Garden Design offers garden design and garden care consultations across West London, including Ealing, Hanwell, Richmond, Harrow, Brentford and Chiswick.