Head Gardener’s Notes: March 2026
First published 24th Mar, 2026By Ben Barker, Head Gardener
Spring has finally sprung in Bute Park, with the ornamental cherries, Magnolias and bulbs providing a wash of colour to brighten up the days.
The team have started the long process of forking over the herbaceous border and island beds adjacent to the river. Along with lifting and dividing select groups of the herbaceous perennials, the prime focus is on removing any swathes of ground elder (Aegopodium podograria) and hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). While not considered a weed by everyone with its attractive flowers and benefits to some wildlife, we remove the ground elder due to its spreading form and habit of smothering any competition.
Both weeds regenerate from the smallest of roots left in the ground so, despite our most meticulous efforts, this has become an annual job. However I’m cautiously optimistic about finding a more permanent solution this summer.
The grass around the beds and borders has also had its first cut and stripe, and with our fantastic volunteers tidying up the pathway edges it’s really helped set those areas off.
On the Visitor Centre border we’ve attached more straining wire to the boundary wall, which will allow us to stay on top of training the climbing roses. We’re in the process of removing a lot of last year’s excess growth and creating a framework for years to come.
Look out for:
The 30,000 daffodils currently blooming in the southern section of the park.
