Here is par 2 of your March gardening to-do list from our Garden Pavilion Manager Claire Hayes. Let us know how you are getting on with your garden this month in the comments section below :) Look forward to hearing from you!
Pest and Weed Control
Herbaceous perennials infested with couch grass and other perennial weeds should be lifted so the roots of the weeds can be removed. Improve the soil by digging in organic matter before replanting.
Clear up weedy beds before mulching. Lighter soils can be mulched now, but heavier soils are best left until March, when the soil is warmer. Mulching with a deep layer of organic matter helps to condition the soil, suppress weed growth, insulate plant roots from temperature fluctuations, and conserve soil moisture during the summer.
Top dress spring-flowering alpines with grit or gravel to show off the plants and to help prevent stem rots. Mulch may need replacing after weed removal.
Remove weeds from around the bases of young trees.
Mulch and feed shrubs, trees, hedges and climbers after pruning, to give them energy for the extra growth they will put on after cutting back.
Prune established bush and standard roses as they start growing but before any leaves unfurl. Trim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers fade.
Put rabbit guards around newly planted trees and shrubs to protect the bark .
Regularly inspect plants, and also the structures of the greenhouse and conservatory, for glasshouse red spider mite, whitefly, thrips and other pests.
Careful attention to the undersides of the leaves, and to each plant in turn, can spot early infestations that would otherwise be missed.
Control with approved insecticides and biological controls, and hang yellow sticky traps to help monitor numbers of flying pests.
Brush up fallen compost and debris, and pick off dead leaves from plants. This will help prevent pests and disease spreading.
Turf can still be laid, provided the soil is not too wet or frozen. Work from planks, to avoid compacting the soil. Do not walk on newly laid turf, and leave it undisturbed for several weeks to allow the new roots to establish.
Mow the established lawns if the weather is mild enough and the grass shows signs of growth. Ensure the first cut of the season is light, raising the blades 0.5cm (0.25in) higher than the usual cutting height.
Where lawns are to be grown from seed, prepare the ground for sowing by cultivating, levelling and then firming the soil. Doing this now will allow the soil to settle prior to sowing later in the month, or in April.
In late March apply a high nitrogen spring/summer lawn fertiliser to encourage good, strong growth to help the lawn recover after the winter.
Straighten lawn edges using a half-moon turf iron and a board, or use sand to mark out a curve, which can then be cut out with the iron.
Continue with hard landscaping if the ground is firm. Try and finish projects early in the month, to free time and space for much needed maintenance and planting as the spring begins.
Remove dirt and algae from walls, paving and patios.
Check and repair pergolas, arbours, arches and fence if needed.
Give watering cans a good scrub out to prevent fungal disease.
Take action to remove algae from paths if they start to become slippery.
Lawn Maintenance
General Maintenance
That list should keep you busy in the garden for a while! Look forward to seeing you at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion soon :)
Claire 
