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May Gardening Jobs

We may be getting warmer days but don’t be fooled, we can still get frosts in May so read on for gardening jobs to do in May!

  • Encourage plants to grown big and strong with a slow release plant food such as Miracle-Gro plant food
  • By the end of May it should be frost free and safe to plant out Summer bedding. Follow our ‘thriller, spiller, filler’ method for pots and containers.
  • Join the ‘No Mow May’ movement and leave your lawn to grow this month to help the pollinators in your garden. Even just leaving a small patch could make a big difference to the wildlife. Feed with lawn food to keep the grass strong.
  • Look out for bugs and beasties – treat plants with an eco-friendly spray to keep them at bay. Take a look at the new Ecofective sprays we currently stock.

Our pick of plants that are looking good in the garden this month

Geums

Hardy perennials that flower from late Spring into Summer and sometimes into Autumn. Flowers in yellow, orange and red and flowers for a long period. Plants grow from 30cm-75cm, ideal for planting in mixed borders where they’ll spread to form groundcover.

  • Will grow in most soils regardless of pH as long as the soil holds adequate moisture.
  • Geum rivale cultivars prefer a shady spot, while most other varieties do best in partial shade.
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage repeat flowering.
  • Divide mature clumps every 3 to 4 years and mulch with organic material to help with moisture retention.

Nemesias

Small, erect hardy perennials perfect for containers and hanging baskets, as well as in mixed borders. Produce an abundance of sweet-smelling and colourful flowers from late Spring until the first frost in Autumn. Available in straight and bi-colours, ranging from whites, deep and pale blues, bright yellows, scarlets, pinks and oranges.

  • Performs best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
  • Great for attracting bees and other insects.
  • Requires very little maintenance, but can be deadheaded as the Summer progresses.
  • Cut back to ground level once flowering has ceased in Autumn.

Perennial Geraniums

Spreading and low-growing deciduous perennials that produce flowers that appear to float above the plants in white, pink, magenta, purple and blue. Plants grow best in full sun, but will tolerate partial and full shade areas. Very versatile plants with attractive foliage used in many garden situations.

  • Geranium ‘Rozanne’ won RHS Chelsea Flower show ‘Plant of the Centenary’ with its Summer-long flowering and versatility.
  • Ensure soils retain moisture well as downy and powdery mildew can be a problem in very dry conditions.
  • Tatty and unruly plants can be cut back hard mid-Summer to encourage fresh growth.
  • Large, established plants can be easily divided every 3 to 5 years in Autumn to encourage strong growth and flowering.

Lavender

Fabulous evergreen shrub that’s a wonderful addition to every garden! Spikes of colour, fragrant flowers in blue, purple, pink, white and lilac.

  • Lavender flowers are produced mid-Summer through to Autumn.
  • Plant in a well-drained sunny position.
  • Prune annually.
  • Choose different varieties for hedging, edging, or growing in containers.