May in the Garden
Welcome to the May edition of Fiveways gardens.
What a difference a year makes. Last year, April was the sunniest, loveliest month of the year. This year, apparently record low temperatures. Lawns I re-seeded 4 weeks ago, have still yet to germinate. We need a period of 7-10 days with consistently warm temperatures, so those of you also waiting to see fresh new grass emerging, hang on in there. It's been wet enough for seeds to have imbibed sufficient moisture, and it's likely seeds are still viable.
May has to be my favourite month in the garden, with lots of luscious leafy growth and plenty of flowers to brighten beds and containers. As well as sitting back and admiring it all, there are, as always, plenty of things to be getting on with.
If you haven't already, feed bulbs - whether in flower or fading fast. This is especially important for bulbs in containers, as once the nutrients in the compost has been used by the plants, there's no more available. Lack of food is the most common reason for bulbs coming up 'blind', that is, just the leaves emerge without a flower in sight.
Ivy - not everyone's favourite plant but a great wildlife supporting plant. Its berries in very late winter are a good source of food for collared doves and other birds. Its flowers are a great source of nectar for bees. Some people cut back in autumn and spring, but I just hit it hard in April / May. This keeps it under control but allows it to flower and berry.
Ornamental grasses, Phormiums and Cordylines can be tidied by pulling out dead leaves and trimming back brown leaves. If not taking off the entire leaf snip back to a point rather than cutting off square. This takes a bit more time but will leave your plants looking good all season.
Because of the 'non-summer' last year, the climbing annuals I sowed didn't really do very much. However, I'm nothing if not persistent, so I'm sowing more now to hopefully cover the trellis I put up last year. I plan to attach pots at intervals along the trellis with morning glory - try the variety 'Grandpa Ott' for the most intense purple, trailing lobelia and petunias. I'm hoping the plants will have pretty much covered the trellis by August / September on my south facing wall.
Keep an eye out for pests as the tender young foliage of both annuals and perennials is an inviting feast to aphids, slugs and snails. If you squash aphids on the plant before they get too established, you'll save yourself lots of spraying later on in the season.
Happy gardening and best wishes
Lisa
For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk
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