Gardening by Month - May
Spring is here, the days are longer and the gardening season is in full swing. Show your garden some love this month to enjoy it at its best and get it in shape for the summer. The plant experts at Garsons recommend the following for May:
Fill in gaps in your garden
If you have a rockery or bare patches of soil at the front of your borders, plant with heather, thyme, lavender, hebe, rock rose and wall flower. Some of those have the added benefit of being drought tolerant – look out for the silvery green foliage to indicate that a plant can get by without much water. The lavender is our Plant of the Month, so Garsons card holders can choose their favourites for 20% off in May.
Plant up a container
It’s very satisfying to plant your own hanging baskets and containers. Mix in water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertiliser for long-lasting blooms. Trailing plants look lovely cascading down. One of the bestselling basket plants is trailing petunia (Surfinia). Other favourites are impatiens (Busy Lizzies) and lobellia. You can also fill containers with herbs to keep you supplied through the summer.
Enjoy a burst of colour from azaleas and rhododendrons
It’s nearly prime time for these stunning shrubs, so choose your favourite and get them planted quickly. They like well-drained acid soil and a sheltered position with dappled sun. If your soil isn’t acidic, buy some ericaceous compost and liquid ericaceous plant food.
Plant sunflower seeds
Sunflowers are easy to grow and often get fantastic results. Children love to see their progress and the seeds are fun for them to plant. Find a sunny spot and dig over the soil. Sow seeds about 5cm deep and 15-20cm apart and keep them moist.
Fingers crossed, our gardens will look lovely and lush this summer! Until next month, happy gardening.
