May flower garden diary from gardenaction

MAY IN THE FLOWER GARDEN

ACTION NOW

SOW AND PLANT

IN FLOWER NOW

Provide support for herbaceous plants such as delphiniums

The large beauties of the tulip world are in full flower now. The Darwin, parrot and Rembrandt tulips soaking up the early summer sun.

The vigorous climbers of the Clematis world will be smothering walls and fences with their white and pink dainty flowers. Clematis montana 'Tetrarose' and 'Elizabeth' are the most beautiful varieties.

Another more stately climber, wisteria, will be in full flower towards the end of the month. The elegant branches will be covered in mauve, blue or even white flowers.

In the shrub world, lilacs will provide superb colour and delicious scent. Traditional yellow-coloured flowers will be freely produced by laburnum.

Last but definitely not least, rhododendrons and azaleas will display their kaleidoscope of bright colours in gardens and parks all around the country.

Continue to harden off bedding plants

Swan River Daisies (braychycome) - sow

Pot Marigolds (calendula) - sow

Late in the month, plant out tender bedding plants.

Sweet William (dianthus barbaratus)

Move bulb plants if they are taking up too much space.

Anchusia - sow

Mallow (lavatera trimestris) - sow

Increase mowing the lawn

Poppy - sow

Plant up containers and hanging baskets.

Candytuft

Mulch roses

Deadhead rhododendrons and azaleas

Forget-me-nots - sow

Remove spring bedding plants such as wall-flowers when their flowers fade.

Nasturtiums - sow

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CLOSE LAYER

Warmer weather encourages herbaceous plants to grow quickly this month. Top heavy plants, or those with large flowers will need to be staked now. If it's done now, it's an easy task and the stakes will soon be hidden. Three bamboo canes placed around the edge of the foliage will be sufficient - criss-cross garden twine between the stakes to provide all round support. Delphiniums and peonies are two examples of herbaceous plants which will benefit from staking.

Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting out tender plants - towards the end of the month is the best time. Heliotropes and Cannas are particularly frost tender, so wait until the very end of the month before planting these out.

Many bulbs will have stopped flowering by now, but their foliage is still absorbing energy for next year's flowering. If you want to use their space, the solution is called 'heeling in'. Dig out a row about 15cm (6in) deep and wide. Carefully dig up the bulbs, keeping as much soil as posible around them. Place them in the dug row, foliage upwards and gently replace the dug soil and firm it down. It's best to choose a sunny spot. The bulbs can be left to absorb more energy until their foliage turns brown. When this happens, store them in the garage or shed until planting again in the autumn. They store best when all the soil has been removed - place them amongst newspaper in a cool dry place.

Lawn growth will take off this month, so frequent mowing is the best way to look after the lawn. Lower the lawnmower blades. A dose of 'weed and feed' available from all garden centres will benefit the lawn greatly.

Plant up containers and hanging baskets towards the end of this month. Be ready to move them into the garage or shed if any frost is forecast. When positioning a hanging basket, place it in a sheltered position out of way of direct winds which will damage the plants and cause them to dry out quickly.

As the flowers of azaleas and rhododendrons fade, pinch them off with your fingers. This applies to all flowering shrubs. It stops the plants putting energy into seeds and encourages more flowers this year and next.

As early annuals stop producing flowers, remove them and put them on the compost heap. If left, they will harbour and spread disease as they begin to rot on the surface of the soil.

Love-lies-bleeding (amaranthus caudatus)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 3mm (1/8 in) deep.

Swan River Daisy (brachycome iberidifolia)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 6mm (1/4 in) deep.

Pot Marigols, English Marigold (calendulaofficinalis)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 12mm (1/2 in) deep.

Sweet William (dianthus barbatus)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 6mm (1/4 in) deep - for floweing next year (biennial).

Anchusa (anchusa carpensis)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 12mm (1/2 in) deep.

Mallow (lavatera trimestris)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 12mm (1/2 in) deep.

Field Poppy, Shirley Poppy (papaver rhoeas)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 6mm (1/4 in) deep.

Candytuft (iberis umbellata)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 6mm (1/4 in) deep.

Forget-me-not (myosotis sylvatica)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 6mm (1/4 in) deep.

Nasturtium (tropaeolum majus)
Sow outdoors in the flower bed, 12mm (1/2 in) deep.