Sunday 19 April 2009

Garden in May


Thank you April, hello May. May is the month of great change in the garden. There is something new to see everyday, even if it is the relentless growth of weeds amongst your specimen plants. I always associate the month of May with the flowering of Wisteria. This classic early flowering climber which is predominantly known for its long trailing lilac-blue flowers can grow to 10 metres. A great example of this plants superb flowers can be found at Cannington College (now Bridgwater College) The historic walls of this old Priory are literally smothered with this plant and when I studied there, their use to be a wisteria weekend in May, which I’m sure is still happening and is definitely worth a visit. Plants of interest this month include the Judus tree, bearing mauve/pink pea like flowers which grow straight out of the branches. This great specimen tree is ideal for any garden in our part of the country. More common plants which you will be able to spot along our road sides and coastal spots are Tamarix tetranda (Tamarisk) and Sambucus nigra. (Elderberry)

Things to do this month – In the middle of May and onwards plant out bedding plants, pot grown dahlia and tender exotics. It’s also a good time to clip beech, box and cypress trees. In the vegetable garden sow swede, beetroot peas, Swiss chard, radish, lettuce and spring onions.