Mzz B’s May garden

AlliumsWisteriaQueen Anne' LaceBrunnera- good for dry shade

The garden is looking great despite this odd weather we are. getting- 3 seasons in one day. It seems to be a couple of weeks ahead of where it usually is, and next week after this rain it is due to get warmer – so things will be growing faster- including the weeds.

So what do you consider a weed in your garden- there are definitely  plants that are a real nuisance- brambles, bindweed and couch or switch grass are definitely a  pain ,difficult to get rid of and  can swamp a garden. Other plants are more acceptable- like Queens Anne’s Lace – this is a lovely thing in a woodland area as well as in a border giving height and airy flowers at this time of year. But- you do need to cut  down before it seeds as it has a habit  of seeding into other plants and then taking over. Then there  are wildflowers you might find in your lawn which are beautiful- like buttercups, daisies, trefoils,self heal, clover- all of these are good for pollinators.  If you can get to appreciate that they may add to your garden rather than make it look untidy, then you are adding to  the biodiversity of the village. The idea and fashion that gardens should have pristine lawns ( Bowling greens?)really came about when the modern lawnmower was invented- before that only the wealthy had lawns- usually mown by sheep, or labourers with scythes and shears. You might find that if you have more flowers for pollinators  in your lawn ,that  there are more butterflies, and birds that visit your garden- as there will definitely be more food for them. 

Jobs for May hopefully with the warming weather.

• When all risk of frost has gone you can put out bedding and tender  plants but watch out for late frosts
• Think about No Mow May/June/July- or mow less often to let flowers like self heal , clover and trefoil to flower. This also helps to keep your lawn green during dry weather, as those plants have deeper roots than grass.
• check for birds nesting in hedges before any work is done to trim them.
• Lift and divide clumps of daffodils and other spring bulbs.- Dry some to replant elsewhere next autumn.
• Still keep an eye out for lily beetles- lovely red beetles that devastate your lilies – take them off by hand – placing one hand below them as they fall off the plant and then their black underside is al you can see.
• Sow  small batches of veg seed. for succession.

• WeLoveTattenhall