The garden colour dial turns up a notch in May, where the sea of green blooms alongside vibrant oranges, magenta and blues. This month is centred around preparing for the floral fireworks of summer, and ensuring all the last-minute preparation works are complete on the Estate.
If you’re visiting the Marrington Estate in May, look out for the swathes of bluebells and ferns in the Dingle Valley. Remember to savour and enjoy this magical time of year.
Blooms
Tie in the new shoots of climbing plants to their supports
Prune spring shrubs to keep them compact
Plant out summer bedding including sunflowers after the last frost
Produce
Earth up potatoes, and replant any that are still growing
Plant out courgettes, squash and other tender vegetables such as runner beans
Remove all strawberry runners, so plants put their full energy into fruiting
Greenhouse
Start to harden off tender plants and bedding, ready for their move outside
Tie the stems of indoor tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines to canes as they grow
Garden Care
Check for nesting birds before clipping evergreen hedges
Repair any patches in the lawn with turf or grass seed