Ajuga intertwined with grasses in the cottage garden

The abundance of the garden begins in May.

Lilac, Wisteria, Foxglove, Sweet Rocket, Verbascum, Peonies and more. The air sweetly scented with their perfume. Grasses turn a glorious spring green and flowering trees create giant puffs of delicate color. Ravenous bees are busy taking advantage of the bounty and birds are building nests for the young they will soon tend to.

May is the very definition of spring.

As someone who loves the promise of spring I plan and work hard the previous year. Sowing biennial seeds that will grow into strong young plants to be planted out in September. Planning for the addition of Peonies, Iris and other early blooming perennials. The difference between autumn and early spring planted biennials and perennials cannot be understated. Those planted in autumn are far more vigorous than those placed in the ground in spring. An added bonus… the work is already done ! All you have to do is enjoy them.

Foxglove and Sweet Rocket in the Cottage Garden

May is also the time where the grasses and weeds absolutely explode. I prefer a more natural approach and keep the mowing to a minimum leaving some areas untouched until the first week of June. This is beneficial for wildlife and feels appropriate for our property. Weeds…. almost impossible to keep at bay in May. I try to top dress each bed as I weed it but that doesn't always happen. It’s just me out in the garden and life has a tendency to pull me away from my beloved borders. It’s all about balance. I honestly don’t care that much if the weeds are more dominant than I would like. As long as my roses and plants aren’t being crowded out that’s all that matters. All is under control by the end of June.

Beloved May…. thank you for all you bring to the garden.

Thank you for stopping by to read this little blog.

Wishing you the best of everything.

x Susan

Lovely May

Why I grow my own flowers