Marvellous May! Our outdoor spaces are springing into life in such a welcoming way, and although this is a challenging time for all, we gardeners are lucky to have the joy of seeing our plants and trees grow day by day.  The warmth has returned to the soil, the laziest of hibernating plants have been jolted into life and the bare branches are smothered in fresh, young foliage. It's a time to look forward to a long succession of flower, colour, sunshine and showers and many happy hours gardening and here are just a few ideas of where to start . . .

1. With the summer seemingly getting drier, why not treat yourself to some fresh new perennials that once established will tolerate drought conditions .  .  . Echinacea, Achillea, Nepeta, Salvia, Gaura, Anemanthele, Erigeron, Dianthus, Euphorbia, Iris, Echinops and Papaver to name just a few.  Have a browse through our plant guide for gravel or dry gardens for inspiration.

2. Start hardening off tender plants ready for planting out towards the end of the month.

3. Deadhead Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons and prune to shape if necessary after flowering has finished.

4. Give your perennials with tall stems (such as Delphinium) or heavy flowers (Paeonia)  good support before they get too big. Stake, support and tie in where necessary.

5. May is a great time to plant new shrubs and trees.  Keep them well watered in warm periods during the first year when the roots are establishing. Click here for summer flowering trees and shrubs.

6. With life being put into new perspective this year, It's a great time to think about growing your own fruit or veg in the garden, or in a conservatory .  We have a fantastic selection of fruit and veg available. Browse online for lemons, figs, strawberrys, gooseberrys, rhubarb, currants and raspberries, grapes, apples and pears. We also have on site many varieties of tomato, as well as cucumbers, courgettes, sweetcorn, various salad leaves and much more.  Call for more details.

7. Think about planting up summer hanging baskets and containers when the risk of frosts is over. Use a good mix of perennials and bedding plants.  Heuchera, Carex, Ophiopogon, Salvia caradonna are all good plants for the centre of pots.  If you haven't planted your own baskets before, then follow our easy guide for planting.  Bedding plants are available, but not currently listed online, however,  if you would like to add these to an online order, please write your requirements in the 'comments' section at checkout and we will call you with full details.

8. Protect the environment and wildlife by setting beer-traps for slugs instead of using slug pellets.

9. Harvest Aspargus spears when approx 15cm tall, cutting below soil level.

10. Prune spring-flowering Clematis, such as Clematis armandii and alpina if necessary.  Treat yourself to a new beautiful flowering Clematis that is perfect for growing up an obelisk, over a fence or in a container on the patio. Clematis Esme, Clematis montana rubens Tetrarose, Clematis viticella I am Lady J to name just a few.

11. Keep lawns looking great by regular cutting with blades set at a medium to high setting . Apply nitrogen-rich lawn feed, re-seed bare patches.

      

13. Watch out for red lily beetles on lilies and asparagus.  The best time to catch them is in the early evening.