Tasks for May

Continuously picking rhubarb and removing any flowering stems will ensure a longer crop.

Protect vulnerable plants such as young seedlings, or hostas from slugs. We use crushed egg shells as a barrier.

Install shade netting or a whiteout spray over the greenhouse if necessary.

Bedding plants can be planted out towards the end of the month, after the last frosts have passed. Ensure they are gently acclimatised to the change in temperature outside the greenhouse or cold frame.

Trim back spreading alpines such as aubrietia and arabis after flowering.

It looks like we may be in for a dry summer so a water butt or other water collection system connected to the guttering is a good idea.

Spring and the 400th Anniversary of the Cedar

Spring has finally well and truly sprung! Rhododendrons are out, magnolia are in full bloom and there are still plenty of daffodils looking good. I noticed an early paeony flowering today, starting the promise of an excellent show in about a month.

This reminds me of June last year when the BBC came to film our paeonies.
If all goes well we may be on Gardener's World at the end of the month.

A thatcher came last month to do a 'service' on the roof of the summerhouse (see pic), which was very interesting to watch. He took off the old net, combed through the thatch, which was still in very good condition, and re-thatched the very top where it was a little worn. He then replaced the metal netting with a less intrusive thin plastic one. It was a long job, taking the best part of two days, but it now looks almost new.

To celebrate Spetchley's 400th year this year, Mr Berkeley decided to plant a cedar, so last month we had a planting ceremony on the main lawn. Unfortunately the weather was rather wet, but that didn't stop our local radio station, BBC Hereford and Worcester doing a live broadcast, and the local newspapers from taking pictures. All in all it was a very busy morning.

One of the corners of the gardens is currently being remodelled, with a large yew tree having been removed and the area levelled off. A wall is being built to create a very sunny corner just outside the back gate to our working yard.
Mr Berkeley is planning two narrow borders that will be home for some of the more tender climbers and shrubs. We are all interested to see what will be chosen to be planted there.