May in the Garden 2025 short notes v2

It’s May and as the saying goes, “N'er cast a clout till May is out”. A proverb which reminds us about the fickle British weather and its ability to bathe us in warmth one day and bring chilly winds the next! Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss what gardening tasks need to be done in one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar, plus a round-up of events and topical news stories.

What’s on

2 - 4th May: BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire.

2 May - 10th August: Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, British Library, London.

8 - 11th May: RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire.

20 – 24th May: RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London.

24 May - 1st June National Children’s Gardening Week.

30 – 31st May: Scone Palace Garden Fair, Perthshire, Scotland.

News

Chelsea 2025 gardens showcasingclimate resilience.

Monty Don’s dog, Ned assists in creating first dog friendly Chelsea Garden.

Frank P Matthews to debut at Chesea Flower Show showcasing Malus.

England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time.

Ancient oak tree cut down by Toby Carvery.

National Trust steps in to save rare Black Poplar trees.

Mixed fortunes of UK gardens visitor numbers in 2024 revealed.

Biddulph Grange Stumpery renovation completed.

A call for action over declining hoverfly numbers from The Wildlife Trust and RHS.

Horticultural Trade Association supports Urban Green Spaces Bill.

2025 Ballot open for 10 Downing Street Garden which will be open to the public for one day.

Rising costs lead to Shrewsbury Flower Show cancellation.

Westland Horticulture acquires Bulldog Products.

Huw Richards and Gardena search for Britain’s best plot in new competition.

Survey conducted by Stihl highlights common garden mistakes

Peter A. Cox of Glendoick, a pioneering figure in the world of horticulture and rhododendron cultivation, has died.

Lawns overlooked in new builds.

Wildlife gardens see a ‘change for the better’ say Wildflower Gardening Forum.

DIG IT Top 5 Top Fragrant Plants

5th spot Lonicera Gold Flame, 4th Lavandula Hidcote, 3rd Rose Lilac Bouquet, 2nd Trachelospermum jasminoides and Lavandula stoechas at the number 1 spot.

Plants mentioned: Polyanthus and Primulas – perfect for division, Swede, Beetroot, Carrots, Autumn Cabbage, autumn / winter Cauliflowers, Broccoli, Peas, Potatoes, Radish, Lettuce and Spring Onions. French and Runner beans, Sweetcorn, Courgettes, and Pumpkins. Blueberries, Cranberries and Strawberries. Sweet Peppers, Chillies, Aubergines, Melons, and Cucumbers. Summer bedding and Seasonal plants. Aquatic oxygenators, marginals, and waterlilies. Pop-in / Drop-In Speedplanters.

Products mentioned: Bug Hotel, Horticultural fleece, Dutch Hoe, Ericaceous fertilisers, Garden Netting, Evergreen 4-in 1 Lawn Food, Lawn seed, Hanging baskets, and Melcourt Peat-Free Tub and Basket Compost.

Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supplying the music.

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