Welcome back to the gardener’s blog!
We opened our gates in April, and it feels like just yesterday! The season has taken flight with a flurry of exciting developments.
We’re thrilled to introduce our new Tearoom, The Glass House, and The Houghton Florist, to our charming courtyard. Our little community is blossoming, and we couldn’t be more delighted.
Spring saw the gardening team at Houghton Lodge Gardens hard at work, clearing beds, mulching, and planting bulbs in anticipation of the warmer months.
The Oriental Garden has been a particular focus, with a variety of new plantings that we hope will fill the spaces and complement the established rose collection, which is looking absolutely spectacular this year!
May Gardening Jobs: Nurturing Growth and Embracing Color
May has brought a welcome taste of warmth and sunshine, which means weeding is back on the agenda – a gardener’s constant companion! But it’s not all about maintenance; we’ve been relishing the opportunity to prepare the soil in our Vegetable Patch and plant out a variety of vegetables and companion plants, like Tagetes and Nasturtiums, to deter pests and add a splash of color.
When to Plant Bedding Plants: A Gardener’s Guide to Timing
If you’re itching to add a burst of vibrancy to your garden, now is the perfect time to plant bedding plants. Before the scorching summer heat sets in, take advantage of the milder temperatures and moist soil to give your new additions the best chance of thriving. We’re gradually shifting our planting focus towards autumn, as spring and summer temperatures continue to climb, but May still offers a window of opportunity for successful planting!
Here are some tips to help you decide when to plant your bedding plants:
- Last Frost Date: The most crucial factor is the date of the last expected frost in your area. Bedding plants are tender and can be easily damaged by frost. It’s generally safe to plant them outdoors after the last frost has passed.
- Soil Temperature: Bedding plants prefer warm soil to germinate and establish their roots. Ideally, the soil temperature should be at least 15°C (60°F). You can use a soil thermometer to check the temperature or simply feel the soil with your hands – it should feel warm to the touch.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid planting on days with strong winds or heavy rain, as these conditions can stress young plants. Choose a calm, overcast day or plant in the late afternoon when the sun is less intense.
- Hardening Off: If you’ve started your bedding plants indoors, it’s important to gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in the ground. This process helps prevent transplant shockand gives your plants the best chance.
Remember to water your pots regularly, as they tend to dry out faster than you might expect.
Gardener’s Flower of the Month: The Exquisite Iris
The undisputed star of the May garden is the Iris! It’s one of my absolute favorite perennials here at Houghton Lodge, and I eagerly anticipate their arrival every year.
Be sure to admire their breathtaking beauty and intoxicating fragrance in the Herb Garden. We’ve also recently introduced a multitude of new iris varieties in our dedicated Iris Beds, located at the far end of the Walled Garden. They are a sight to behold!
Summer Garden Preparations: A Glimpse into the Walled Garden’s Future
As we move further into May, our focus shifts towards preparing the garden for the summer months. We’ll be diligently pruning, weeding, and feeding our plants to ensure they’re in peak condition for the upcoming heat. We’re also planning some exciting additions to the garden.
Be sure to follow us on social media for regular updates and sneak peeks into the Walled Garden’s transformation.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our May gardening adventures. Remember, the garden is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to discover.
Visit us at Houghton Lodge and experience the magic of our gardens firsthand.
And as always, we’d love to hear from you – feel free to share your own gardening tips, stories, or questions in the comments below.
Happy gardening!
Cat, Undergardener
Find her on Instagram @cat.kin_
