Hello fellow gardeners, hopeful growers, and anyone else who’s ever felt the irresistible pull of a sunny afternoon in the soil. Here are my Gardener’s Diary tips for May 25.
Now, I don’t know about you, but May always feels like that magic moment where spring finally finds its feet. The daffs have done their thing, the lawnmower’s out of hibernation, and suddenly the garden’s bursting with possibilities. There’s so much going on this month that I’ve had to double-knot my bootlaces just to keep up with it all.
May’s not just a good time to be in the garden – it’s one of the best. Plants are waking up, pests are plotting, and every square metre feels like it’s begging for your attention. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Below you’ll find my personal garden diary for May – full of what I’ve been doing, what you might want to be doing, and a few perfectly good excuses to come see us at Farnborough Garden Centre, just up the A423 from Banbury. (If you pop in, say hi – I’m usually somewhere between the hostas and the pond plants.)
So, kettle on. Gloves off. Let’s get stuck in.
Roses: War’s Declared on Greenfly
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a perfect rose in full bloom. But if there’s one thing I don’t love, it’s the little blighters that try to ruin them. May is prime time for greenfly and black spot to make their move – so start spraying regularly now. Use a combined treatment to tackle both bugs and disease in one go, and keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Prevention is much easier than cure!
Alpine & Rockery Colour Explosion
My rockery’s gone absolutely bananas this month – and I’m not the only one. Alpine and rockery plants are putting on a serious show right now. If you’re thinking of giving yours a boost, we’ve got a brilliant range at the garden centre. Just don’t blame me when you come back with three times more plants than you planned…
Herbaceous Borders: Now’s the Time
May’s the ideal moment to start or expand a herbaceous border. I grabbed a couple of gorgeous Hostas and a cheeky little Iris from our own displays that I absolutely did not plan to bring home. Our container-grown options are perfect for this time of year – and the range of grasses, ferns and bamboos is bigger than my compost heap (and that’s saying something).
Trees & Shrubs Stealing the Show
Flowering trees and shrubs are out to impress this month. Viburnum, cherry blossom, and acers are all doing their thing. We’ve got a wide selection in stock, including some semi-mature specimens if you’re after instant impact. They’re flying out fast – come have a look while they’re at their best.
Fruit Trees: Even Small Gardens Can Join In
Got a little garden? No problem. There are some brilliant dwarf and patio fruit tree varieties that don’t take up much room but still give you a proper harvest. Plums and cherries can be pruned this month too – just be sure to do it in spring or early summer to avoid silver leaf disease. A clean cut now can save a lot of grief later.
Sow, Sow, Sow!
It’s all happening in the veg patch. Most vegetable seeds can go straight into the soil this month. If you’re new to sowing, try short rows at intervals – that way your harvest is spaced out and doesn’t all come at once (unless you really like lettuce). And if you’d rather skip the seed trays, we’ve got a fantastic selection of young veg plants ready to go straight into the ground.
Greenhouse Go-Time
Whether your greenhouse is heated or not, you can get your crops going now. Just be mindful of cold nights – a bit of fleece goes a long way. We’ve got trays of healthy young tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, and even melons ready for planting.
Pot Up Your Baskets & Containers
One of my favourite May rituals is planting up hanging baskets. There’s nothing like a trailing petunia to lift the spirit, is there? Start filling your containers with Geraniums, Fuchsias, Begonias and all your favourites – but do remember to protect them at night if Jack Frost decides to make a last-minute appearance. And if your old pots are looking tired, come and see our expanded pottery area – we’ve got loads of new ones to choose from.
Ponds: Perk Them Up
If you’ve got a pond, give it a bit of love this month. Replace tired plants, top up with fresh aquatic soil, and maybe try some barley straw if algae’s creeping in. Our aquatic section is packed with pond plants, accessories, and everything you need for a refresh.
Looking Good This Month at Farnborough Garden Centre
Here are just a few of the stars of the show right now:
Flowering Cherries – These beauties are in full bloom and putting on a fantastic show. Their delicate petals range from soft pinks to crisp whites, and they’re ideal for adding a touch of springtime magic to any garden.
Japanese Acers – With their graceful shape and stunning foliage, Acers are always a favourite at this time of year. The leaves are just starting to unfurl in shades of red, gold, and lime, and they add year-round interest to borders or containers.
Fuchsias – Our fresh delivery of Fuchsias is looking fantastic. Whether you prefer upright varieties for beds and borders or trailing types for hanging baskets, they’re ready to plant now and will flower right through summer.
Clematis – If you’ve got a wall, trellis, or pergola to dress up, clematis is a brilliant choice. They’re perfect for adding height and colour without taking up much space.
Viburnum – These hardworking shrubs are in their prime right now, with clusters of creamy white or soft pink blooms – and in some varieties, lovely scent too. Ideal for mixed borders, hedging, or as a standalone feature, they’re low-maintenance and bring real year-round value.
Stoneware – From birdbaths and planters to Cotswold-style ornaments, these pieces add real character to a garden. They’re made to last, and only get better with age as they develop their natural patina.
So there you have it – my May garden diary, straight from the beds and benches of Farnborough Garden Centre. This month is full-on, but it’s also full of joy. Whether you’re planting your first tomato, refreshing your borders, or pottering around in the evening light, it’s all part of what makes gardening so special.
And remember – gardening doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about learning as you go, enjoying the process, and finding a bit of peace (and the occasional courgette) along the way.
If you need any help or inspiration, we’d love to see you at Farnborough Garden Centre. You’ll find knowledgeable advice, friendly faces, and everything you need to make the most of your garden this month.
