May Gardening Tips: Supporting Growth as Shoots Take Off
May brings a welcome shift in the garden. All our gardeners agree, it’s so nice to see longer, lighter days. The sun is warmer, and growth in the gardens is now in full swing. Whether it’s in the beds between walkways, in amongst pots and strips of luscious planting outside shopping centres, a welcoming green retreat around a hospital, business park or public space.
Across the Q&S gardens, borders are really filling out with fresh foliage and early summer colour. Salvia is starting to flower, bringing vibrant colour and valuable nectar for pollinators, while hardy geraniums are softening planting schemes with clouds of delicate blooms. Taller perennials, are stretching high, adding height and movement to the landscape.
With everything growing so rapidly, May is all about staying one step ahead. Around our sites, the Q&S gardening teams are busy staking taller plants before they flop, keeping weeds under control, and making sure newly planted areas are well-watered ahead of any dry spells.
And it’s not just the plants enjoying the warmer weather. We’re noticing the bees and butterflies are becoming much more active this month, taking advantage of the nectar-rich flowers coming into bloom. It’s lovely to see how thoughtful planting choices really support the pollinators!
Q&S’ gardening team share their May gardening to-do list.
Q&S Garden Notes – May 🌿
4 simple things to focus on this month:
1. Plant for pollinators
Add nectar-rich plants such as salvia and hardy geraniums to support bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
2. Feed and water
Give plants a boost with seasonal feed, and keep newly planted areas well-watered during warmer, drier spells.
3. Support tall plants
Stake taller growers like Thalictrum early, before heavy growth and wind cause them to topple.
4. Weed regularly
Everything is growing quickly now, including the weeds. Regular weeding will help keep the borders tidy.
Keeping on top of these small seasonal jobs helps the gardens stay healthy, colourful and resilient as we move towards summer.
The Q&S gardening team will be back soon with more practical tips and seasonal tasks. The things we’re busy doing day-to-day in the landscapes we maintain across the city. 🌿
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