The dreary winter season has come to an end. Daffodils are in bloom, tulips are emerging, and the days are brighter and longer, signaling a return to outdoor activities, particularly gardening. For some, the thought of digging into the soil after a long winter is a source of joy, while for others, it may evoke anxiety due to the backlog of tasks that await.
Our gardens are meant to be enjoyed and shared with the wider community. To fully relish your garden this summer, it’s time to prepare: plant, cultivate, and consider letting the grass grow a bit longer.
If your planters are currently looking splendid, take a moment to appreciate them, but also think ahead to what you’ll plant next. There are great bargains on dahlias available now, but consider also incorporating gladiolus, particularly Acidanthera murielae, or the impressive eremurus.
“Do not remove the leaves from your spring bulbs after they have finished blooming,” advises Pollyanna Wilkinson, a garden designer and author of *How to Design a Garden*. “It’s crucial to leave the foliage intact so the bulbs can photosynthesize and gather energy for the upcoming year.” When in doubt, retain all bulb leaves until they turn yellow, at which point they can be easily removed.
As the weather begins to warm up, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy your morning coffee outdoors. However, the wet winter can be harsh on garden furniture. A thorough cleaning with warm, soapy water and a stiff brush will help remove dirt accumulated over the season. For plastic and hardwood furniture, this cleaning method is often sufficient, while softwood items may benefit from a fresh coat of stain.
If you are in the market for new outdoor furniture, now is an ideal time to shop ahead of the busy May bank holiday weekends. Habitat offers a wide selection of affordable pieces, and the warm red of one particular sofa could beautifully contrast with your garden greenery.
For those who enjoy the thrill of growing plants from seeds, this time of year is particularly rewarding. To ensure success, set up seed trays with plastic covers to create a mini-greenhouse effect on your windowsill, clearly label your seeds, and use a fine rose attachment for your watering can. Be cautious, though; it’s wise to avoid sowing an entire packet unless you are prepared to care for numerous seedlings until frost passes.
As spring progresses, I find it helpful to sort through seeds and plan what to plant as the soil warms. However, there are certain seeds I won’t sow, such as large brassicas or anything in a shade of purple that doesn’t appeal to me. Many community gardens are hosting seed swaps, providing an opportunity to exchange unwanted seeds for something new.
“How busy do you really want to be in the garden this year?” asks Andrew Timothy O’Brien, author of *To Stand & Stare*. If you prefer tending to a small number of seedlings, that’s perfectly fine. You might choose to nurture just a few of your favorite flowers and spend the rest of your time enjoying the sight of butterflies amidst the wildflowers in your less frequently mown lawn. Alternatively, you could take some time to read a book—O’Brien’s is highly recommended.
The #NoMowMay initiative has raised awareness about the beauty and ecological benefits of allowing lawns to grow wild in spring, but why stop there? I often let my lawn grow long until the height of summer. If that feels excessive, you might consider leaving certain areas unmown or creating mowed paths for a more intentional appearance.
For those interested in establishing new borders, now is a great time to do so, before the garden becomes too lush. You might find it useful to sketch your plans on graph paper, or alternatively, use stakes and string to outline your desired layout. Make your beds wider than you think necessary—aim for at least a meter to create truly enchanting herbaceous borders.
“Avoid stripping your borders for fresh-cut flowers,” cautions floral designer and broadcaster Hazel Gardiner. She suggests “growing with cutting in mind” by dedicating a small area for cutting flowers such as cosmos, cornflowers, and sweet peas. This approach encourages more generous cutting, promotes branching, and keeps your main garden looking full. If space is limited, consider integrating stunning dahlias into your permanent borders.
Before heading to the garden center, check what can be propagated from your existing beds, advises garden designer Charlie Chase. “Cut back any late-flowering perennials you adore, like hardy geraniums and nepeta, lift them, and divide them. This is a great way to enhance the rhythm of your garden without spending money, as it gives you double the plants you cherish.”
According to Lottie Delamain, garden designer and author of *Gardens That Can Save the World*, assessing the current inhabitants of your garden is a beneficial starting point for enhancing your ecosystem. “Identify what species are already visiting your garden and plant accordingly,” she explains. “Consider food chains: to attract owls, you’ll need moths, and for moths, night-scented plants like nicotiana and jasmine are essential.”
If the thought of sowing seeds feels overwhelming, or if a trip to the garden center seems daunting, rest assured that you are not alone in feeling this way.
