Margaret's Garden Journal for May 2008

The front garden in early May.

I am short of pictures this month as I have been away a lot and left my camera in Ireland. The picture at the top of the page was takenright aat the beginning of the month. I am very taken with the dusky red Jan Rheus tulip. If only it was taller I would use it instead of Queen of the Night although it begins and finishes earlier. As you can see though it is struggling to show above the forget-me-nots.
The top picture I took last year later in the month is almost identical to one I could have taken this year if I had my camera, with Purple Sensation following on to look good aagainst the forget-me-nots. The big disappointment has been the Dutch Irises, I put in 100. All but one have been destroyed by slugs Last April was a lot colder than the year before and May nights have been very cold so I won't get broad beans until June. The tomatoesm and cucumbers are doing well in the greenhouse, I planted them in between the first bank holiday which I spent in the cotswold and going to Ireland on the 12th. Mark and Chris watered them for me while I was away. The aubergine and peppers I sowed from seed survived my absence and are now in growbags in the greenhouse.
My great grand daughters reminded me at the end of the month that I had not helped them plant pumpkins as I had promised, so although it was really too late I went up Market Harborough and we planted 8 seeds in 4 pots.

To do this month 1. Done and planted out at the end of the month 2. Buy cucumber and pepper plants 3. Sow peas outside 4. Sow more broad beans 5.Sow lettuce outdoors 6.Sow carrots outdoors 7. Feed and spray roses

Later Comments 1. Done 2. I had some from Mark that he planted indoors 3. Mangetout done in March 4. Not done 5. I planted indoors and planted out at the beginning of May, except for cut and come again which gerninated well outside 6. Very little success even though I placed a net over them. The carrots growing in a pot germinated fine. 7. Fed but not sprayed