Welcome to the garden notes for May. This is the month in which we celebrate a very important occasion, Mother’s Day!
Firstly, to all mothers, from everyone at Stratco, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day and hope you have a lovely chance to spend time with family and loved ones.
Plant Gifts For Mum
As you know, we like to spoil our mums and say thanks for everything they have done for us over the years, and the giving of flowers is traditionally one way we do this. Flower arrangements and cut flowers are certainly popular for this, but you can also give the gift of a living plant, which will last for much longer. Chrysanthemums are the “classic” Mother’s Day plant, and they are available in a range of sizes, colours, and flower forms. They can be kept inside for a short while and then planted out into the garden or in a pot, in a sunny spot where they will give a wonderful display for years to come with minimal care. Feed regularly and prune after flowering to maintain shape and plant health; it’s as simple as that.
There are many other plants that also make suitable gifts, and you will find these in stores now too, such as Cyclamen, Orchids, Anthurium, and a whole host of other indoor plants with beautiful foliage. Any one of these would be lovely, and we have a great range of pots that could be matched to make the perfect gift. Of course, you can give plants for outside in the garden too!
There are plenty of gift ideas inside the store as well, one of which is a Plant Care Pack, which would be perfect for indoor plant enthusiasts. If all else fails, a Stratco Gift Card is another option, and the recipient can then choose something for themselves.
Keep An Eye On Dehydrated Plants
Even though it is raining quite heavily as I write this, we have not had enough rain lately to adequately water the garden, so keep an eye on your plants, especially fruit trees and pots. Water deeply as needed. However, there has been more than enough moisture for weeds to get going. Try to control them while they are still small, either by spraying or hand weeding.
Winter vegetables and flowers are still fine to be planted out; the soil has not cooled too much yet, so they should establish fairly well. Snails are very active in the damper conditions we are starting to get, so watch out for them around your new plantings. Control is quite easy; use snail bait, the iron-based one is pet safe, or remove by hand.
Vertical Planting?
If you are short of ground space for planting, perhaps consider going vertical. In stock now is a good selection of the Garden Up range, which offers various vertical gardening solutions. Free-standing and wall units are available, making it easy to have a garden in even the tightest of spaces. Ideal for herb gardens, these are sure to be popular.
Spring flowering bulbs are still in stock, ready to plant for your splashes of colour from late winter on. Seed potatoes are due any day now and are very easy to grow. Dig straight, shallow trenches about 50-60cm feet apart in prepared soil. Plant seed potatoes 25cm apart and cover with about 5-6cm soil. When the shoots reach 20-25cm tall, use a hoe or shovel to scoop soil from between rows and mound it against the plants, burying the stems halfway. They can also be grown in pots successfully, so don’t worry if you don’t have spare ground.
Final Notes
Autumn is in my opinion the absolutely best time for planting shrubs etc. in the garden, the soil is still warm enough for them to get going and the worst of the summer heat is well past. By the time we get to next summer and hot days they will have had a chance to develop a reasonable root system and will be more resilient and able to cope. There are lots of wonderful plants, many in full flower in the garden centres at the moment so come on in, we’d love to see you, and remember we’re here to advise on any of your gardening issues.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.