What thoughts rush through your mind when you think of the month of May?
For me, it’s wild frothy Cow Parsley rising above the nodding Bluebells in our woodland; random self seeded spires of Foxgloves peppered throughout the garden; and statuesque Bearded Irises that give a charming, classic cottage garden feel.
My first born arrived in May, and it was around then when I discovered the yellow pendant flowers of the Laburnum trees! They were like bright beacons of joy that lit up the streets where I lived. Lucky for me, I didn’t live far from Bodnant Gardens where the iconic Laburnum arch is. On George’s first, second and third birthdays, we would head there knowing it would be in full swing on 22nd May.
Every day in May offers something new to see and admire in the garden. Have a read of our monthly garden blog in conjunction with Genus Gardenwear about some of the jobs we are getting on with this month here.
Thank you to all who came
NGS OPEN DAY SUCCESS
After a year in the planning our NGS Open Garden event was blessed with good weather. We welcomed over 600 people through the gate (YES, that gate!) and raised just over £3800 for the NGS charities. Tom’s mum and a group of local ladies provided tea and cake, raising £2100 towards the upkeep of our village church. The sheer amount of help and effort from others, including the parking crew and ticket sales volunteers was incredible! In order to make this event a success, we required the help of over 20 people (mostly friends and family) for which we are so, so grateful.
Stay tuned for our plans for the next one…
May Days
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
We adore May, especially because it’s bursting with garden delights – from the blooming flowers to all the exciting garden events. We’re thrilled about the Chelsea Flower Show on 21st – 25th and excited to be invited to their Press Day once again. But first, we’re looking forward to the Malvern Flower show on 9th – 12th May.
DEALING WITH THE DREADED BOX BLIGHT
We have a lot of Box here, and unfortunately about five years ago our Parterre at the front of the house developed the dreaded box blight! Like many people we wanted to save it, and did some research to find a product that could help. This was when we discovered TOPBUXUS, a family business based in the Netherlands. Originally working as a tree nursery, in 1987 they decided to focus entirely on Boxwood. In 2000, TOPBUXUS was asked to carry out field tests on behalf of the government to create a product that helps strengthen the plant and to provide resistance to Boxwood blight. The result is the TOPBUXUS Health Mix.
We have been using this for over four years now and more recently, their Fast Acting Fertiliser (GROW). Towards the end of last season, we noticed the signs of Boxwood catterpillar! Thankfully there is a product available to combat this threat called TOPBUXUS XenTari which can be mixed with the Health Mix and applied in one treatment.
I am very excited to announce that I’ve recently teamed up with TOPBUXUS to offer you an exclusive discount of 10%. This will be automatically applied using my affiliate link below. You can also share this coupon code, JENNYWILLIAMS, with friends.
LAUNDRY RETREAT ROUNDHOUSES
The Perfect Summer Escape
Summer often comes with sky-high expectations – a jam packed diary, a must do list and a whole lot of people to please. But what if we could get more out of life by doing less? Switching off, a chance to break the routine, and the opportunity to daydream.
The Laundry Roundhouse Retreats often just that… the chance to unplug and recharge. Permission to do nothing but while away the time with a good cup of coffee or a glass of something and that book you’ve been meaning to read all with the view like this! Despite feeling like a world away, it’s conveniently located just an hour from major cities like Liverpool and Manchester, making it the perfect summer escape.
STAR PLANT OF THE MONTH
Aquilegia Vulgaris var. Stellata
‘Ruby Port’
This has to be my favourite of all Aquilegias for a few reasons. It has delicate unusual deep maroon flowers that slot perfectly in and around the garden. I first came across this flower when my mother-in-law gave me some from her garden. It’s a prolific self seeder, which I love! Ever since, I’ve shared them with so many friends because of that. You can buy it here.