Floors Castle Garden Centre, Kelso, Scottish Borders: Things to do in May

Plant of the month: Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

What can be more spectacular than the blousy blooms of the Rhododendron family! The flowers of the deciduous Azaleas are all the more stunning for appearing before their foliage makes an appearance. Azaleas are generally available in shades of yellow, orange and sometimes pale pink, and have a pleasant distinctive fragrance. Rhododendrons are evergreen, and the glossy leaves have a beauty all of their own. These come in flower shades of pink, red, yellow and white. They all require an acidic soil with light shade if possible. Alternatively plant in a large plain pot filled with Westland Ericaceous Compost, and feed regularly throughout the growing season with Bayer Rhododendron, Azalea and Camelia fertiliser.

Tip of the month:

The fresh emerging foliage of trees and shrubs is very susceptible to insect attack. An infestation at this stage in the season
can disfigure the leaves for the rest of the season so treat early with Bayer Ultimate Bug Killer. This systemic insecticide
works by getting into the plants juices, and targeting the insects from within the plant and offers protection for several weeks.

Gardening tasks:

√		Dead-head Rhododendrons and Azaleas to promote growth and vigour.

√		Begin to harden off half-hardy bedding plants in preparation for planting out in June.

√		Trim back spreading alpines such as Aubretia to about 10 cm from the base.

√		Sow seeds of hardy annual plants in situ towards the end of the month. Don't forget to sow Malope Trifida "The Vulcan" which looks stunning throughout the summer in the walled garden at Floors Castle.

√		Mow the grass regularly with the blades lower, and use a Feed, Weed and Mosskiller for a green luscious lawn.

√		Keep weeds under control using Bayer Glyphosate which has a systemic action killing weeds right down to the roots.

√		Lift and divide early flowering bog plants such as Primulas.

√		Plant summer Cabbages.

√		Harden off tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers for planting outside.

√		Summer prune peach trees.

May Events at the Garden Centre:

Awaiting event details.