May action plan
Follow these tips for your garden this month:
• The 4 Ps Now is the time to plant poppy, pansy, petunia and Primula malacoides seedlings for swathes of colour in the cooler months.
• Split & divide If the following perennials have stopped flowering, they’re ready for the operating table – lift and divide them into smaller sections, then replant: Japanese anemone (Anemone japonica) and obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana).
• Perennial pedicures Neaten up stalwart perennials by cutting them back. Plants such as Michaelmas daisy, obedient plant, penstemon, yarrow, blanket flower (Gaillardia) and chrysanthemum will all appreciate a trim. Add a layer of compost around their roots for spring flower power.
• Rake it, baby Rake fallen leaves off the lawn to prevent them from blocking out sunlight, and then pop them on the compost heap.
• Snail away To deter snails, oven-dry and crush egg shells and place them around the base of your plants.
• Attract wildlife These indigenous lovelies are relished by birds, bees and butterflies: white olive (Halleria lucida), Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), jacket plum (Pappea capensis) and cross-berry (Grewia occidentalis). Visit your local garden centre for a selection of wild grass seed packets to sow now and help feed the birds this winter. >>