Simply Grow By Charlotte Ryan
I am thrilled to share some wonderful news — I will be taking part in the Belvoir Castle Flower & Garden Show on 11–12th of July!
I have designed a border garden for the show following a special brief, and this project is incredibly close to my heart. It’s being created in memory of my dear friend Anna, who sadly passed away from cancer in February. During her illness, Anna was cared for by the incredible team at LOROS Hospice, and I’m using this opportunity to raise funds for this truly special charity.
I am currently looking for a sponsor to support the project. If you run a business in Leicestershire and would like to get involved, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me via my social media page Leaf It With Me Gardens and Design or contact Fiona Henry, who can pass on my details.
Thank you for your support.
What to Plant in May (UK) for Summer Pollinators
May is an excellent month for planting — the soil is warming and the risk of frost is low.
Pollinating insects like bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beetles are vital for both gardens and food crops. Without them, many plants simply wouldn’t reproduce.
Small Trees – early nectar and structure
- Crab apple (Malus) – spring blossoms loved by bees
- Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – flowers for insects and berries for birds
- Amelanchier (Juneberry) – early blooms and perfect for small gardens
Shrubs – long-lasting colour and shelter - Lavender (Lavandula) – a classic pollinator magnet
- Buddleja (Butterfly bush) – irresistible to butterflies; available in various colours
- Ceanothus – blue nectar-rich blooms
- Potentilla – long flowering season and easy to care for
Perennials – the backbone of a pollinator-friendly border - Echinacea (Coneflower) – adored by bees and butterflies
- Rudbeckia – bright, daisy-like, late-summer flowers
- Salvia – excellent rich nectar source for bees
- Geranium (Hardy cranesbill) – long-flowering and low maintenance
- Verbena bonariensis – tall, airy clusters perfect for butterflies
Healthy gardens = happy pollinators = more blooms, fruit, and seeds.
And for families: get children involved by making homes for pollinators — a fun, low-cost activity using natural materials you already have.
Top 5 gardening jobs for May.
- Plant out tender plants
Once the risk of frost has passed (usually mid–late May in much of the UK), you can move plants outdoors:
- Bedding plants (petunias, marigolds)
- Dahlias and other tender perennials
Tip: Harden plants off first by putting them outside during the day for a week before planting.
- Sow seeds directly outdoors
The soil is warm enough for many seeds to germinate quickly:
- Sunflowers and wildflowers
- Cosmos ( there are a large variety of colours )Sow little and often for a continuous harvest.
- Keep on top of weeds
Weeds grow fast in May and compete for water and nutrients. - Hoe regularly on dry days
- Mulch beds with compost or bark to suppress growth
- Remove weeds before they flower and set seed
- Support and tie in plants
Fast-growing plants need help to stay upright: - Tie in climbing plants (clematis)
- Stake tall perennials like delphiniums
- Add supports early before plants get too large
- Water wisely and encourage wildlife
Rainfall can be unpredictable, so: - Water deeply rather than little and
often - Water in the early morning or
evening - Focus on young plants and
containers
At the same time, make your garden pollinator-friendly: - Plant nectar-rich flowers
- Avoid pesticides
- Leave a small wild area if possible
Most of all get outside, enjoy the sunshine and the lighter evenings. Please follow me on Instagram @ leaf_it_with_me_gardens_design for more top tips, planting ideas, what to grow & where.
