Pat’s 10 jobs for May 2026

Lonicera americana in full flower for night-flying moths

1. At this time of year when the weather is warm early Dutch honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and Lonicera americana are a magnet for night-flying moths attracted by the spicy scent, so try growing one if you have the space.

2. If seedlings and cuttings are growing away well, put them outside during the day to harden off then bring them in at night if the weather is cold.

3. Iris are in spectacular full flower now, but be sure to keep their rhizomes free from weeds so they get baked by the sun which will aid flowering next year.

Continue reading Pat’s 10 jobs for May 2026

Pat’s 10 jobs for April 2026

1. Cut back those shrubby Salvias now if you haven’t already done so, both in the ground and in pots. Cut just above a shoot and they will grow away fast, but listen out for forecast of frost.

2. Some bulbs are now over so make sure to deadhead and then leave the foliage to die back naturally, and give them a good feed to build up the bulbs for next year.

Continue reading Pat’s 10 jobs for April 2026