Tony's Tips - May 2026
Although May marks the final stretch of autumn, there’s still plenty of warmth in both the soil and air, which are perfect conditions for establishing new plants or giving your existing garden a boost with some well timed feeding.
We’re also excited to have a selection of new release David Austin roses in the nursery. Renowned for their beauty and performance, these roses come from one of the world’s most extensive breeding programs, so you can plant with confidence.
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Kew Gardens: a single white, mass flowering bush rose suitable for hedging or as a specimen
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Lady of the Lake: a vigorous climbing rose with masses of semi-double soft pink flowers through the warmer months
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The Lark Ascending: is a vigorous large shrub (2m x 2m) with masses of lightly fragrant apricot flowers October to May
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James Galway: which is a 2-3m climbing rose with masses of beautiful double pink fragrant roses from October to May
For best results, plant your roses into compost enriched soil and choose a position that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Cooler nights are bringing out the best in Pansies, with larger blooms and richer colour. It’s also your last chance to plant Primula seedlings for a bright winter display.
Hellebores (winter roses) are back, thriving in the cold and perfect for adding colour to shaded spots, while Correas are flowering beautifully, these hardy, versatile shrubs are suited to sun or moderate shade.
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David Austin Rose ‘James Galway’
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Easy Colour Pansies
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Things to Do:
1. Fertilise for best flowering
Feed Cymbidiums with a high “K” fertiliser to maximise flower formation and put out snail pellets to minimise snail damage to flowers.
2. Keep things tidy
Put fallen autumn leaves into a bin, heap or hole, add some Blood and Bone to facilitate composting and let nature do her thing!
Dried up husks of leaves (Pin Oak, Plane Tree etc) have no nutrient and need more organic Nitrogen to break them down. Aeration with a fork speeds up the process.
3. Keep on feeding
As Camellias, Citrus and Natives put lots of energy and effort into flower and fruit formation, help sustain this workload by feeding appropriately.
4. Add some colour
Plant foxglove seedlings now for Spring colour.
5. Don't forget mum this Mother's Day
Treat mum to a lovely flowering plant and some special hand picked gifts from Acorn Gift Shop.