Mayflower for May Day

May 1st opens with the flower that is often referred to as ‘May Blossom’ or simply, ‘May’. Found extensively in Europe the Common Hawthorn or Crataegus monogyna is part of the Rose family, Rosaceae.

Whilst the Hawthorn can grow into a tree of some 30+ feet, it is often used in hedges and trimmed annually to keep its size and shape. However, when allowed to grow into a row of trees, you get the wall of white blossom that looks so impressive. Hawthorne is good for the ecology providing for birds and insects alike.

Crataegus monogyna - Common Hawthorn - May Flower

Tamarisk – Tamarix tetrandra UK Garden Highlight

May brings out this early flowering Tamarisk – Tamarix tetrandra uk – in cascades of feathery pink blooms that brings beauty to any suitable garden. As a native of hotter and drier climates where arid land, including salty coastal areas prevail, it doesn’t seem like a plant suited for the UK. However, being so versatile it can grow well in a sunny, well drained spot, with natural defences against the heat, wind and salinity.

It is one of the many flowering shrubs that require pruning just after flowing as the following years flowers develop throughout the growing season. The shrub grows to it’s full potential of 2-4 meters over a couple of decades depending on how ideal the conditions are.
Saponaria ocymoides – Colourful Rock Garden Plant

Saponaria ocymoides, commonly known as rock soapwort, basil soap-wort or tumbling Ted, has done well this year in the sunny, dry spring. These plants can keep on going for years without either flourishing or dying. Then one year they seem to excel as they find the climate and environment just right. That has happened this year with my Saponaria ocymoides. It has excelled in the sunny dry spring that we have recently experienced.

Saponaria ocymoides: Ideal for Rock Gardens or Gravel Gardens

Its low-growing nature makes it perfect for spreading out to fill in gaps between rocks while providing an colourful display of flowers and a healthy green foliage that look good against any stony ground cover. This perennial is not only hardy but also thrives in well-drained soils, making it a preferred plant for gardeners interested in creating a low-maintenance yet visually stunning landscape.

As we experience a change in the climate we may have to go from the lush green herbaceous borders to a more mediterranean style. Using rock and gravel to cover areas around the garden. Plants like Saponaria ocymoides will fit the bill perfectly for such a garden.

The plant typically blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing clusters of pink flowers that can attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its striking appearance combined with its ability to thrive in dry conditions makes it an excellent addition to any rock garden.

When selecting the right location for your Saponaria ocymoides, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, enjoying at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining. While it tolerates poor soils, it does not thrive in overly wet conditions, which can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with sand or gravel can enhance drainage, making it more suitable for this resilient species.
Leucanthemum vulgar – Oxeye daisy everywhere

Oxeye daisy is now everywhere. It grows in abundance on the roadside verges, river banks, parks and any grassy areas that suit. They prefer a sunny location with well drained soil, and that means they will be at home on any south facing embankment, proliferating at the expense of most other flowers. Still a welcome site that cheers up the green landscape, or brown as it is becoming at the moment.

Leucanthemum vulgare or Oxeye daisy are part of the Asteraceae family with the typical daisy like flower head of white petals with a bright yellow central disc. This disc contains many nectar filled flowers that attract bees, butterflies and many other insects. So, good for the biodiversity, as long as they don’t completely dominate an area.
Laburnum – Golden Rain Attracting the Bees

It’s great to hear the Bees at work in the garden. The Laburnum tree is in full flower with its long trails of golden yellow flowers, a sight to behold. More important is the hum of the Bees busily collecting the pollen and pollinating the plants in the garden and surrounding area.

The Laburnum, is a member of the Fabaceae family, also known a legume or peas and beans. However, it’s important to remember that all parts of the tree are poisonous, so due care is required.

Any plant that can attract the Bees is so important because they will ensure our food supply as well as that of many other creatures. To learn more about Bees visit The Wildlife Trusts.
Cosmos – Garden Stars That Shine

The Daisy family, Asteraceae, is the second biggest and provides some of the best loved flowing plants we have. Cosmos are well ordered flowers with fine featherlike leaves that stand tall. The name Cosmos comes from the Greek for ‘ordered world’.

They are well ordered and keep their form, even when massed together, giving a super colourful display in any border. Colours range from chocolate, through orange, magenta, pink and white. All with a yellow centre with radial petals, like little solar systems or galaxies in perfect synchronisation. A very apt name, Cosmos.
Manna Ash – Fraxinus ornus

I came across an unusual tree that in the cold north wind was depositing fluffy chaff. Not recognising it, I used the Seek app to see what it was. Evidently it is called the Manna Ash, or Fraxinus ornus. Obviously the manna refers to the Biblical manna that the Israelis fed on in the wilderness. However, the link I made was from all the white chaff falling on me. Rather, the reason it is called the Manna Ash is more to do with the sweet sticky sap that comes from the bark. Anyway an interesting part of the Ash family.

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Saponaria ocymoides: Ideal for Rock Gardens or Gravel Gardens

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