This spring has been one of the driest, warmest, and sunniest on record, with April being the sunniest month since records began. March was the third sunniest, and May has been warm as well. With these warmer temperatures, gardeners need to take several steps to ensure their plants thrive.
Watering and Compost Management Keeping plants, especially those in pots and containers, well hydrated is a top priority. Check your compost heap and turn it over to aerate it, adding moisture if it is too dry. Hot sunny days can cause overheating in the greenhouse, so keep vents and windows open during the day and check plants daily for watering. On very hot days, use a hose to dampen the area and increase humidity.
Seeding and Plant Care It’s an ideal time for sowing seeds. Plant ornamental annual flowers directly into the ground and succession sow summer vegetables like lettuce, radish, beetroot, and spring onion for a continuous supply. Take softwood cuttings from plants such as fuchsia, hydrangea, and lavender. Cut beneath a leaf node, trim leaves, dip in rooting powder, and plant in pots.
Watering and Thinning Water peas and beans as they start to flower and form pods, as they will be particularly thirsty. Thin out carrot seedlings to give them space to grow.
Fruit and Flower Care
Fruit plants in pots will benefit from a high-potash liquid feed, while those in the ground can be given a sprinkle of slow-release fertilizer. Protect developing fruits from birds with netting. Stake lilies to support their growth. After their spectacular flowering, cut back Oriental poppies to encourage another flush of blooms.
Harvesting and Continuous Sowing Continue to harvest salads and radishes and sow them in fortnightly batches for a steady supply.
Hardy Geraniums: A Gardener’s Delight Hardy geraniums, or cranesbills, are among the most dependable and versatile herbaceous perennials for any garden. Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, they can grow from neat ground-huggers to shrubby mounds several feet tall. This diversity makes them perfect for ground cover, floral borders, and even pots or containers.
Growing Conditions These plants are incredibly easy to grow. Many varieties thrive in partial shade, some tolerate full shade, and others flourish in full sun. They require minimal maintenance, are generally pest-resistant, and their open, delicate blooms attract pollinators. Colors range from pure white and soft pinks to deep purples and vibrant blues.
Varieties to Consider
Geranium macrorrhizum: A creeping pink semi-evergreen that spreads agreeably over the years. Its sticky leaves release a fresh, herbal scent when rubbed, making it ideal for dry, shady spots.
‘Ann Folkard’: Known for its vivid magenta flowers and dark centers, it handles dry shade well and looks striking alongside Alchemilla mollis.
‘Rozanne’: Famous for its large, violet-blue flowers that bloom non-stop from early summer to autumn. It’s suitable for borders or containers, making it perfect for patio gardens.
Geranium palmatum: A biennial that self-seeds freely once settled, offering lovely fern-like foliage and soft pink flower sprays. Despite its sun-loving roots, it thrives in partial shade.
G. robertianum (Herb Robert): A charming native wildflower that can be seen in hedgerows throughout summer. Its small pink blooms contrast beautifully with dark, hairy tree fern trunks.
G. maderense: A flamboyant variety from Madeira, producing a show-stopping dome of pink blooms. It requires protection in cooler regions.
‘Mrs Kendall Clark’: A taller variety with elegant grey-violet flowers and foliage that turns red before winter, making it a perfect companion to roses and lavender.
With so many varieties to choose from, hardy geraniums are a must-have for any garden. Their versatility, ease of care, and beauty make them a favorite among gardeners. Whether you’re looking for ground cover, border plants, or container specimens, there’s a geranium variety to suit your needs.
