May at Bernaville

May can be a mixed bag of interchangeable weather, with the occasional frost still making an appearance so keep that fleece to hand until June! However, with the sun putting his hat on more regularly (hopefully!) your bedding plants and anything in the greenhouse should be getting off to a healthy start and established plants will be filling out with colour and greenery again. As the temperatures start to rise, you can begin hardening off any new plants gradually by placing them outdoors for increasing amounts of time until all risk of the frosts have passed.

Tony’s top tip

With Childrens Gardening week at the end of the month, May is the perfect time to get the next generation interested in the garden and ultimately the wider nature around them. Simplicity is key, for both of you! Keep tasks clear and logical with an overriding element of fun; you’ll get a helper and they’ll be able to absorb your wisdom that they will treasure for a lifetime! Here’s our top tips for child friendly gardening:

1. Choose Fun and Easy-to-Grow Plants: May is a great time to introduce kids to gardening with plants that are both easy to grow and captivating for them. Consider plants like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes or colorful annual flowers such as marigolds or zinnias. These plants grow relatively quickly, providing a sense of accomplishment for children as they see their efforts rewarded.
2. Create a Sensory Garden: Engage all of a child’s senses by creating a sensory garden. Include plants with different textures, scents, and colors. For example, plant herbs like mint or lavender for fragrance, textural plants, and rainbow chard for its vibrant colors. by encourage children to experience more with their senses, you are fostering a deeper connection with nature.
3. Make Gardening Interactive: Turn gardening into a fun and interactive experience for kids. Set up a small garden plot or container specifically for them to care for. Provide child-sized tools and let them take charge of watering, weeding, and harvesting. Incorporate educational activities like measuring plant growth, identifying insects, or creating nature-inspired crafts using materials found in the garden. This hands-on approach not only teaches children about gardening but also instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.