In the garden: Laying the groundwork for the summer and dealing with slugs 

There is a definite feeling of erupting foliage all around at this time of the year - in particular, cow parsley, which is emerging from the soil and skyrocketing towards full froth during the month of May.

A sight to behold with its white umbel flowers and ferny foliage, it is one of my favourite spring plants.

May really is the month when momentum is building in the garden and in nature, as many plants are preparing to put on their summer show, particularly perennials and roses, creating the dreamy summer colour palette that we associate with high summer.

For now, plants are wearing their shiny new leaves untouched by pest or disease, and look fresh and full of vim and vigour.

It is a time of much industry in the garden when the ground-work is laid for the summer that lies ahead. Jobs that get done now in a timely fashion will enable the garden to be enjoyed throughout the summer months.

The kitchen garden is in full swing with seed sowing, pricking out, potting on, and planting out all happening. Young plants need to be moved on swiftly to ensure growth continues with no stress, producing nutritionally dense food as a result.

Compost heaps are being emptied to feed the soil and aid in the production of nutritious harvests over the coming months.

If heaps are not fully decomposed, then turning and/or watering will help to speed up the process. Incorporating home-made compost into the soil will increase its water-holding capacity also, which is a great benefit during the summer months.

Weeding is high on the list of priorities as, when conditions for growth become favourable for cultivated plants, it also becomes good for weeds which seem to appear overnight!

Cleavers, or goose grass, is one weed that grows at a ferocious rate at this time of the year. Did you know that it was commonly used as a spring tonic to help activate the lymphatic system and remove toxins, making the immune system more effective?

Simply soak the leaves in a glass of cold water overnight, and the water will take on a refreshing taste likened to that of pea shoots or cucumber. The longer the leaves are infused in the water, the stronger the taste.

As with any plants foraged from the wild, ensure you know what you are harvesting and be careful where you harvest from. Avoid areas that may have been sprayed with herbicide, or where dog fouling might occur adjacent to roads or pathways.

Cleavers is pretty easy to identify with its sticky foliage and whorled leaf arrangement. Moderation is key; excessive consumption may cause mild irritation or discomfort.

Although it is still early in the growing season, watering is an issue when there is no rainfall for prolonged periods, particularly for newly-planted trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

They need time for their roots to become established and independent so that they can obtain water from the soil and, until they develop and expand their root system, it is essential that we water them for the first year during periods of dry weather.

The bigger the plant, the greater the need for water, so bear this in mind during sunny, warm weather to avoid disappointment.

There is plenty of tying in and staking to be done in May as, if s are put in place in a timely fashion, then they are less conspicuous and the plants will grow over them, making the effort look more natural.

Hazel sticks are great for creating this natural effect and, if they are installed early and before they are needed, then all the better.

The pliable new growth of vigorous climbing roses can crack in the wind if not tied in and ed when wall trained. Wiring the wall and using string to tie in the frame of the plant to the wire is the most common approach to wall-training roses, with trellis used also.

Vigilance regarding pests and disease now too will help to grow healthy plants.

Young plants transplanted outdoors will be susceptible to slug and bird damage, and netting may be advisable for birds, with garlic spray an effective deterrent for slugs.

Every year at this time, the new growth of plants is at risk from slugs. There are a number of strategies that can be employed and constant vigilance is necessary. Firstly, growing healthy plants, as any weak or stressed plants will be more vulnerable.

Keep the area around vulnerable plants such as hostas, for example, free from leaf litter where slugs can lay eggs, and mulching with gravel or shale will be less hospitable to slugs.

Beer traps are an effective control, and again, constant monitoring and disposal of slugs that fall foul of these traps is necessary.

Happy and successful slug control to you this week in the garden!

Plant of the Week

With the mention of cow parsley emerging, a red form of this beauty called Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ comes to mind.

It is flowering now with the delicate white/pink umbel flowers contrasting beautifully against the dark red foliage. It will grow best in full sun or partial shade in a moist but well- drained soil.

It gets quite tall at 1-1.5 metres high and is considered a short-lived perennial. Fear not, once this plant has entered the garden it will seed itself freely if allowed to do so.

If self-seeding is not desired, then the plant can be cut back after flowering and may even produce a second flush of flower.

An attractive, if a little wild-looking, addition to the garden.