Following an exceptionally mild March and another very mild April, with daytime temperatures above 15°C and very few frosts, the gardens are looking very full and exceptionally healthy. April was a dry month, although it was much cooler and wetter compared to last April.

May begins with the last of the blossom; the pure white blossom of Malus sargentii near the allotments is particularly impressive. Bulbs like the American bluebell, Camassia, and magenta Gladiolus byzantinus fill the arboretum and quiet garden. Roses are already appearing after the very mild winter, and they will peak later this month. The little blue Camassia quamash looks beautiful naturalised on the rampart bank and is surrounded by wildflowers like purple Ajuga and vetches. Many of the herbaceous plants will begin flowering too, including piercing blue Anchusa and tall yellow spikes of Phlomis russeliana in the hot border. The water wheel borders and boardwalk will also be packed full of diverse colour and interest.

The busiest area of the garden is the Community Garden, where Jo is very busy with our amazing volunteers and groups, potting on seedlings and planting out vegetables and flowering plants. Many structures have been created for the plants to grow through, making harvesting and cutting easier.

In Somerset, the second and third weeks of May are the best time to plant and sow directly outdoors for flowers and crops from late June.

We will also start cutting some of the hedges, such as the small Euonymus japonicus ‘Jean Hugues’ (the best alternative to box by far); it is also drought-proof. It is best to cut hedges like this in May or September.

If you have any garden-related questions, we are always happy to help.

James Cross, Head Gardener