May- Alpines, shrubs and trees are full of fresh colour

Late spring sees many shrubs and trees at their freshest and colourful best. Blossom abounds on flowering cherries, malus and amalanchier; many are very attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Most shrubs are best-looking now, whether it’s their vibrant new young foliage or plentiful flowers. While most herbaceous perennials are still emerging from their winter slumber, alpine and rock plants are in full bloom. They are small, low-growing and delicate-looking and are ideal for smaller spaces, pots and odd crevices. A rock garden is an ideal opportunity to grow a miniature landscape with a few well-placed stones or pieces of slate. Good drainage is essential with plenty of grit or sandy soil. An open, sunny position will give best results. Once established, they are easy to grow and will thrive with minimal maintenance. With a full range of colours, they will fit in with any colour scheme. Aubretia is a popular favourite for massed flowing impact, often seen cascading over walls. Saxifrage are reliable fillers with masses of flowers on top of neat straight stems. Dianthus are often highly fragrant and come in a range of shades of mainly pink flowers. Larger-stemmed varieties make excellent bud vase cut flowers. Low-growing phlox with give you a carpet of colour. Sedum and sempervivum are especially resistant to drought and enjoy full sun. Like all alpines, they dislike winter wet and shade. Others to consider are viola, lewisia, arabis, and rhodanthemum, but there are many more to appreciate and enjoy. With alpines, small is definitely beautiful.

David Hogg Buckland Nurseries