LATE SPRING IN THE FLOWER GARDEN

I was lucky enough to have the time to walk in Porthaw woods on the outskirts of Buncrana last week. They are usually rather impenetrable for most of the year, due to either the weather or the fact that the brambles and bracken grow way over your head in summer. This area is such an unspoiled part of the peninsula and hopefully it will stay that way for a long time. The woodland has a wide variety of native trees and a strong diversity of smaller wildflowers such as orchids and bluebells that were looking a treat contrasting beautifully with the fresh growth of the tree leaves. I am bathing stinging legs that have been brambled, but it was worth the effort. If you are not feeling as adventurous there are lots of things to be getting on with in your own garden this week, apart from trying to keep the weeds in check.

Lilies
Potted lilies will be growing quickly now and as their flowers start developing they will need some support. Push several canes into the compost around the edge of the pot, linking them up with string to provide stability. If border lilies are not supported by neighbouring plants, use stakes around these too.

Roses
Sprinkle rose fertiliser around roots to encourage strong growth and a good flower display. Water in if rain does not fall within a couple of weeks (Hmmmm) or hoe into the soil, taking care not to harm the roots.

Bearded iris
Once irises have finished flowering in June, congested clumps can be lifted, divided and replanted. Reduce the leaf area by half and replant so that the rhizomes rest at the soil surface.

Primulas
Dig up large clumps now and divide into individual plants, each with leaves and roots. Replant into newly prepared soil

Horticultural.