May 18th-25th
WITH lots of bedding and tender plant's on offer in the shops, the temptation is to rush out and brighten up the place immediately. In areas without frost this is an excellent idea, but inland, where we can still have night frost for the next week or so, we should be a little more careful.
The trouble is that some of the nicest plants will be quickly snapped up and those who wait until early June to shop will have a more limited choice. Plants purchased now should be kept indoors until all danger of frost has passed.
Plants kept in pots, window boxes, etc., to enliven an area near the house need not be annuals or short term items. Those with a limey soil might contemplate growing a nice scented rhododendron or even the sweetly scented common yellow azalea, or perhaps a camellia in a container with suitable acid soil.
Where indoor shelter can be provided for over wintering plants, all sorts of tender or semi tender shrubs can be tried in pots, thus broadening our horizons and adding an exotic touch to doorstep or terrace for summer and autumn.