We love gardening here at River Road Nursery, it’s our passion, so we’re excited to begin sharing a monthly update with seasonal gardening tips, favourite plants and what’s happening around the nursery

The May Garden

In the vegetable garden now is a good time to sow and plant

• Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Broad beans
• Peas
• Lettuces

Before planting remove any weeds and add compost or organic matter to enrich your soil. Healthy soil grows healthier, more resilient and productive plants.

Brighten up your winter garden

Camellias come into their own from now on with their stunning displays. They are available in a large range of colours, sizes and varieties. From single, semi double, formal double and peony flower forms, white through shades of pink to deep red, there’s a camellia to suit every gardener.

Tip: Plant single flowers to attract birds and pollinators. One of our favourites is ‘Yuletide’ with red petals and prominent yellow stamens, it’s great for providing an easily accessible source of nectar and pollen.

Browse Camellias

Common Gardening Questions

How often should I water my indoor plants?

A general rule of thumb is if you feel the soil and the top inch is dry and if the pot feels light when you lift it then it needs watering. We generally recommend watering from beneath the pot, in a saucer to prevent over wetting the base of the plant, leading to rot or fungal issues. Water regularly in Summer but less often in Winter.

How much light/sunshine do my indoor plants need?

There is a huge variety of indoor plants available, but generally speaking, indoor plants require bright indirect light, i.e. light that does not land directly on your plants leaves but bounces off other places first. If you place a fern, for instance, in front of a north facing window its leaves will burn as they naturally require shade to thrive.

Have a gardening question you would like answered? Ask us

Whether you’re a novice gardener or you’ve been gardening all your life, there’s always more to learn and share. Happy Gardening!