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    Lyn Chimera is a Master Gardener, consultant and lecturer.

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May 2025 Tips

5/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends,  


April has been an interesting month. We had a little winter, a little spring and even a few summer like days. The good thing about the cool weather is the spring blooms have been fabulous and lasting a long time. Don’t be concerned about some perennials that haven’t shown themselves yet. The cooler weather has delayed some plants. Because of this be super careful where you step and especially dig.
 
The following are a few tips for May:
 
  • Patience is still the best approach. The soil is quite cold and it’s way too soon to even think about planting annuals. Hopefully by mid to end May. If you are tempted and purchase plants that can’t be planted now, keep them in a sheltered place. If the annuals are in flats spread them out so there is good air circulation. Storing them crowded in a flat invites fungal disease and makes even watering difficult. (I speak from experience)
  • If you leave a footprint on the soil that’s a sign the soil is too wet to work in. It’s easy to compact the soil with every footfall so stay off until things dry out.
  • It’s helpful to have paths or steppingstones in gardens so you can navigate without harming the soil. If a path isn’t appropriate a few rocks or steppingstones placed appropriately are practical and attractive.
 
-     Early May is an ideal time to divide or move perennials already in your gardens. Signs they need dividing are: overcrowding, less bloom the previous season, and if plant has a bare spot in the center known as the donut hole. If after 3 years in a location a plant isn’t thriving, try moving it to a more suitable spot or share it with a friend.
 
  • However, don’t move perennials when the soil is too wet. “Workable” soil means the soil will break apart easily after you make it into a ball in your hand. Clumpy soil won’t settle around the roots well and cause air pockets which can dry out the roots.
 
-     Weeding should be a priority. Perennial weeds are up now and will be much easier to remove when small. If removed now you also prevent the weed from developing seeds and spreading even more.
  
-     The soil is still much too cold to plant greenhouse grown perennials, annuals, and vegetables. Wait until the soil is above 50 degrees. As an example, tomatoes planted too soon don’t do as well as those planted at the end of May. Remember Patience! The final average frost isn’t until late May so don’t get fooled by a few warm days. Here in E Aurora, we had frost this AM and it probably won’t be the last this month.
 
  • There are lots of deer and critter sprays available. Basically, there are two types, those that smell bad or taste bad. I always prefer the smelly types as I don’t want deer to munch a bit before they realize it tastes bad. It stinks while you’re spraying but dissipates by the next day. There are also products/granules you spread on the ground. Try a variety of products and rotate the ones that work the best for you.
 
When buying plants look for ones that are deer resistant. There are many excellent lists online including the one from Cornell below:
 
warren.cce.cornell.edu › gardening-landscape › deer-resistant-plants
 
RECYCLE pots, trays. I can use pots 4 inches and up and flat carrying trays. No 6 packs. Also, if you are discarding any Venetian blinds or see some in the garbage, please save them for me. I cut up the blinds to make price tags for my plant sale.
 
Now is the time to make changes and improvements to your garden. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices and guarantee to save you time and money. Contact me for an onsite consultation. Also check out my website for past Garden Tips and articles: lessonsfromnature.biz.
 
Upcoming Plant Sales: Put them on your calendar now!
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Native Garden and Perennial Plant Sale.
Saturday, May 17th, 9:00 – 2:00.
  170 Pine St., E Aurora, corner of Pine & Lawrence. Park on Lawrence.
 
Clients and those of you who get my tips can come at 8:00 and beat the rush. We will have a larger variety of native plants on that one day than anywhere in WNY.  All plants are dug fresh from my garden and those from Amanda’s Native Garden are started from seed by Ellen Folts, the owner. Check out her website for availability. Ellen will take orders and deliver on the day of the sale. This year Carrie Kling will be returning to sell Dahlia tubers. We will also have a wonderful selection of hand painted garden themed greeting cards. There will be something for everyone!
 
I’ve been busily potting up when the weather has permitted. This is looking to be a bumper year for the plant sale. A list of available plants will be emailed the week before the sale.
Note: all my plants will be root washed and potted in soilless potting mix due to the threat of the Asian jumping worm. If you’re not aware of this threat, you can get information at: http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm
 
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Friday May 23, 8:30 – 3:00, Saturday May 24, 8:30 – 2:00, First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, across from Kleinman’s. Perennials for sun and shade, natives, annuals, succulents, hypertufa and draped concrete pots, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs, house plants and garden art. Plants are from MG gardens and donated by local nurseries. pH soil testing will also be available. The cost is $2 per sample or 3 samples for $5.
 
East Aurora Garden Club Perennial Sale, Saturday, May 24th 8:30 – till sold out.
This year the sale is located in the parking lot between Fisher Price Toys and the Ice Rink on Gray St. in the Village of E Aurora. A great selection plants from Garden Club member’s gardens. They will also have Atlas garden gloves and beautiful photographic greeting cards.
 
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices.
           

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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