May in the Garden: Slowing Down, Planting Forward, and Thoughtful Gifts
There’s something about May in South Australia that feels like a gentle exhale. The rush of summer is well behind us, the days are softer, and the garden begins to settle into a slower, more reflective rhythm. Mornings are crisp, afternoons are mild, and the soil—still holding onto autumn warmth—offers some of the best planting conditions of the year.
It’s a month where you can take your time. Wander the garden with a cup of tea, notice the changing light, and start thinking about what comes next.
A Garden in Transition
You’ll notice the shift everywhere. Leaves turning shades of gold and red, lawns growing a little less vigorously, and flowering plants making their final seasonal show. Salvias, chrysanthemums, and late annuals are often still putting on a display, adding welcome colour as the palette around them softens.
This is also one of the most productive planting windows we get. The combination of cool air and warm soil allows new plants to settle in beautifully without the stress of heat. Trees, shrubs, roses, and winter vegetables all benefit from being planted now, giving them a strong head start before spring arrives.
A Thoughtful Time for Gifting
May also brings Mother’s Day, and plants make some of the most meaningful, lasting gifts you can give. Unlike cut flowers, a living plant continues to grow and thrive—something to enjoy well beyond the day itself.
Some popular and reliable gift choices this time of year include:
- Flowering potted colour like cyclamen and chrysanthemums for instant impact
- Roses, which can be planted out and enjoyed for years to come
- Indoor plants for a low-maintenance, long-lasting option
- Herbs such as rosemary or thyme—practical, fragrant, and beautiful
When choosing a plant as a gift, it’s always worth thinking about where it will live. Is it destined for a sunny garden bed, a shaded patio, or a spot indoors? A little consideration here goes a long way in helping it thrive.
Keeping Gifted Plants Happy
If you’re giving—or receiving—a plant this Mother’s Day, a few simple care tips can make all the difference.
For flowering plants:
Keep them in a bright, sheltered position and water regularly, but avoid letting them sit in water. Removing spent flowers will help encourage longer blooming.
For roses and garden plants:
Plant them as soon as possible into well-prepared soil. Choose a sunny position, water them in well, and apply a layer of mulch to keep the roots protected as the weather cools.
For indoor plants:
Place them in good natural light, away from cold drafts. Water only when the soil begins to dry out—overwatering is the most common mistake during the cooler months.
Simple Jobs for May
While the pace has slowed, there are still a few simple jobs that will set your garden up for success:
Top up mulch to protect soil and retain moisture
Add compost or organic matter to garden beds
Plant winter vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and broad beans
Reduce watering as temperatures drop
Gently tidy up spent plants and fallen leaves
It’s also a great time to start thinking ahead—planning new garden beds, selecting fruit trees, or deciding which areas you’d like to refresh in spring.
Enjoy the Moment
More than anything, May is a chance to enjoy your garden without the pressure. The urgency of summer watering has passed, and the busyness of spring is still to come. It’s a pause in the gardening calendar—a moment to reflect, plan, and appreciate what’s growing around you.
Whether you’re planting something new, choosing a thoughtful gift, or simply soaking up a quiet afternoon outdoors, May reminds us that gardens aren’t just about seasons of growth—they’re also about seasons of enjoyment.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.