The Humble Mexican fleabane, latin name Erigeron Karvinskianus, looks beautiful on steps and walls. Once established it is very easy to grow and a great self seeder. It grows easily in walls and crevices with delicate white flowers which tinge purple and pink as they age. It is a tiny low growing plant which likes sun, good drainage and flowers for months. To get established conditions need to be on the dry side and sunny which is why Erigeron grows so well on walls, crevices, and steps.  It prefers sheltered conditions although it is hardy to H4.

The image left shows Erigeron to great effect softening steps and also it shows how prolifically it self seeds. The image of Erigeron growing on steps is to be found in the garden of Sizergh Castle near Kendal in the Lake District.

By this time of year the tomatoes are growing vigorously and need regular attention. At least once per week the side shoots should be removed, otherwise the plant will grow lots of extra branches at the expense of producing flowers and tomatoes. The image left shows what side shoots look like as does the short video, see below. It is because tomatoes are such a vigorous plant you need to  limit growth so that the plant produces more flowers. Removing the side shoots is one way, and also when the plant has made several sets, or trusses of flowers, and reached a good size around about 1.5metres or 5ft, stop off all further upwards growth by pinching out the top growing points and keep doing it. You will need to do this later in the summer when the plant reaches maturity. 

For now, just remove the side shoots and as the tomatoes are starting to flower start feeding. Not too much, just weekly, and step this up as the plant matures and produces more flowers and eventually tomatoes. Regular watering and feeding are key to producing good tasty tomatoes.  A short video about how to remove side shoots and more tips about growing tomatoes

It's a great treat to find a botanical garden abroad to view plants growing in a different climate. In our cold climate, we view Pelargoniums as summer plants best utilised for bedding. In fact Pelargoniums are part of a large Genus of over 200 species and in warmer climates they are found growing all the year round in flower borders.  In the Uk we commonly call them Geraniums, but are not related to hardy geraniums. The image left shows a long walk of Pelargoniums in the Jardins de Cap Roig, which is situated on the North East Spanish coast, an unspoilt part of Costa Brava.

When visiting a garden in the UK, this type of walk is often a herbaceous border full of summer colour. In this Spainish garden,  the walk was all Pelargoniums and many of them scented leaved varieties which when touched smell of menthol, peppermint, lemon sherbet, and nutmeg. They looked and smelt fantastic and the climate certainly brings out the best judged by the image middle left. In the UK it would not be possible to grow a Pelargonium to such as size and maturity outside.

But Pelargoniums are not just bedding plants for the summer. True, they will not survive outside but they are one of the best conservatory plants because they tolerate the heat very well. When left growing in a conservatory they often do get quite large and mature and are very forgiving plants.

 The zonal and scented leaves grow best in a conservatory, as the ivy leaved variety have a tendency to succumb to thrips and other glass house problems because they get just too hot and dry. In the shelter of a conservatory, a Pelargonium will thrive for several years and grow to a good sized mature plant.

Pelargoniums will tolerate being cut back quite radically and will re grow and are very easy to take from cuttings which means you can have a continual supply of new plants for the conservatory and to plant out for bedding. There is such a wide range and different types available from specialist,  massed together in a conservatory or porch they look lovely. Even if we cannot grow them to good size outside, we can bring a bit of spain inside. If you are looking for plants to lighten up your conservatory which will tolerate heat and neglect, Pelargoniums are well worth trying.

The Jardins de Cap Roig are spectacular, on the edge of the coast with over 1000 species. When I visited the garden was immaculate in labelling and presentation being maintained to  a very high standard.  There  are some fantastic plants to see not least a trailing rosemary hedge, a collection of hydrangea, Strelitzia, and lavender in abundance. The views of the coast present as a dramatic backdrop and throughout the garden there are interesting sculptures. Well worth a visit if you are in that part of Spain.

Birds do nest in the strangest of places as the image right shows.  This is a post for an electic gate fitting which has developed chirping noises.  Standing very still for a while the chirping got more insistent, and waiting about 20 mins I was finally rewarded by a Great Tit flying back to the nest. In the image right you can just see the bird about to enter the entrance to the nest.

Birds are very adaptable when it comes to finding suitable nests and I suppose to a Great Tit the gate post looks a bit like a nesting box on stilts. The young seem to have fared well, they are singing for their supper on a regular basis and even though it has been quite hot, the gate post seems to have provided a safe nesting box.

Bank holiday monday doesn't offer the most promising of weather, but dodging the showers here are some  ideas for gardening jobs for May and June.

If you are thinking of going on holiday as the holiday season starts to get underway here are some tips on what to do with the plants before you go away to try and keep them healthy and watered.