Transform Your Garden into a Lush, Vibrant Oasis This May
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, now is the perfect time to refresh your landscape and prep your garden for a flourishing summer. From strategic planting to water-wise practices, we’ve got the essential May gardening tips to keep your outdoor space thriving.
Learn which trees and shrubs to plant now for maximum summer impact.
Discover smart watering strategies to conserve moisture and keep plants healthy.
Get pest prevention tips to protect your landscape from unwanted visitors.
Master lawn care techniques to maintain lush, green grass through the heat.
Before you dig in, take a step back and evaluate your entire landscape. Identify areas that need attention and prepare your garden for optimal summer growth:
Winter Damage: Remove dead branches and clear debris to allow for fresh growth.
Soil Check: Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage and nutrient absorption.
Mulch Update: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
🌿 Pro Tip: Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems to prevent rot and pest infestations.
May is the perfect month to plant trees and shrubs that thrive in warm weather. Here are our top picks for long-lasting impact:
🌳 Japanese Maple: Adds dramatic foliage and color to shaded areas.
🌳 Crape Myrtle: A show-stopper with vibrant blooms in pink, red, and purple.
🌳 Podocarpus: Ideal for privacy hedges; grows quickly and tolerates heat.
🌳 Trellised Lady Banks Rose: Low-maintenance and visually striking, perfect for vertical spaces.
🌸 Planting Tip: Water deeply immediately after planting to establish strong root systems before the heat peaks.
Increased temperatures mean increased water demand, but it’s crucial to water strategically to avoid waste.
💧 Morning Watering: Water early to minimize evaporation.
💧 Drip Irrigation: Target the root zones and reduce runoff.
💧 Mulch Retention: Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.
🌱 Quick Tip: Inspect your irrigation system for leaks and adjust timers to prevent overwatering.
Give your plants a nutrient boost to encourage lush foliage and vibrant blooms:
Note: Purchase fertilizer specifically made for our soil. Many companies simple bag the same fertilizer regardless of planting region. Without proper fertilization, even the highest quality trees and plants can suffer.
Lawns: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to maintain a thick, green lawn.
Flowering Plants: Use a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to promote blooming.
Fruit Trees: Fertilize citrus and other fruiting trees to encourage healthy fruit development.
🌿 Pro Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing; too much can lead to nutrient burn and stressed plants.
Warmer weather means more pests. Keep your garden pest-free with these strategies:
🐛 Inspect Regularly: Check plants for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
🐛 Introduce Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs and lacewings are natural pest predators.
🐛 Prune & Clean: Remove dead leaves and branches where pests can hide.
🌼 Pest Management Tip: Use eco-friendly insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control pest populations without harming beneficial insects.
Pruning in May ensures plants are ready to handle the heat and grow vigorously:
Flowering Shrubs: Trim after blooms fade to encourage new growth.
Fruit Trees: Thin out crowded branches to increase air circulation and light exposure.
Hedges & Screens: Shape Podocarpus and other privacy plants for clean, defined lines.
✂️ Pruning Tip: Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
A well-maintained lawn is more resilient to drought and foot traffic:
🌾 Mow High: Set mower blades to 3-4 inches to shade the roots and conserve moisture.
🌾 Aerate & Seed: Fill in bare spots to prevent weeds from taking over.
🌾 Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to stop summer weeds before they start.
Looking to elevate your landscape design? May is the ideal month to lay the groundwork for larger projects:
Privacy Hedges: Plant Podocarpus now for a dense, evergreen barrier by late summer.
Vertical Gardens: Install trellises and climbing plants to maximize smaller spaces.
Container Gardens: Add color to entryways and patios with vibrant annuals and succulents.
🌸 Planning Tip: Consult with our landscape experts at Norman’s Nursery to get recommendations on the best plants for your specific microclimate.
Did you know? Our top competitor, Moon Valley Nurseries, is investing an estimated $35,000 - $45,000 per month in digital marketing in Southern California alone. They’re targeting affluent ZIP codes with localized content, influencer partnerships, and paid social ads to dominate the market.
Why It Matters:
If we maintain our current spend levels, we risk being outpaced in key markets.
Boosting our digital spend to promote our premium plants and services can solidify our position as the go-to nursery for high-value homeowners in SoCal.
At Norman’s Nursery, we’re here to help you cultivate a landscape that’s as beautiful as it is functional. From heat-tolerant trees to drought-resistant shrubs, we have everything you need to thrive this summer.
🌱 Visit us today or call to schedule a consultation – let’s bring your garden to life!
Visit our nursery for expert advice and premium plant selections.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more seasonal gardening tips and exclusive offers.
Follow us on social media for daily inspiration and gardening hacks!