May and the 'Chelsea Fomo'

I had big plans for planting out today, but as soon as I stepped out the door, the heavens opened. I can't be too mad about it, as the ground is bone dry and nature is doing the watering for me. Whilst waiting for the rain to pass, I thought it would be a good time to share some May thoughts.

It's because of all that rainfall that we can be grateful for the lush growth we have in Northern Ireland during this month. The greens are a young, chartreuse and hopeful. Once we move past Bealtaine, the growth seems to surge almost overnight, tall and stretching in the warmth of the sun. To top it all off are the dustings of white flowers, dancing in hedgerows and fields across the countryside: hawthorn, elder, apple blossom, and best of all, the cow parsley. To me, it's one of the most beautiful wild plants of early spring. The abundance of it, dancing and waving like cheering crowds on the roadside is nature's own design, and that can't be topped.

I'm sure, like any of you interested in gardens and floristry, you've been watching the highlights from the Chelsea Flower Show this week. And I'm sure your social feeds are filled with updates from those attending and populating your feed with all the beauty you're missing out on. For a moment, I imagine that I would indeed like to be there and feel the Chelsea buzz. But then I remember I don't like big crowds or queues, and I'm probably seeing all the best bits and highlights for free. So thank you to those I follow for that - keep sharing!

Meanwhile, there's lots happening in O'Hara's Garden. It's a series of firsts: the first roses, the first foxgloves, the first geums, the first aquilegia, and much more. Every day, a new flower blooms. Each morning, I take my coffee and stroll through the garden, often still in slippers and pajamas, to appreciate the unfolding beauty. Those moments of delight make all the hard work worthwhile. Perhaps they could sell just a few tickets at Chelsea for private early morning 'PJ walks'. I'd definitely be up for that.