May 2026: Hawkhurst in (almost!) Full Bloom

Get set for summer, Hawkhurst!

The frost is (hopefully!) behind us and the village is beginning to burst with color. It’s the perfect moment to fill those remaining gaps in your borders, refresh your patio pots, and start prepping your garden for the glorious summer heat ahead!

At Hawkhurst in Bloom we've been busy refreshing and planting the village planters over the past few days – we hope you've noticed the lovely new displays popping up around the village!

What to Plant Right Now

Bedding plants: Now is the ideal time to get creative with Petunias, Geraniums, and Lobelia. Whether you prefer a coordinated color scheme or a wild riot of petals, get those hanging baskets and containers overflowing to create an instant impact.

Tender veg: With the nights finally staying warmer, it's safe to plant out your Tomatoes, Chillies, Courgettes and other summer squashes. Remember to give them a sunny, sheltered spot and a sturdy support to climb as they grow.

Mind the Gap: If your spring bulbs have finished but your summer perennials haven't quite started, don't leave bare soil! Now is the time to visit the local nursery for "instant impact" plants like Salvia or Nepeta. They’ll bridge that May gap with color while providing essential nectar for our Hawkhurst bees.

Pro Tips for May Success

Weed watch: Growth is exploding everywhere, and unfortunately, that includes the weeds! The "Chelsea Chop" isn't the only task this month—weeds are at their peak. Hoe them on a sunny day so the seedlings wither quickly on the surface.

Dahlia care: For those of you with established Dahlias already pushing through, remember the "rule of four pairs." Once your plant has four pairs of leaves, pinch out the main growing tip. This encourages a bushier plant with far more flowers rather than one tall, leggy stem.

Feed your soil: As plants put on rapid growth, they get hungry. Start a regular liquid feed regime for your container plants and hanging baskets every fortnight. This ensures they have the nutrients needed to keep the blooms coming all the way through to autumn.

Get involved!

Annual garden competition: The countdown is on! There are only two months until the July judging begins. Now is the time to edge those lawns and deadhead consistently to ensure your garden is looking its absolute best for the judges.

Annual Hawkhurst fete: Don't forget the highlight of the season! Join us on Saturday, 6th June at the KGV Playing Fields. It’s a wonderful chance to swap tips with fellow gardeners and celebrate our local community. We can’t wait to see you there!

A Special Thank You

A huge thank you to Keep Vintage Floral and The Nursery! We sourced all the plants for the Hawkhurst in Bloom spring and summer village planting from them, and we couldn't have done it without their fantastic stock and support.

Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/KeepVintageFloral

Happy Gardening Hawkhurst!