Longer days, rising mercury and the certainty of frostless mornings are finally upon us. Weekend coffee in the garden is essential with a birdsong serenade. There’s nothing like sitting among the flowers, bathing in sunshine, watching the bees flit about from flower to flower. Occasionally pulling out a weed here and there (and here and there).
Lily of the valley is blooming on the side of my house and its scent stops me in my tracks whenever I walk by it. I love the French tradition of La Fête du Muguet, where on the first of May, the tiny, white flowers are gifted amongst family and friends. There should definitely be more occasions like this throughout the year for gifting seasonal flowers.
The queen of the spring garden will finally have her long awaited moment to shine. The peony. I’m not sure I could be without them. They’re probably the flower I look forward to the most.
Seedlings that have been so patiently waiting to be planted are gently plunged into the sun-warmed soil. Before long, the zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias, as well as a myriad of other flowers and foliage will be sharing their colorful bounty.
A couple of birthdays, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day will bring many weekends celebrating with family and friends. I’m ready for the first gin and tonic of the season. Or maybe a Pimm’s (with mint freshly picked from the garden). Or an icy rosé.
Although autumn is and always will be my favorite season, May is my favorite month. It’s a month that dances on the edge of the summer heat but still has that verdant lushness still trying to linger on just a bit longer. Slow and contemplative for just a bit longer before the summer madness begins.
Have a lovely May!
