Garden Keeping Journal - May Edition
Monthly Tips, Inspiration & Checklists for Zone-7 (and neighboring) gardeners
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How was your âMay Dayâ yesterday?
In many parts of the world, May 1st is traditionally the beginning of the summer season. Of course, it's still really spring here in the high country - and technically the summer solstice isn't until mid-June.
Good news! May is about planting and blooms and birds and pollinators.
That said, itâs important to stay alert.
We still have high chances of overnight frosts which can zap the life out of tender annuals, and newly planted perennials that are very young. So, it's wise to keep an eye on the forecast and keep your frost fabric handy until about May-15th or so.
I keep mine rolled up in a bin under a nearby deck - so itâs out of sight, but easy to grab.
And, ironically, May is one of our drier and hotter months. So that means that getting your watering system going and keeping it well maintained is a priority now, as well as mulching and shade.
An important reminder for gardening at elevation:
Our sun is intense up here in the mountains - my big tip for you this month:
A plant labeled âfull sunâ on itâs label or online doesnât always mean it thrives in full, unfiltered exposure at 5,000â6,000 feet. Filtered light can make all the difference.
May at Juniper Hill Cottage
A few behind-the-scenes notes from the garden as spring begins to settle in.
đźWhat Iâm Planting
Plum Tomato - from a a nursery start - yep, Iâm taking a shortcut this year đ¤Śđźââď¸
Scabiosa âFama Whiteâ *
Sea Holly (Eryngium zabelii) âBig Blueâ
Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
*direct sowing seeds in the ground
đźWhatâs Blooming
Climbing Rose â4th of Julyâ - itâs so early but itâs busting out striped blooms
Rosa Banksiae (Lady Banks Rose) âAlba Plenaâ - this is the white bloom
Tulipa (tulips) âNoraâ - which just happens to share my granddaughterâs name
đźMy Biggest Challenge
Typically May brings some pretty dry and warm weather to the high-country. Because of our elevation at 5,600 feet, the intensity of the sun is very real. While I canât predict what this month will bring, I did take some precautions.
We extended our rebar shade structure in the courtyard kitchen garden this winter and I use a 40% industrial grade fabric that you barely notice. But it should take the edge off that intense heat and minimize the need to over-water in that space.
Iâll let you know what happens.
đźLast Monthâs Lesson Learned
I need to get ahead of spring.
April carries a long list of garden tasks, and between annual mountain bike events and hosting, and an uptick in local design work, it becomes too much all at once.
It would be luxurious to have extra spring help in the landscape, but the truth is that I choose to do it all myself.
Lesson Learned: Next year Iâm going to shift all the soil prep and composting done in February and March rather than leave it for April. Thatâs the plan anyway.
About These Checklists
While we donât offer garden maintenance services here at The Whiskey Porch, these monthly Garden Keeping Checklists are designed to help you stay on track and feel supported through the seasons.
Whether youâre handling everything yourself or working with a maintenance crew, youâll find the tips practical and flexible - especially if youâre gardening in or around Prescott, Arizona, or in other Zone-7 and neighboring climates anywhere in the world.
Each checklist reflects the rhythm I experience here in Prescottâs downtown microclimate, so your own garden may vary slightly depending on your elevation, location, and what youâre growing. Generally speaking, these notes align with USDA Zone 7b.
Of course, no two years are exactly alike, even in the same zone. Some seasons bring an early hard freeze in late October, while others hold off until December. Keep that in mind as you plan your tasks.
These guides are geared toward landscape gardens that include mostly perennials, with a sprinkling of annuals, veggies and herbs.
To learn more about why I started this Garden Keeping Journal:
Letâs get into it!
đđźThe full checklist, closeup images of whatâs blooming, and detailed guidance that follow below are part of The Gift Library, available to paid members - Porch Companions (whether Monthly or Annual) or Studio Stewards.
See whatâs included & join the porch:
Already a member? Thank you for being here - scroll down for Julyâs guideđđź
