Oxford Events
May gardening guide and garden tasks
May gardening guide: what to do in your garden this May
May is one of the most rewarding months in the garden. Growth is fast and visible, with new shoots appearing daily, perennials coming into flower, late tulips still holding on, and shrubs in full bloom. It is a month where the garden feels alive and changing almost by the day.
However, despite its reputation as a peak spring month, May weather can still be unpredictable. Warm, sunny spells can quickly give way to cold winds and even late frosts in some areas. As a result, planting and general garden work must always be guided by conditions rather than the calendar alone.
Looking for a handy summary? Click here to expand our quick reference guide for essential May gardening tasks at a glance.
Planting
Planting in the garden
May is the month when the garden really comes into its own, but timing is still important. While many hardy plants can now be safely planted outside, more tender varieties should only be moved out once frost risk has passed.
In sheltered parts of Oxfordshire this may be earlier in the month, but in exposed gardens it is safer to wait until late May or even early June. Keeping fleece or cloches to hand is still advisable.
Hardy perennials and evergreens can now be planted freely, along with hardy annuals such as sunflowers, cornflowers, zinnias, nasturtiums, calendula, nigella, and Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’. Sweet peas can also be planted out if not already in place.
Half-hardy perennials such as dahlias, diascia, and Verbena bonariensis can be introduced to the garden, along with summer bulbs like gladioli to extend colour through late summer and autumn.
In the vegetable garden, hardier crops such as broad beans, runner beans, peas, onions, garlic, carrots, summer cabbages, Brussels sprouts, celery, celeriac, salad crops, leeks, and strawberries can be planted outside.
More tender vegetables – including French beans, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, chillies, aubergines, sweet corn, courgettes, and sweet peppers – should either be grown under glass or held back until late May or early June when all risk of frost has passed.
Sowing and greenhouse growing
Even in May, colder spells can still occur, so many tender crops are best sown under glass or delayed until conditions improve. This applies particularly to sweet corn, French beans, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, chillies, aubergines, courgettes, and melons.
Water lilies can also be planted into aquatic baskets this month and gradually lowered to their final depth over several weeks to allow them to acclimatise.
Tomato plants can be purchased and grown on in a greenhouse or sunny sheltered spot in the vegetable garden. Early May is ideal for greenhouse growing, while outdoor planting should wait until late in the month when conditions are reliably frost-free.
By the end of May, most gardens across the country are typically frost-free, making it safe to plant out tender bedding plants and non-hardy perennials such as agapanthus, canna lilies, and dahlias.
If dahlias were planted earlier in the season, they may begin emerging around May, although young growth will still need protection if cold weather returns.
Care and maintenance
Pruning
May is the right time to prune early spring-flowering shrubs once they have finished blooming. Pruning helps maintain shape, control size, and encourage healthy new growth. Timing is important – shrubs should always be pruned after flowering rather than strictly by date.
Forsythia, ribes, and other spring-flowering shrubs can be lightly pruned once flowering has ended. Overgrown camellias can also be cut back if necessary, though hard pruning should be done with care.
The Chelsea Chop
May is also the traditional time for the “Chelsea Chop”, used to control the size and flowering time of certain perennials. This technique should only be applied to established, healthy plants and ideally not too early in the month if growth has been slowed by a cool spring.
Late-flowering perennials such as asters, sedum, phlox, and rudbeckia can be cut back by around two-thirds to encourage bushier growth and staggered flowering times later in the season.
Fuchsias also benefit from pinching out the growing tips to encourage a fuller, more floriferous shape.
General maintenance
May is an important month for supporting strong growth. Perennials such as peonies, delphiniums, dahlias, alliums, and other tall or top-heavy plants should be staked early, before they become too large. This allows plants to grow naturally through their supports without damage.
Greenhouses should be prepared for warmer weather by applying shade paint or installing shading to prevent overheating.
Lawns can be seeded or turfed now, as showery conditions provide ideal growing conditions. Mower blades should be lowered gradually as the season progresses, provided conditions are not too dry. Regular hoeing between crops will also help keep weeds under control.
Wildlife and pests
May brings a surge in garden activity from pests as well as plants. Aphids, slugs, snails, cutworms, scale insects, cabbage worms, asparagus beetles, and viburnum beetle larvae are all active at this time of year. Regular monitoring is essential, particularly under leaves where larvae and eggs may be hidden.
A simple wildlife-friendly addition is to create a pile of large stones in a shaded part of the garden to provide shelter for toads and newts during warmer months.
Other garden tasks
As the garden transitions fully into summer, there are several practical tasks to complete. Congested clumps of bulbs can be lifted and divided once their foliage has died back. Garden furniture should be cleaned and prepared for outdoor use, and patios checked for uneven paving ahead of summer entertaining.
Salad leaves, asparagus, and forced rhubarb can be harvested by gently pulling or cutting stems from the crown, ensuring continued productivity where applicable.
Quick reference – May gardening at a glance
- Plant hardy perennials, evergreens, and hardy annuals such as sunflowers, zinnias, and cornflowers.
- Wait until late May to plant out tender bedding plants and half-hardy perennials like dahlias and verbena.
- Plant hardy vegetables including beans, peas, carrots, brassicas, leeks, and strawberries.
- Delay planting tender crops like tomatoes, squash, and sweet corn until frost risk has passed.
- Sow tender vegetables under glass and grow on in a greenhouse or warm space.
- Apply the “Chelsea Chop” to late-flowering perennials to control size and flowering time.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs once they have finished blooming.
- Stake tall perennials such as peonies, delphiniums, and alliums early.
- Feed lawns, adjust mowing height, and prepare garden furniture for summer.
- Monitor pests including slugs, aphids, viburnum beetle, and cabbage worms.
- Harvest salad crops, asparagus, and rhubarb as they become ready.
Our top picks of Country House Afternoon Teas near Oxford
There’s something timeless about escaping to the countryside for afternoon tea. Beyond the silver teapots and neatly cut finger sandwiches, the setting is often just as much a part of the experience – from sweeping driveways and landscaped gardens to elegant lounges, terraces and drawing rooms filled with character and history.
Within easy reach of Oxford, a collection of country house hotels and manor estates are elevating the traditional afternoon tea with refined patisserie, seasonal ingredients and sparkling additions that transform a simple afternoon into a leisurely occasion.
From classic cream teas and Champagne pairings to contemporary twists on the British tradition, these destinations are ideal for celebrations, catch-ups, birthdays, or simply escaping the pace of everyday life for a few hours in the countryside.
Of course, for those who prefer to remain closer to the dreaming spires, Oxford itself is home to a growing collection of elegant afternoon tea experiences – from the refined surroundings of The Randolph Hotel and the ever-popular The Ivy Oxford Brasserie to favourites such as Quod Restaurant & Bar, Parsonage Grill and Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant.
These luxury city hotels, historic institutions and stylish independent venues continue to offer everything from traditional tiered stands to modern interpretations of the ritual – proving you don’t necessarily have to leave Oxford behind to enjoy one of Britain’s most enduring treats.
Whether served beside roaring fireplaces in winter or overlooking manicured gardens during the warmer months, afternoon tea in any of these country house setting offers a welcome excuse to slow down, indulge and savour a slower pace of life.
- Blenheim Palace
- Waddesdon Manor
- Hartwell House
- Cliveden House
- Ellenborough Park
- Weston Manor Hotel
- Waterperry Gardens
- Woburn Abbey
- Missenden Abbey
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a palace and UNESCO World Heritage site could provide, and it makes for a picture-perfect day out with your loved ones. Home to the Dukes of Marlborough, this masterpiece of Baroque architecture is not merely a stately residence but an embodiment of history and cultural richness dating back to the early 18th century.
Afternoon tea is served in the recently refurbished Orangery Restaurant and consists of authentically British, house-made scones, delightful sweet treats, and an array of dainty sandwiches. There’s also a children’s afternoon tea menu with a selection of irresistible sweet treats for your little one. And after taking your Afternoon Tea, why not enjoy a walk or buggy tour around the palace’s formal gardens and Capability Brown landscaped parkland.
Blenheim Palace is in Woodstock – approximately 10 miles (a 25 minutes drive) north of Oxford.
Waddesdon Manor
Nestled in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, this French château-inspired estate, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the late 19th century, stands as a testament to craftsmanship and refinement. Surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and vineyards, Waddesdon Manor captivates with its fairytale charm and opulent interiors – a treasure trove of art, antiques, and history.
Treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea, with a selection of savoury treats and sweet fancies served with a selection of Jeeves & Jericho of Oxford teas in the historic Manor Restaurant set within the Old Manor Kitchen & Servant’s Hall. Afternoon tea at Waddesdon Manor is usually available between April and October. Be sure to make some time to wander through the beautiful Waddesdon grounds beforehand.
Waddesdon Manor is approximately 25 miles (a 1 hour drive) from Central Oxford.
Hartwell House
Located within the Vale of Aylesbury and on the edge of the Chilterns, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hartwell House is an exquisite blend of historical grandeur and timeless elegance set in over 90 acres of gardens and parkland designed by a contemporary of Capability Brown. This Grade I listed country house, with roots dating back to the early 17th century, has witnessed centuries of stories unfold within its stately walls.
One of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, the Jacobean and Georgian house provides all the best in country house hospitality and service you can expect. You can enjoy taking tea in one of the historic rooms – Morning Room, Drawing Room or Library – at Hartwell House, which is available daily and includes a selection of teas, sandwiches, cream cakes and scones.
Hartwell House is approximately 21 miles (a 40 minutes drive) from Oxford.
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5-star award-winning hotel perched majestically on a stunning estate overlooking the River Thames in Taplow, near Maidenhead. Built by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham in 1666 as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House is now a Grade I listed stately home set upon 376 acres of National Trust grounds. The lavish Italianate mansion, surrounded by immaculate gardens and woodlands, exudes an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
Savour the quintessentially English pass-time of taking afternoon tea, served in The Great Hall. The comprehensive Cliveden history inspired afternoon tea features French Chocolate Cake symbolizing the elegant French Dining Room and the artistic Cliveden Four Seasons Fruit Cake showcasing the ceiling mural portraying the Duchess of Sutherland’s four children as the seasons of the year.
Cliveden House is approximately 35 miles (a 1 hour drive) from Oxford.
Ellenborough Park
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, between its highest point and the lush green gallops of Cheltenham’s world-famous racecourse, Ellenborough Park is a quintessential English manor that seamlessly marries historic charm with modern luxury. This 15th-century estate in the regal Cheltenham Spa boasts a rich heritage and stunning architecture surrounded by 90 acres of landscaped grounds and rustic countryside.
As a former country residence to the Earls of Ellenborough, the hotel preserves its aristocratic legacy while providing guests with an indulgent experience. Take your pick of teas, homemade infusions of hot ginger or fresh mint, or coffee before tucking into a sumptuous selection of sandwiches, savouries, handmade sweet treats and scones – fresh from the oven. You can even add a glass of fizz, an Ellenborough Park gin and tonic, or a cocktail for an even more decadent affair.
Ellenborough Park is approximately 45 miles (a 1.5 hour drive) from Oxford.
Weston Manor Hotel
The Weston Manor Hotel, also known as the Manor at Weston-on-the-Green or Weston Manor, is an elegant 12th-century country house set in 12 acres of mature gardens and grounds. Originally a private residence, Weston Manor’s refined ambience speaks to its historical significance. Today, as a boutique hotel, it welcomes guests to experience the allure of its centuries-old architecture and to enjoy a luxurious stay in a picturesque setting.
For afternoon tea, expect warm raisin scones from the bakery, served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, a daily selection of pastries, and sweets, and a selection of finger savouries like roast chicken, truffle mayo, mini baguette, vegetable tomato vegan, mayo malted bloomer Smoked salmon with dill and crème fresh, sunflower loaf, and a selection of teas.
The Weston Manor Hotel is located at Weston-on-the-Green, approximately 11 miles (a 30-minute drive) from Central Oxford.
Waterperry Gardens
Just a stone’s throw from Oxford, Waterperry is best known as the home to Beatrix Havergal’s School of Horticulture for Ladies between 1932 and 1971. It’s now home to 8 acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens, a quality plant centre and garden shop, gallery and gift barn, museum and teashop. If you love the outdoors and have a passion for gardening, then one of their horticulture courses is perfect for you.
Waterperry Tea includes a selection of homemade cakes, Homemade jam, scones and clotted cream, sandwiches and homemade mini vegetarian quiche tart. A pot of loose-leaf tea or your choice of Barista Coffee. Alternatively, opt for the Celebration Tea – a Waterperry Tea with a glass of Prosecco. Please give at least one day’s notice for the team to organise your Waterperry or Celebration Tea.
Waterperry Gardens is approximately 12 miles (a 30-minute drive) from Central Oxford.
Will be missed…
Woburn Abbey
Those in the know claim that the English social custom of taking Afternoon Tea was popularised in the 1840s by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey. The Duchess is credited with popularising the custom of afternoon tea in the court of Queen Victoria. The estate’s lavish rooms and grounds, including the Woburn Safari Park, make it a destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
Dainty sandwiches, scones accompanied by fresh cream and fruity jam, cakes and freshly made pastries are all yours for the taking with this afternoon tea at Woburn Abbey. Afternoon tea can be taken in either The Duchess’ Tea Room or the Bedford room.
Woburn Abbey is approximately 50 miles (a 1.5 hours drive) from Oxford.
Editorial update: Woburn Abbey and Gardens are currently closed to facilitate a major refurbishment programme.
Missenden Abbey
Spend an elegant afternoon in the breathtaking 12th Century Missenden Abbey and enjoy a mouth-watering treat of fresh sandwiches, petit fours, freshly baked scones, tea and coffee. There are two types of afternoon teas – one traditional and one served with Prosecco. Both afternoon tea menus are made with homegrown or locally sourced produce with the freshest ingredients.
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious afternoon tea, wander around the picturesque grounds and soak up the beautiful views of the Chiltern Hills or head into the peaceful town of Great Missenden with so many unique shops to visit. Afternoon tea is available from noon on any day of the week, subject to availability, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Missenden Abbey is approximately 30 miles (a 1 hour drive) from Oxford.
Editorial update: Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), which owns Missenden Abbey at Great Missenden, has taken the “difficult decision” to sell the manor house, citing ongoing financial pressures faced by universities as the reason for the move.
Please note: All distances are approximate from the centre of Oxford city. Driving times will vary depending on traffic and road conditions. We also strongly advise that you check beforehand for availability, and whether you need to book your table in advance or if you can turn up without a reservation.
Oxford Events
Inside Homes: An Arts & Crafts house in a semi-rural setting minutes from the city centre
There is a particular stretch of Oxfordshire where the city begins to loosen its grip and the landscape quietly takes over. Within that transition, an early 1900s Arts & Crafts home sits in a secluded position, offering a semi-rural setting just minutes from Oxford city centre.
Rather than feeling imposed on its surroundings, it feels shaped by them; a house that has evolved in step with the land around it, where architecture and environment remain closely intertwined.
Approached along a discreet drive and set within gardens and woodland approaching an acre, the house has the gentle presence typical of its era – grounded in craftsmanship, with proportions and detailing that prioritise light, texture and connection to the outdoors. Despite its sense of seclusion, Oxford city centre lies just ten minutes away, a contrast that defines much of Boars Hill’s appeal.
The ground floor is arranged with an ease that reflects how the house is now lived in. At its centre is a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and family space, designed for contemporary living without compromising on the building’s character. Granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances sit comfortably within the space, complemented by a walk-in pantry and separate utility room that reinforce its everyday practicality rather than performance. Doors and sightlines draw the garden into view, reinforcing the sense that the landscape is always present.
Elsewhere, the sitting room offers a quieter counterpoint – more formal in tone, anchored by an open fireplace that acts as a focal point to the room without dominating it. A ground-floor bedroom with an adjacent shower room adds flexibility, particularly for visiting guests or multi-generational living, and hints at how adaptable the layout already is.
Upstairs, four further bedrooms are arranged off a central landing. The principal bedroom includes a dressing room with built-in wardrobes; a space that can be reconfigured if required. A family bathroom serves the floor, fitted with a traditional four-piece suite, including both bath and separate shower.
What most distinguishes the house, however, is not simply its internal arrangement but its relationship with its grounds.
The gardens unfold in layers – formal terraces for dining and entertaining, mature planting, and areas of woodland that give the sense of a private landscape rather than a conventional suburban plot. A raised terrace connects directly to the main living spaces, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Within the grounds, a more informal “forest school” style setting adds a distinctly family-led character to the environment.
Practical elements are thoughtfully handled, with a double garage and ample driveway parking discreetly positioned behind recently installed gates. The overall impression is one of privacy without isolation, where the house sits comfortably within its own setting rather than being imposed upon it.
Boars Hill itself remains one of Oxford’s most established residential enclaves – known as much for its sense of space and greenery as for its proximity to the city. Old Boars Hill, moments away, offers far-reaching views and walking routes that have drawn residents here for generations. The area also enjoys access to leading independent schools, reinforcing its long-standing appeal to families.
While the house already offers generous and flexible accommodation, its potential adds another layer of interest. Subject to the usual planning consents, there is clear scope for extension or reconfiguration – an opportunity to shape and refine the property further within one of Oxfordshire’s most sought-after settings.
Offered for sale with By Design at a guide price of £1,650,000, this Foxcombe Road home in Boars Hill represents a rare opportunity to acquire a period Arts & Crafts residence in one of the city’s most established residential settings – a place where its next chapter can be written with intention, in a landscape that has always quietly encouraged it.
Oxford Events
Inside Homes: A secluded Arts & Crafts house with a semi-rural setting just minutes from Oxford city centre
There is a particular stretch of Oxfordshire where the city begins to loosen its grip and the landscape quietly takes over. Within that transition, an early 1900s Arts & Crafts home sits in a secluded position, offering a semi-rural setting just minutes from Oxford city centre.
Rather than feeling imposed on its surroundings, it feels shaped by them; a house that has evolved in step with the land around it, where architecture and environment remain closely intertwined.
Approached along a discreet drive and set within gardens and woodland approaching an acre, the house has the gentle presence typical of its era – grounded in craftsmanship, with proportions and detailing that prioritise light, texture and connection to the outdoors. Despite its sense of seclusion, Oxford city centre lies just ten minutes away, a contrast that defines much of Boars Hill’s appeal.
The ground floor is arranged with an ease that reflects how the house is now lived in. At its centre is a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and family space, designed for contemporary living without compromising on the building’s character. Granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances sit comfortably within the space, complemented by a walk-in pantry and separate utility room that reinforce its everyday practicality rather than performance. Doors and sightlines draw the garden into view, reinforcing the sense that the landscape is always present.
Elsewhere, the sitting room offers a quieter counterpoint – more formal in tone, anchored by an open fireplace that acts as a focal point to the room without dominating it. A ground-floor bedroom with an adjacent shower room adds flexibility, particularly for visiting guests or multi-generational living, and hints at how adaptable the layout already is.
Upstairs, four further bedrooms are arranged off a central landing. The principal bedroom includes a dressing room with built-in wardrobes; a space that can be reconfigured if required. A family bathroom serves the floor, fitted with a traditional four-piece suite, including both bath and separate shower.
What most distinguishes the house, however, is not simply its internal arrangement but its relationship with its grounds.
The gardens unfold in layers – formal terraces for dining and entertaining, mature planting, and areas of woodland that give the sense of a private landscape rather than a conventional suburban plot. A raised terrace connects directly to the main living spaces, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Within the grounds, a more informal “forest school” style setting adds a distinctly family-led character to the environment.
Practical elements are thoughtfully handled, with a double garage and ample driveway parking discreetly positioned behind recently installed gates. The overall impression is one of privacy without isolation, where the house sits comfortably within its own setting rather than being imposed upon it.
Boars Hill itself remains one of Oxford’s most established residential enclaves – known as much for its sense of space and greenery as for its proximity to the city. Old Boars Hill, moments away, offers far-reaching views and walking routes that have drawn residents here for generations. The area also enjoys access to leading independent schools, reinforcing its long-standing appeal to families.
While the house already offers generous and flexible accommodation, its potential adds another layer of interest. Subject to the usual planning consents, there is clear scope for extension or reconfiguration – an opportunity to shape and refine the property further within one of Oxfordshire’s most sought-after settings.
Offered for sale with By Design at a guide price of £1,650,000, this Foxcombe Road home in Boars Hill represents a rare opportunity to acquire a period Arts & Crafts residence in one of the city’s most established residential settings – a place where its next chapter can be written with intention, in a landscape that has always quietly encouraged it.
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