The word May is derived from the Greek Goddess Maia who was a goddess of growth. May’s birthstone is the emerald which is in keeping with all green growth that emerges this month. Birth flowers for May are lily of the valley and hawthorn.
At this time the days are longer with warmer temperature resulting in a more active and abundant ecosystem. “Nature will as nature wants”; we are not in complete control of the finished tapestry as there is a grander plan. It is as it were that the mantle is taken from us in regard to the natural world, and, if we are sufficiently alert and aware of this, it can greatly add wonder and awe to our lives.
This May, the growing season is almost a month or so ahead of what we expect. This is due to a lengthy spell of sunshine and heat followed by adequate rainfall to bring about early fruit, vegetables, green hedges and a feast of colour in our gardens from all various flowers, shrubs and trees.
Roses and other flowers that usually bloom in June are flowering now. The unexpected heatwave this month meant that there was actually a hose ban in several counties.
Among chores that need our attention presently are; shrubs that have completed flowering for the season now need to be pruned. Remove suckers from rose bushes.
Clip hedges (and only if birds are not nesting within them). Adhere to “No Mow May” if possible, to allow wildflowers to thrive. Many vegetable seedlings can still be planted such as onions, cabbages, parsnips, turnips and beetroot.
The countryside is so picturesque at this time of year. Hedgerows are adorned with a frothy white combination of hawthorn flowers and cow parsley and meadowsweet rendering it especially evocative of summer. If we are alert or lucky to live or be visiting certain parts of the countryside in particular, we may hear the call of the cuckoo which is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Our swifts have arrived back from Africa, travelling over jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans! Is that not miraculous in itself? They stay with us for the summer months as this is their breeding place. They mate with the same partner year after year if both have survived. Amazingly, they arrive back separately but return to the same nesting place where they meet again (if nests not destroyed by modern construction and development, etc). I truly think this is fascinating, along with the swallows and other birds which do likewise. No satnavs or google maps needed here! And the swifts eat, drink, sleep and mate on the wing – truly awesome.
Apart from the annual worldwide dawn chorus which is another May phenomenon, we can have our own dawn chorus every morning at this time of year simply by leaving our bedroom windows slightly ajar to enjoy the symphony of melodious sounds our birds provide. All free of charge and on our doorsteps.
Cherry, maple and magnolia trees reach peak bloom now too which add to the beauty around us. Strawberries are coming to fruition and it is advisable to keep them covered with secured netting or otherwise the blackbirds in particular will enjoy a welcome feast.
A national survey conducted last October [1924] indicated that 46% of Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters were contaminated with pollution resulting in a health hazard for mankind and creatures inhabiting them, which is not at all anything to be proud of. The agricultural sector appears to be the main culprit for this scenario
Significant dates in May this year;
- May Day – 1st May
- World Bee Day – May 20th
- Laudato Si 10th Anniversary – May 24th
Finally, many of us will have been fortunate enough to behold the dynamic spectacle of bluebells carpeting woodland floors in nearby forests and along many roadside verges. It is believed that one never forgets the first time he/she witnesses such beauty as the memory of it never fades. Interestingly, over half of the world’s bluebells are to be found in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Happy Summertime to everybody!
Your Earth Friend Anne
Member of Kilmore Care of Creation Group
