MAY DAY
(May 1)
Organize outdoor potting supplies
Celebrate
Make mint juleps for the Kentucky Derby (page 40)
Clean kitchen appliances
Set up peony supports in the garden
CINCO DE MAYO
(May 5)
Make margaritas
Kids
Create Mother’s Day cards (page 40)
Plant flowers (annuals, bulbs, perennials) in cooler regions; mulch beds
Launder
Refresh your bed (page 41)
Cook
Cook with rhubarb (page 41)
MOTHER’S DAY
(second Sunday of May)
Host brunch to celebrate Mom
Weed and water garden as needed (page 199)
Go for a hike or run
Make sure all summer camp forms have been submitted
Go birdwatching to see migrating flocks: Check with your local Audubon Society for events
Bring out lawn games; put up the hammock
Clean
Ready the grill (page 42)
Home
Wash exterior siding (page 42)
Apply SPF treatment to white and light-colored clothing
Prune flowering plants (do this regularly); cut lilacs for flower arrangments
Get out beach chairs and gear; repair or replace as needed
Garden
Grow potted plants (page 43)
Mow the lawn
Hang the flag to honor fallen heroes
Eid al-fitr*
MEMORIAL DAY
(fourth Monday in May)
Have a cookout; see a parade
Make a summer reading list for you and the kids
Purchase and organize canning supplies
Plant beans
Polish copper pots or clean stainless steel ones so they shine
Sign up for a CSA
Take an outdoor yoga class
*eid al-fitr Occurs on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, and marks the end of Ramadan.