In partnership with Claire Jones Gardens
- Keep your plants looking good and prolong flowering by deadheading regularly, this applies to perennials and annuals.
- Cut back hardy Geraniums and Delphiniums after the first flush of flowers to promote new growth and more flowers.
- Hoe weeds that will continue to germinate and thrive in the sunshine.
- We can still experience stormy weather at this time of year, so make sure tall plants and climbers are well supported.
- Give your lawn a quick fast acting feed, especially if you didn’t feed in spring. You should however avoid feeding if there is a drought.
- Continue to feed Peppers, Cucumbers and Tomatoes with a high potash fertiliser to promote more fruit.
- Keep your fruit and vegetable garden well watered.
- Prune summer flowering shrubs such as Lavender once they have finished flowering.
- Prune Wisteria
- Collect seeds from garden plants.
- Keeps ponds and bird baths topped up.
- Take cuttings of tender perennials such as Pelargoniums and woody herbs using non flowering shoots.
- Prune rambling roses.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas have long been one of the most popular garden plants thanks to their reliable, long flowering period. There are hundreds to choose from with over 75 species and 600 named cultivars. Their striking flower heads come in a range of shapes, from large balls to cones. The most recognisable types are mophead and lacecap. Colour ranges vary greatly, red and pink to purple and blue and some varieties come in white. The colour of some varieties will depend on the PH of the soil an acidic soil will produce blue/purple flowers, and alkaline produces pink. The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek words ‘hydor’ meaning water and ‘angos’ meaning vessel, which roughly translates to ‘Water Barrel’ – Hydrangeas are notorious for needing lots of water, especially in establishment. I find them invaluable for adding colour and interest in late summer and favour the white flowered cultivars such as Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ and Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (pictured here) both of these varieties flower on new years wood so can be pruned hard in the spring to keep their size in check whereas the colourful macrophylla’s flower on the previous years wood. Theres a Hydrangea for every garden whether you are looking for a more traditional style for a cottage garden, or a more contemporary urban look, every garden should have at least one!
