Blog
June
Finally - some lovely weather. It almost feels like summer! Keep weeds under control this month and keep plants well watered - but remember that over watering can cause its own problems. Continue to plant summer bedding for vibrant colours, deadheading to encourage new blooms and pruning to promote flowering. Check online to see what to prune when, depending on wht you have in your garden.
July
What a scorcher!
The hot topic of the hot weather is always how and when to water the garden. Remember that anything in pots will dry out quicker than plants in the ground, and terracotta pots particularly so. Be mindful to water in the late evening (ideally rainwater from a water butt or dipping tank) so there is less chance of the water evaporating or of leaves becoming scorched. The more the ground is covered, the more moisture it will retain, so try to put down bark or underplanting to improve water retention. Combine this with deadheading of bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials and you should have longer lasting, continuous displays of blooms. Prioritise what you water - don't bother watering a brown lawn, it will bounce back. Remember to pick those veggies before they 'go over'. And don't forget your houseplants too - they may need moving to a different part of the house if they are struggling in the heat or strong, sunlight.
While you are enjoying your garden, think about what might enhance your use of it - for example, a shady area for more seating, or introducing some food crops to help minimise those ever increasing bills ... ideas you may be able to act on before this time next year ...