Some nice rain last week ment hoses did not need to be out, the weight of rain on deciduous tree branches makes it easy to see those needing to be lifted, if left to increase width they cast shade over surrounding plants. Any branch growing downwards with a canopy branch directly above it can be cut back or removed altogether because lower plantings need overhead light to prevent stretched growing.
Hedges: will still not be finished pushing out spring growth and if trimmed too early another trim will be needed so best to wait until new growth has hardened and stems snap clean when bent. All new growth hedge trimmings can go on the compost or be scattered around the garden as mulch.
Cut back spring flowering perennials that have finished flowering and fill gaps with summer annuals. Tall annual plants like cosmos and lavatera at the back, petunias, nemesia, saliva and marigolds middle and lobelia. alyssum, dwarf sweet peas and petite petunias in front.
Roses: Fat rose buds are now opening, healthy and beautiful before succumbing to the stress of hot drying days. Aphids, blackspot and rust will not be a problem if water, feeding and mulch is kept up healthy roses can be enjoyed through to early winter.
Dahlias are pushing through now as spring bulbs finish, if you see some of your dahlias will be in the shade cast by tree branches growing wider, shift clumps into a sunnier position while new growth is low. Support can be put in place now for large spreading dahlias before they put on heavy growth.
Hydrangeas are starting to produce flower heads now so it is important to keep the water and food up to them, old stable manure, blood and bone, liquid or slow release fertiliser will keep them happy and flowering well. It's a dressing of lime for pink and Epsom salts or aluminum sulphate to keep them blue.
Fuchsias are on sale right now and are wonderful in pots or a shady spot, they are making a lot of growth now so if you missed cutting any back do it now, they will soon catch up.
Peony roses: What wonderful additions these are to the flower garden, peony roses are beautiful fillers in a sunny spot and great for filling vases. Support will be needed for most peony roses to hold up full flower heads.
Lawns are thriving after the spring rain, annual weeds will have been mowed out but perennial lawn weeds will need removing before they make seed and spread. I dig them out as I see them while small but if they have spread over your lawn they may need lawn spray but please just spot spray and never on a sunny day when insects and bees are about.
Veg garden: I have planted peas where the broad beans were and lettuce and coriander where I dug out the beetroot. Potatoes are well up, corn and pumpkins will have a chance to go for it now without the threat of frost. So far I have seen no white butterflies looking for brassica to lay eggs on.Keep planting all vegetables but not too many of the same at one time.
Elderflower cordial: Elder flowers are covering bushes now, they don't last long before berries start forming from the flowers. Ingredients: 20 large elderflower heads, 4 lemons, 1 tsp citric acid, 1.5 liters water, 1kg sugar. Method; Grate zest off lemons, then roughly chop into chunks. Gently wash the flowers and steep them in a bowl with water and add this to the flower head mixture. Cover and leave for 24 hours, then strain through muslin gently, bring the strained liquid to the boil, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour into sterilized glass bottles and store in the fridge when cool. Add a measure to iced water for the perfect fresh summer beverage for all ages and a dash in gin for those who like a G and T.
Cheers, Linda.
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