June is already upon us, and the solstice is in a few weeks.
All the planning, sowing, planting and compost mixing is mostly over, now it’s time to enjoy your labours.
However, there needs to be some proactivity, to keep your precious plants performing well. Dead-heading is not a very glamorous garden task, but frequent removal of spent flowers will reward you with months of future blooms. This is my evening routine whilst watering the containers. Note – I water in the evening, this not only benefits the plants but reduces precious water by allowing the plants to absorb moisture in the cooler night temperatures instead of evaporating in the higher daytime temperatures. I’ve found this halves my water usage.
Feeding also helps continue the best displays. I use slow release granules at the start of the season mixed into the compost and then liquid, high potash, feeds for increasing flower production as the season progresses. These tips will help you get the best out your plants through the summer.
In the garden the roses are in full bloom and my favourite companion plants can now come into their own. Nepeta ‘ Walkers Low’ is a strong, low growing cat mint with silver foliage and Dresden blue flowers. They soften a bed of bright yellow or orange roses, or highlight burgundy and blue/pink blooms. My favourite combination is nepeta and rose Gertrude Jekyll. For pale pink and softer shades to complete your rose beds, astrantia are well worth planting with their star like flowers in shades from white, through to deep burgundy. Finally, for texture, foliage and for organic gardeners Achillea offers pungent scented leaves that some say keep aphids at bay. They come in a rich array of colours. My favourites are ‘terracotta’ and ‘cassis’
In the vegetable garden my artichokes have thrown up their statuesque pewter grey leaves and the flowers are just breaking open. I grow mine in large terracotta containers to give them the well draining compost they crave. 50/50 loam based compost and horticultural grit are what these fabulous summer exclamation marks need to thrive. And grow them ‘hard’ without feeding them to keep them flowering. Under plant with erigeron karviskianus, mexican fleabane, a lovely combination.
Plant of the month: Macro of pink flowers of Weigela florida PLANT OF THE MONTH
Weigela. These tough, summer flowering shrubs are receiving a renaissance due to the ingenious plant breeder’s coming out with plants that flower over many weeks with many sporting colourful foliage to earn them a spot in your garden. Varieties to look for include ‘pink poppet’, summer peach, for long lasting flowers. For foliage try ‘florida variegata’, ebony and ivory’ with dark chocolate foliage and cream flowers and finally red flowering ‘camouflage’ which really have leaves like camouflaged trousers!
GARDEN OF THE MONTH
Newby Hall.
June and July are the herbaceous borders peak time, so visit this Yorkshire estate near Ripon that boasts a double-faced display leading down from the beautiful house. The long sweeping beds mirror one another and are a master class in plant combination that inspire all those that see them. Although planted on a grand scale, these temples to garden art can be adapted to smaller spaces in your own borders.
Is it true that tomatoes and cucumbers don’t like to share the same greenhouse? Last year I tried to grow both, but the tomatoes were not successful.
Last year’s summer was not tomato growing weather, the constant rain and overcast conditions suited cucumbers much better. However, to give both plant varieties the best possible environment in a shared glasshouse, plant the tomatoes nearer the door where the air is moving more freely, and the pollen can move freely from truss to truss. Plant the cucumbers at the gable end of structure and add some shade on the roof panels and water the flooring to increase humidity around the climbing stems in sunny dry weather.
What are your views on visiting flower shows to get inspiration and planting ideas?
My career with the RHS has left me with a lasting awe and admiration for all those that put themselves in the spotlight at flower shows. The work involved, sometimes starts years in advance and to see the exhibitors build these garden displays and installations is a humbling experience. I recommend that any opportunity you get, visit any flower show. Whether it’s your local village horticultural show where you will see plants that thrive in your area, through to Harrogate show, Southport Show or the new RHS show that this year is at Wentworth Woodhouse instead of Tatton Park. You will get knowledgeable, friendly people doing remarkable things that you can chat to and then adapt in your own garden spaces. I also recommend you join your local gardening club to meet like-minded people who share your interest in gardening. Local groups are a great place to get advice, inspiration and ideas for your garden.
