July in the Garden
Prime
tasks in July are deadheading, watering and perhaps a bit of overdue
staking. In spite of the walls, fences and hedges around here,
the wind always seems to whip up periodic mischief and damage.
July’s a bit of a tidying and sorting month, dealing with the early
stuff that’s probably looking tatty by now and thinking of what to fill
gaps with.
Deadheading (ie taking the faded flowers off)
encourages further flowering on many plants. Plants flower to
reproduce and once pollinated, they begin to fade as the pretty petals
have done their bit, by encouraging insects to visit with pollen from a
suitor plant. The plant then puts all of its energy into making
viable seed for the next generation. By removing fading flowers
the plant is tricked into making more flowers. In this way,
gardeners’ intervention prolongs the flowering season. Some of
you may want to collect, dry and store a small amount of seed from your
favourites for next year.
If you’re going to be away for a few
days or more, your containers will stand a much better chance of
survival if you move them to the most shady and wind-free part of your
garden. I’ve just been away for a fortnight and a lovely
corkscrew willow in a 30cm pot just managed to hang on. It did look
pretty sad though, which reminded me that a feed was probably overdue
too. It’s easy to forget to feed specimen plants in containers –
the plants that hang on year after year (somehow!) Make sure the
plant is watered thoroughly before feeding with a slow release type
feed rather than quick fix. The best plantsman I know recently
raved about the wonderful effects of top-dressing container plants with
worm casts - interesting life I lead. I haven’t tried them yet
but plan to and will let you know. For the intrigued among you,
find out more at www.cjwormcasts.co.uk or 01757 618630.
Finally, the most important thing to remember at this time of year is to sit back and enjoy - happy lounging til next time!
Lisa
For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk
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2007