Monthly Garden Advice for July
Fill those gaps
after the flush of Spring flowers note where plant combinations could be improved to fill gaps in the borders at this time. Hydrangeas, Hardy Fuchsias, Lavatera, Lavender, Liliums, Echinacea, hardy Geraniums and Penstemons could help to solve the problem.
Sustainability
with the staggering increases in fuel prices it is now very important to source locally grown plants and products that we use in the garden. Timber products are sustainable so where possible select wooden containers, furniture, bird boxes and feeders, wood fibre mulches and use hand tools where feasible. Leave some areas of the lawn unmown to encourage bio-diversity and save on fuel. Cut only twice a year in June and September. Plan to plant more trees and shrubs this Autumn.
Touchy Feely
some plants you just can not resist touching such as the soft grey furry leaved Stachys Ianata (Lambs Ears) or the wonderfully tactile grasses such as Stipa tenuissima or Pennisetum. The flowers of the bottle brush plant (Callistemon spp) are also irresistable. Just brushing past a plant of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) emits the most refreshing lemony fragrance and it also makes a lovely herb tea.
Thinking Ahead
Biennials can be sown now for colour next Spring. Sow direct in short nursery rows in the garden or in seed trays. Varieties include Wallflowers, Sweet William, Canterbury Bells, Foxglove, Bellis and Myosotis. For dried seed heads sow Honesty (Lunaria)
Quick Tips
- sow winter flowering pansies in trays or modules for autumn planting.
- protect Brassicas from caterpillars by covering with fleece or enviromesh to prevent butterflies egg-laying.
- keep dead heading and feeding containers and hanging baskets for a brilliant display.
- sow 1m rows of salad leaves every 3-4 weeks for continuity of supply.
