If you have hardy geraniums that have finished their first flush, now is the perfect time to give them a bit of tough love. Don’t be afraid to cut these plants right back to the ground. It might feel counter-intuitive to shear off all that foliage, but it is actually the secret to reviving them. This simple act encourages the plant to put its energy into fresh, healthy regrowth, which will reward you with a second, lovely display of flowers in a couple of months’ time.

Beyond just tidying up the look of your beds, cutting these perennials back creates much-needed breathing room in your borders. This space is invaluable, especially if you have been trying to squeeze in tender annuals or other perennials that need a bit of a head start. By clearing away the old, spent growth, you are opening up the border to more light and airflow, which is essential for the health of all your plants.

Once you have finished cutting everything back, clear all the debris and take it straight to the compost heap to keep the garden neat. While you are there, take a moment to weed around the base of the plants to ensure they aren’t competing for nutrients. If the weather has been particularly dry, give them a good soak. Most importantly, try to be mindful of spacing when filling those gaps with new plants. Give your revitalised perennials plenty of room so they don’t get smothered, ensuring they have the light and space they need to thrive and bloom beautifully again by the end of summer. It is a small effort now that makes a massive difference to the late-summer garden.