Deadheading dahlias
There is something genuinely magical about how dahlias anchor the late-summer garden, keeping their vibrant colour going long after many other plants have faded. If you want to keep that wonderful momentum rolling right through the autumn months, the secret…
What to do in August
August is the month when the garden steps into a rich, golden maturity, basking in the warmth of late summer. As the season begins its gentle transition toward autumn, the borders glow with deep, fiery hues and heavy seed heads,…
Did you know about this watering can feature
I’ve had a proper epiphany today. For years, I have been using a watering can like an absolute lunatic. I would unclip the rose—that little nozzle thingy meant to turn a torrent of water into a gentle shower—and then, predictably,…
Put fresh water out daily for wildlife
As we settle into the heart of July, most of us focus on filling feeders or planting nectar-rich flowers, but we often overlook the most essential requirement for all garden wildlife: fresh, clean water. When the summer sun hits its…
Watering containers in a July heatwave
As we settle into the heart of July here in the UK, the summer sun can quickly transform your container gardens from vibrant displays into parched, struggling pots. With the mercury rising, the limited soil volume in your containers dries…
Keep picking sweet peas
There is something genuinely therapeutic about tending to sweet peas, and fortunately, it is one of the easiest tasks you will encounter in the garden. If you want to keep your vines producing beautiful, fragrant blooms well into the late…
How to recognise and deal with potato blight
Potato blight is a devastating fungal disease that begins by attacking the haulms, but if left unchecked, it is quickly washed into the soil by rainfall, causing the tubers themselves to rot, which renders them either inedible or impossible to…
Sow parsley seeds
There is nothing quite like having a reliable stash of fresh parsley ready at your fingertips, especially when you are midway through a hearty winter soup or brightening up a spring salad. The secret to maintaining this constant green supply…
Pruning rambling roses
July is a busy time in the rose garden, and while many varieties benefit from constant dead-heading to encourage a repeat performance, some roses have reached the end of their flowering season. Most ramblers, particularly those in the warmer southern…
Picking summer fruiting raspberries
There is something truly special about raspberries, and here in the UK, the summer-fruiting varieties are hitting their absolute peak right now in July. It helps to understand how they grow to get the best out of them. Summer-fruiting raspberries…