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Early
summer
This, the loveliest hour of the gardening year,
is also the time to keep a weather eye open for
insect pests, diseases
and weeds. Feeding plants with fertilisers
or liquid feeds is also important at this season.
Sow perennials in nursery beds for next year’s
display.
TREES AND SHRUBS
Cut out any branches of variegated cultivars that
are losing their variegation.
Take softwood cuttings of hardy fuchsias
and place them in a propagating frame to root.
Shade during sunny periods.
Plant out tender fuchsias when they have been
well hardened off.
Thin out the weak flowering shoots from deciduous
shrubs which have finished flowering, such as
deutzia, spiraea and
Hamamelis japonica.
CLIMBERS
Take leaf-bud cuttings of all clematis.
Water wall-trained shrubs during dry spells, and
mulch immediately afterwards to help retain the
moisture.
ROSES
Remove any suckers.
Continue to guard against aphids.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
Cut back early flowering perennials such as aquilegia
and doronicum
– that need to be kept in trim and discouraged
from self- seeding – to about 4 in, once
the flowers have died.
Lift and divide primroses and polyanthus
after flowering and replant in a shady corner
for the summer, in moisture-retentive soil containing
plenty of humus.
Lift and divide bearded iris
after flowering.
Finish sowing seeds of hardy perennials outdoors
or in a cold frame for flowering next year.
ALPINES
Keep rock gardens and patios free of weeds.
Remove spent flower heads unless required for
the seeds, and clip back any plants that are becoming
straggly.
WATER AND BOG PLANTS
If aphids attack water lilies, spray leaves with
a powerful water jet.
Keep water clear of algae before large masses
form.
BULBS, CORMS AND TUBERS
In mild districts, plant Anemone coronaria cultivars
for autumn and winter flowering.
Plant out young dahlia
plants raised from cuttings or seeds.
Continue to remove spring bulb foliage not less
than six weeks after flowering has finished.
Gather seed capsules of crocuses
when they start to ripen, and sow.
ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS
Plant out pelargoniums
for summer bedding.
Sow biennial seeds in a nursery bed for flowering
next year.
Deadhead annuals regularly to promote a longer
flowering period.
Hoe frequently to keep weeds in check.
Pick sweet peas
each week to promote continued flowering. Do not
let them form pods.
LAWNS
Mow regularly. Raise the blades slightly during
dry, hot spells.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Watch out for greenfly and other aphids. Spray
at first sign of attack.
If not already done, mulch beds after rain.
Next:
Mid Summer
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