Page 47 - ESPC July 2022

INTERIORS INSIDER

summer gardening
The ultimate

Add instant colour
If you’re looking to refresh your garden
checklist with a burst of colour this summer, there
are plenty of plants that will put on an
instant display. Summer bedding plants
are perfect for bringing containers, hanging
baskets and window boxes to life, and will
Summer is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the
new season in all its glory than by spending time outdoors. Take fill your garden with colour, fragrance and
foliage all season long.
advantage of the good weather by relaxing in your garden and
enjoying the colour summer brings. For planting that will last long after
summer, Marcus suggests Japanese Acers,
which feature foliage in striking colours
for a dramatic effect. Hydrangeas are also
great for creating an eye-catching display
obbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus flowers have faded, and you should remove and their full flower heads will hold their
Eyles, has some tips on how you can spent branches with a good pair of secateurs own well into autumn.
Dget even more out of your garden this to allow new growth to develop next spring.
summer and add instant colour to spaces of You should also dead-head roses as soon as
all sizes. So, whether you’re looking to make possible to make sure they continue flowering When caring for plants in summer,
the most of your apartment balcony, compact and feed them with rose fertiliser to encourage Marcus stresses the importance of regular
waterings, and recommends adding liquid
courtyard or sprawling lawn, here’s the ultimate strong growth and beautiful blooms. Spring fertiliser every two weeks for healthy growth.
summer gardening checklist to get your garden flowering annuals can also be lifted away to
looking its best for the warmer months. make room for high summer bedding plants
such as dahlia, cosmos and nicotiana.
Summer maintenance
Whilst summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the Grow your own
fruits of your labour in the garden, there are still Marcus says that summer is a fantastic time supported by a bamboo cane, and you should as grass typically grows strongly during the
jobs that can be done to ensure your outdoor to reap the rewards of earlier planting and pinch out the side shoots of these varieties warmer months. This means you can achieve
space thrives. Marcus advises you should harvest your delicious produce. Early potatoes to concentrate the energy into creating fruit. a manicured style by reducing cutting height
make sure you keep weeds in check by hoeing can be harvested 10 weeks after planting, and Smaller bush and trailing varieties are fine without damaging any of the grass, and to
them before they get the chance to establish. asparagus spears can also be harvested in left to grow without pruning, but once the ensure lawn health, apply a summer lawn feed
Applying a thick layer of mulch to your beds summer. For a constant supply of fresh leaves first trusses start to set fruit, Marcus says you to increase vigour and help prevent weeds.
and borders will help keep weeds at bay and for seasonal salads and side dishes, re-sow should begin feeding your tomato plant weekly For a more wildlife friendly lawn, Marcus
prevent the need for any harsh weed killers that salads every 10-14 days. with tomato fertiliser, and ensure you water recommends allowing your grass to grow,
could be harmful to wildlife. Mulching will also frequently, especially during high summer which will encourage wildflowers to bloom and
help soil retain moisture, which is particularly You can continue growing tomatoes in summer when the weather warms up. support pollinating insects.
important as the weather heats up. as these plants thrive in direct sunlight, so, if
possible, make sure you position your tomato Lawncare For more gardening tips and inspiration, and
Summer flowering shrubs such as deutzia plant in a sunny spot. Marcus advises that If you like an ornamental lawn, Marcus says that to browse Dobbies’ collections for SS22, visit
and weigela should be pruned as soon as the taller tomato plants will benefit from being summer is the best time for weekly mowing, dobbies.com.

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