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GARDENING
gardening tips Maintenance
Dobbies unveils summer

A garden in full bloom looks
impressive but needs regular
maintenance. Nigel comments:
“A warm summer could mean a
growth spurt for your plants, so it’s
important to be mindful of this and
use plant supports where required.
With summer almost here, Dobbies Garden Centres has unveiled what gardeners Tall-growing plants like delphiniums
can be doing to get their outdoor spaces looking their best during the sunny season. and lupins will benefit from the extra
support in the summer months.
obbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, says Instant colour “Feeding your plants with fertiliser now will
now is the time to enjoy seeing all your Nigel says that summer is when our gardens ensure strong, healthy growth and sustain
Dhard work come to fruition, with beds look their best, full of bright flowers and the your displays. Keeping plants hydrated is
and borders in full bloom filling your garden buzz of wildlife the season brings. To add particularly important in summer so you
with beautiful colour and fragrance. And, a pop of the season’s colour and fragrance should ensure you regularly water your
while summer is a good time to appreciate to your garden, Nigel says you can make an displays and mulch with a good quality
your garden, Nigel says there are still jobs to instant impact with summer bedding plants. organic compost to help retain moisture and lettuce is a ‘cut and come again’ crop that
be done to maintain your outdoor space and give plants a nutrient boost. can be planted and harvested throughout the
extend it through to early autumn. season, giving you fresh lettuce throughout the
He comments: “To create a simple but summer months. Rocket can also be grown
effective summer display, mix and match “To protect plants during a hot, dry spell,
Here’s how you can make the most of summer bedding plants of different varieties in pots or you can cover the top of container plants easily in summer as a ‘cut and come again’ crop
garden living for months to come. in your flower beds. Fuschias and geraniums with a mulch such as gravel or bark to help and pairs well with summer recipes; just make
sure you plant it in a partially shaded spot.
are traditional favourites in summer displays conserve moisture.
and will add vibrancy to hanging baskets and
work particularly well when paired with trailing “Generally, succulents and silver foliage plants “Softer herbs like basil, coriander and dill will
thrive in summer and can be planted out either
plants for added dimension and interest. For like lavender are the best at adapting to warmer
bigger container displays or planting in beds conditions so these are fine to be left as they in a vegetable patch, or in a container on your
and borders, use large flowers like dahlias as are, but you should make a point to check up windowsill for easy access when cooking.
your display’s focal point and pair with plants on your other plants throughout the summer
like begonias, petunias and impatiens to fill months and adjust watering as needed.” “Fruit like strawberries, gooseberries and
any gaps. currants can be harvested now while they’re at
their best and used in summer desserts.
Grow your own
“Roses planted in early spring will be adding
colour to your borders now and will benefit from Nigel notes that there’s no better time to “As well as planting and harvesting, you
the removal of faded flowers to encourage more enjoy your own fresh produce than summer, should also consider plant protection in your
to grow. If you’re looking to add instant charm to with a wide variety of tasty seasonal fruit and vegetable patch during summer. Peas and
your garden, Dobbies has a range of established vegetables that are ready to harvest now. He beans grow fast during this time so will benefit
roses that can be bought in pots now and says: “Summer is a wonderful time for salad from plant support and netting. Canes or
planted out in your garden. David Austin roses leaves as they can be grown easily and quickly, trellises will help taller climbing plants such
are a firm favourite for bringing elegance, scent meaning if you plant now, you can enjoy them as runner beans, and maximise space in your
and beauty to gardens, and this summer, we’re on your plate in as little as a month. Leaf vegetable patch too.”
also welcoming award-winning Harkness roses
to stores, including a full range of celebration
varieties for that special occasion.” For more summer gardening tips and advice, and to explore Dobbies’ range of seasonal plants, new storage
solutions and sheds for summer 2025, visit dobbies.com.
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