August in the Garden
After what has been one of the wettest Julys on record, we now find ourselves in August. Although the weather as I write is unsettled, I’m sure a more settled period of warmer weather will arrive at some point!
August is traditionally the holiday month, so be mindful on your gardens requirements, particularly if you’re going away. Before you go check the 5 day weather forecast which is now much more reliable and gives you a good idea what to expect whilst you are away. If no rain is forecast for the first few days water heavily before you leave for holiday. Water effectively especially new plants and shrubs. It is the roots which need the water not the foliage either puddle water around the plant to ensure the roots get a good soaking, or sink a bottle or plant pot alongside the plant so you can water directly to the roots.
Equally if a lot of rain is forecast, make sure none of your containers or plants are placed in trays as they will quickly fill up with rainwater. Plants dislike standing in water for prolonged periods.
Capillary matting can be useful and will nurse a plant through a week. Soak the matting and set the plant on it to keep hydrated.
Move all containers into a shady spot, water well and mulch. Simply putting containers into shade makes a great deal of difference in terms of water loss. Give everything a really good soak before you go, group containers together in shady areas and mulch surfaces.
Prune Wisteria
Wisteria needs regular pruning to keep the growth and size under control, but it will also improve the flowering display. Although it seems complicated, wisteria pruning is quite simple if you follow our simple guide.
Wisterias can be left to ramble unchecked where space allows but will usually flower more freely and regularly if pruned twice a year. The removal of growth in summer allows better air circulation and more sunlight to reach the base of the young growths, encouraging better ripening of the wood and improving the chances of flower bud formation. Restricting the amount of vegetative growth and encouraging short, flowering spurs will result in more flowers.
Summer pruning (July or August)
Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering in July or August.
This controls the size of the wisteria, preventing it getting into guttering and windows, and encourages it to form flower buds rather than green growth.
Winter pruning (January or February)
Then, cut back the same growths to two or three buds in January or February (when the plant is dormant and leafless) to tidy it up before the growing season starts and ensure the flowers will not be obscured by leaves.
Deadhead flowering plants regularly
Remove spent flowers as soon they are over, to encourage more buds to open. The simplest method is to just pinch off the faded blooms with finger and thumb.
Planting
Plant perennials now and in to autumn, so the roots have time to establish themselves and put on lots of growth before the winter.
Turf
Whilst the weather has been so wet, so is the ground which means you can lay turf. Avoid very wet ground but generally the combination of the warmer weather and damp conditions, the turf will root very quickly.
Be sure to prepare the ground well, even as far as putting fresh soil down for the turf to grow in to. Loosen and Level the existing soil base and remove any stones or tree roots. If required add a sandy loam or sand topsoil to a depth of 60-100mm. Apply Lawn Starter fertiliser on the prepared surface prior to laying the turf. Lay the turf in a brick pattern ensuring that you push not pull the turf into position.
New turf should always be watered as soon as possible after laying and then kept damp continuously for the establishment period (2-8 weeks depending on variety and season). Water your new lawn 2-3 times a day and ensure that it does not dry out in extreme heat.
Finally…
Have a thought for the wildlife in your garden. As summer progresses the hedgerows are laden with ripening nuts and berries. Look out for hazelnuts,, blackberries, elderberries, sloes, haws and rose hips.
If you do a spot of foraging, remember to leave plenty for the wildlife that relies on these to see them through the autumn and winter.
Why not plant a fruiting and flowering hedge instead of having a fence or wall in your garden? Hedges provide important shelter and protection for wildlife, particularly nesting birds and hibernating insects, as well as food through the year.
Happy Gardening! 🌱