Glorious June; delicious scents carried on the warm breeze, overwhelming colour from summer beds and containers.  The ground frosts should be behind us and at last we can shop with confidence for the bold and colourful exotic and tender plants that make such a statement in our gardens.  Here are just a few gardening ideas to keep your green space looking tip top . . . 

1. No cottage garden is complete without the exquisite blooms and heady scent of an English rose.  June is the perfect time to choose a new variety.  With all in bloom, you can find a rose that excites your senses with colour, shape and smell. Dead head existing Hybrid Tea's and Floribunda roses as the flowers go over to encourage repeat blooms through the summer.

        

2. Plant out Dahlias and Cannas and other more tender perennials for show-stopping, late summer displays.

        

3. Keep and eye on new shoots (especially roses) for aphids. Pick off and squash by hand and treat with SB Invigorator where necessary.

4. Keep pinching out the tips of Clematis, especially viticella varieties and tie them in as they grow.  This will encourage bushier growth with more flowers.  

    

5. Fill any gaps in your border or patio containers with colourful annuals, such Cosmos, Osteospermums and other long and late flowering plants to prolong your season of colour.

      

6. Trim back and tie in grape vines to pergolas and fences as they grow to ensure maximum sunlight to the bunches of young fruit.

7. Now the ground frosts are behind us, it's the perfect time to plant up summer hanging baskets and containers. Get creative and mix things up with a selection of perennials too for unique and colourful planting combinations.

    

8. If space is limited, why not have a go at planting a tomato hanging basket.  This attractive and tasty display will crop all summer.

  

9. Check borders now to make sure tall and heavy perennials, such as Peonies, Delphiniums or Lupins are given the extra support they need to prevent them flopping or breaking in the breeze.  Check out our range of plants supports here.

      

10. Thin out heavy apple crops to avoid the 'June drop' and to maximise the quality of your remaining fruit.  Look out for damaged or oddly formed fruit and remove these first.

11. During long spells of dry or windy weather, ensure that any new plants particularly are watered regularly to ensure roots can establish, at which time they can survive in borders longer without irrigation.

12. Add some 'Plant Companions', such as French Marigolds to your vegetable crops to attract bees and beneficial insects to help with pollination and pest control. 

13. Check for signs of powdery mildew.  Lonicera, Monarda, Centaurea, Phlox and Aster are particularly susceptible to mildew, which will cause patches of grey-white fungus to appear over leaves and stems.  To help avoid the problem, thin out any over crowed growth to improve air circulation and keep plants well watered in dry spells.

14. It has been disappointing not to have been able to visit any plant shows during May and June, but hopefully you have been able to watch and learn on various virtual programs providing some inspiration on new planting combinations for your borders.  Fill that desire and come for a (socially distanced) browse around the nursery, we are packed full of gardeners delights. We are open for visitors between 11am and 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday (and open Bank Holiday Monday) so there is still lots of time to enjoy all the wonders at Langthorns.

      

15. Don't let a lack of space stop you from enjoying fresh vegetables, salads and herbs.  An amazing number can be grown in large pots, hanging baskets and window boxes in a bright and sunny area.  Pick out a fab selection and plant into our fruit and veg compost for great results.

     

16. Look after spring-flowering shrubs, such as Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias now for a magnificent spectacle next year.  Deadhead after flowering to prevent the plant using its energy producing seeds.  Feed regularly to boost the plants strength and mulch to maintain soil moisture levels and keep the roots cool and finally, keep the roots well watered throughout summer, as dry roots can seriously affect the flower bud development.

        

17. Make a succulent display for a touch of the exotic in a bright and sunny area of the garden.  Tender succulents, such as Aeoniums can now be kept outdoors and make attractive displays in pots.  

18. Hoe annual weeds to keep your beds and borders looking their best, so you can sit back and enjoy all the colour, tastes and scents it has to offer.

19. If you are self isolating or worried about coming out to Langthorns, but are seriously in need of a plant fix, then browse our website, or give us a call. Our mail-order is still in operation and we are still offering local deliveries at reduced rates.  It is a difficult time and we want to do our bit to help you.