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.  If you're missing some 'showstoppers' in your garden, then look no further that peonies.  These exquisite blooms have perfect timing, flowering just as spring flowering perennials are finishing and before summer flowers get going and really do provide a magnificent display.

       

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

      

3. Pinch out the tips of Clematis, especially Viticella varieties and tie them in as they grow.  This will encourage bushier growth with more flowers.

    

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

       

5. Add height to your garden with bright and colourful hanging baskets.  Visit Langthorns and check out our vibrant selection.

     

6. 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.

     

7. 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.

    

8. 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.
        

9. 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.

        

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

11. Cut back tired looking early flowering perennials, such as Pulmonarias.  This will encourage new growth and if conditions are right, sometimes a second flush of flowers.

     

12. If you have some space for elegant, flower-packed spires at the back of your borders, then it's a great time to pop in some Delphiniums.  These cottage garden gems certainly pack and punch and come in a stunning range of blues, pinks, purples and whites.

13. Cut back spring flowering bulbs to the base when the leave have turned yellow.  Tulip bulbs can even be lifted and dried for storing and a better chance of repeat flowering next year.

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

15. 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.

     

16. 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.

17. 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. 

     

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

   

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. If you've been watching Chelsea Flower show and are filled with new inspiration on planting combinations for your borders, then fill that desire and come for a browse around the plantery, we are packed full of gardeners delights. We are open for visitors between 9am and 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday and closed on Mondays.