Ornamental Poppies e.g. ‘Patty’s Plum’ can have their flowered stems cut right down and some of the old foliage removed and should produce new growth at the base.


Acanthus mollis and A. spinosa – in some conditions get very unsightly with mildew at this time of the year.  Leave the flowering spikes intact but remove any other affected foliage down to the ground.  Young fresh green leaves should soon appear.


Decrease watering and let Hippeastrums go into dormancy.


Delphiniums are now at their best and appreciate regular feeding and watering.  They should also be treated continuously for slug and snail attack.  Any faded spikes can be cut part way back and side shoots can produce a second crop of flowers.


Thalictrum delavayi ‘Hewitt’s Double’ is a very stately addition in July-August and when established can reach 6ft. plus.  It can be used not only in the herbaceous border but planted between evergreen azaleas to give added summer colour.  


Astilbes are at their best now and prefer a moist, slightly damp position but they can be grown anywhere (except deep shade) as long as they are kept well watered.


Dahlias e.g. ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ needs to be kept well staked and regularly fed and watered. Continuous cutting or deadheading will promote flowering.