Checking containers and pots
Check all containers and pots for telltale signs of vine weevil attack often shown by plants suddenly wilting. Upon examination roots have been eaten or stems of more woody plants have their bark striped. The best method of control is Nematodes. This treatment might seem expensive but compare it to losing some priceless plants. In my experience one treatment in the spring will last all season.
It's also a good time to check plants you have potted on to make sure you have not over-potted any, in the hope of saving time in the future.
Pruning
We have several videos on pruning, you will find more pictures and tips after the videos.
Now is the time to prune spring flowering shrubs which have just finished their display e.g.Forsythia, Ribes. Remove most of the growth which has just flowered, leaving any new shoots from the base of the plant. Rising sap will produce vigorous new growth which will flower next Spring. Late summer flowering plants e.g. Fuchsia and Caryopteris now need pruning back hard as they produce this season’s display on their new growth.
Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescen varieties need hard pruning to produce strong young growth which will flower from August onwards. Click here for more details on caring for hydrangeas.
Other deciduous shrubs grown mainly for their foliage e.g. Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ or ‘Golden Spirit’ can now be pruned back as far as desired to promote branching.
Evergreens grown mainly for their foliage e.g. Photinia x fraser ‘Red Robin’, can be hard pruned to promote the scarlet young growth.
Tall growing Mahonias e.g. ‘Buckland’ and ‘Charity’ can be hard pruned to reduce height and promote bushy basal growth.
Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ and Acacia dealbata can be pruned back hard to bare stems if necessary immediately after flowering. This will keep them in bounds and produce new flowering growth for next year. Click here to read more about caring for Acacias.
Maintaining variegation or colour
Tubers
Check the new tubers on Tropaeolum tuberosum ‘Ken Aslet’ and replant deeper (just like potatoes).
Dog Hair
If you have a dog and it's moulting then now is the time to leave the hair around the garden for the birds to find it for nesting material, along with any wool, or straw, or old pampas grass flowers.
Betula Peeling Bark
Pruning small shrub
Other Tips
Water any newly planted areas around the garden in dry spells.
Spot spray around base of trees and shrubs with a good contact herbicide I.E. Roundup.
DIY propagation of perennials
