- Most plants – and even small trees- can be successfully grown in pots. Containers are so useful where there is little or no soil, for instance on gravel, paving and driveways. Watering is key, but most shrubby plants will also need regular repotting as they outgrow their existing space. Granular feeding twice a year and topping up with fresh compost helps, but after 3-5 years consider larger pots or new plants. Poor growth rates and yellowing leaves are classic signs that change is needed. This is most noticeable with woody plants such as bay trees and olives.
- Climbers can and should have rampant growth at this time of year. Tie them back regularly to maintain shape. A trellis behind can work wonders, as will an obelisk for rambling plants to creep around in the middle of a border. For sunny spots, passionflower, solanum and honeysuckle are ideal, or try campsis (trumpet flower) for an exotic look if the site if protected from winds: their massed flowers (particularly the deeper coloured varieties) produce a stunning display.
- Support floppy perennials at the edge of borders. Simple half-moon metal supports blend in easily with the foliage, or use bamboo canes and twine to make a temporary frame.
- Don’t water lawns in drought conditions, unless newly established. They will soon revive with rain, so it’s best to concentrate on watering vegetable and bedding plants and everything in pots: be careful to water the soil as often rain doesn’t penetrate through foliage.
- One of the joys of gardening is harvesting any produce from now until the autumn. It can be as simple as a few cut flowers to enjoy in the home, some basil, mint or rosemary in the kitchen or full scale vegetables and fruit from greenhouses and allotments. Let’s hope we have a long summer and a warm autumn to match our wonderful spring this year.
David Hogg
Buckland Nurseries