AUGUST Gardening Column

Sunny August is here!
We are embracing all that summer has to throw at us this month. The last of the summer months are upon us and we must make the most of our gardens now before the summer leaves for this year. There is always something to be doing in the garden, let’s take a look at some jobs to be doing this month;
● Harvest apples, celery, spring onions, carrots and soft fruit
● Water regularly, applying a liquid feed fortnightly to keep your garden looking its absolute best
● Start thinking about what bulbs you want to incorporate into your spring display. They will be available to buy at the end of this month
● Dead head annuals and perennials regularly if you can to keep them flowering for longer
● Collect seed pods from summer flowering perennials that are coming to an end and sow elsewhere in the garden.
● Water houseplants regularly
● Take softwood cutting from plants such as penstemon, geranium and Sambucus
Looking Good This Month
This month sees grasses looking their absolute best and why not create a prairie border using a selection of grasses and other complimentary perennials such as Rudbeckia and Leucanthemum. Grasses love lots of good drainage and sunshine so, if you have a fairly dry sunny or partially sunny border, why not add some grasses.
Certain species such as Miscanthus, Molinia and Pennisetum produce delightful florescence which appear to float above the grassy stems below. By adding some grasses to your garden, you can easily create density and added interest all season long.
Enjoy the time spent in your gardens this month. Take it all in, the flowers, the foliage, even the fruits and vegetables. Make the most of this wonderful time of year.
Happy gardening!