The garden in August

Twelve months ago we were in the middle of spectacular weather conditions and flooding across the north of England.  Some would say that little has changed this year as there have been days that have very nearly been wash outs!  That said, with lashings of rain interspersed with hot sunny days, all plants have grown quickly... including weeds!

Weather for the RHS show at Tatton was a favourable, and lots of show gardens offered inspiration and ideas for all the visitors and new plants on show for the first time.    


East Meets West
Exhibitor: Urban Vision Partnership/Casey Group of Companies
Designer: Urban Vision Partnership – Dan Sterry


5 a Day with Hidden Play
Exhibitor: Reaseheath Alumni
Designers: Margaret McDonough, Jim O’Rourke & Catherine Wright


The Adlington Relax and Reflect Garden
Exhibitor: Adlington
Designer: Dan Milner


To find out nore about the RHS Tatton Flower show, click here. In your own garden this month...


Herbaceous

Dead head dying back flower heads and remove any supports you may have put in place earlier in the year. Cut off tall weak stems. Collect seed from plants you may wish to grow next year. Above all, keep watering your garden, especially hanging baskets and planters.

Hedges

These can be cut in August to enable the following growth to be winter hardy. The bottom of the hedge may need weeding.

Water features and aquatic plants

Keep an eye on aphids and other pests. Thin heavy growth from oxygenating plants. Top up water features as and when necessary, especially if there are long hot spells. If the weather is particularly warm, aerate the water when filling it up or leave water features running over night. Keep on top of weeds in your bog garden.


Lawns

Mow the lawn at regular intervals at the summer height, and water if dry. Use a selective weed killer on weeds that may appear. If you have been away on holiday cut the lawn at a higher height than you would normally do at this time of year, then down to the normal height a few days later. Feed with a nitrogen rich fertilizer.


General

• Root cuttings can be taken from shrubs like heather, hydrangeas and fuchsias.
• Keep on top of weeds and continue to watch for pests and diseases.
• Good time to prune wisteria.
• Dead head rose blooms but do not add fertilizer to them as this encourages soft growth which will not withstand the winter.
• Gladioli can be cut to be used indoors.
• Mulch, feed and water sweet peas.

The garden advice and plant information above has been created as accurately as possible, but localised weather conditions and yearly variations in climate mean that information should be used as a general guide only and acted upon accordingly.

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