My goodness what a test! June has proved to be truly extraordinary, with dangerously high temperatures, forcing us into a pattern of daily watering, just to keep things alive and most days in the shadow of threatened hose pipe bans.

Many plants in spite of our best efforts have stood still and you can’t help but wonder about the harvest. At this time, the plan must be, if you see it, pick it and get it eaten. Things are growing tough and many things are already considering surrender, I have seen onions, garlic and leeks all going to seed. The tomatoes are not too bad, but here too careful management of the watering is essential. Untended, blossom end rot will spoil fruit (look for hard brown callouses on the bottoms of tomatoes) and watering as a catch up will often cause fruit to split.

If you are feeling brave then there is still veg to plant, Water the ground ahead of planting and then water an arc six inches out from your plantings to encourage roots to search. perpetual spinach and spring cabbage are worth the trouble and if you want to play with some seed, then set out some dwarf French beans. I am a big fan of french beans and they do come up quickly.

On the flower front, as was the case last year, begonias, geraniums and busy lizzies are all coping wonderfully with the conditions and if you find yourself looking for fillers, winter pansies and violas are already about. This early they will make some substantial plants, which will over winter. Keep an eye in the coming weeks for biennials too. Sweet William, Forget me not, Bellis daisies and the ever-faithful Wallflowers are all good fillers. August also heralds the arrival of the bulbs and as usual we are spoilt for choice. I never fail to find real joy in the magic on offer. Get underway in the early days of the month by planting Autumn crocus bubs and Nerines, which are a bit special.

And finally, if you are looking to plant something interesting and worthwhile this summer, seek out a Blueberry bush. I have to say I was slightly sceptical about the likelihood of success, but ours, planted in a large pot full of ericaceous compost has been wonderful and across the last two Summers has been prolific and laden with tasty, good sized fruit.

Happy Gardening

Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org