Now that summer is here it is important to find time to relax in the garden and enjoy nature's rich tapestry.

Flowers

• Plant summer bedding
• Plant up window boxes and troughs
• Prune spring flowering shrubs to prevent them becoming overgrown
• Thin out seedlings of hardy annuals that were sown directly into the soil
• Sprinkle Rose Plus around Rose plants to encourage strong growth and a good flower display
• Spray Roses with Rose Clear 2 to control pest and disease if necessary
• Remove suckers from Rose bushes when they are seen
• Support taller annuals and perennials with pea sticks pushed into the soil
• Clip hedges
• Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry periods

Fruit

• Tie new canes of Raspberries and Blackberries onto wires, keep them separate from last years growth
• Pick Rhubarb regularly and do not allow it to form flower spikes
• Remove damaged branches from Damsons and Plums
• Spread nets over soft fruit bushes
• Check fruit cages for tears or damage
• Put straw under Strawberries to protect from slugs

Vegetables

• Thin out rows of previously sown vegetables allow them to reach their potential
• Plant leeks when the plants are as thick as a pencil
• Finish harvesting Asparagus
• Keep onions well watered to ensure that the bulbs swell
• Pull up soil around main crop potatoes
• Plant leeks when the plants are as thick as a pencil
• Pinch out tips of broad beans to discourage black fly

Lawns 

• Mow lawns more frequently and reduce the cutting height if the grass is growing quickly
• Water in dry spells provided that there is no hosepipe ban
• Feed tired lawns with Miracle Gro lawn food to give them a boost
• Apply a combined feed and weed if not already done

Greenhouse

• Use a shade paint or netting on greenhouses to prevent over heating and scorching of tender plants
• Feed all plants at least once a week
• Use a biological control or fumigate if pests are a problem
• Ensure that there is adequate ventilation
• Continue training and feeding cucumbers and melons
• Pick male flowers from cucumbers and pollinate female flowers
• Soak the floor morning and evening to keep up humidity

Ponds 

• Continue to feed pond fish
• Remove any blanket weed by twirling it around a stick
• Check filters on pumps to ensure they are not blocked

General Tasks

• Take cuttings of Geraniums, Fuchsias, Coleus and house plants
• Watch out for pest and disease in all areas and spray when necessary
• Stake Herbaceous plants to prevent wind damage

Plants which are at their best in June

• Lupinus (Lupins)    
• Violas Deutzia Lavendula (Lavender) 
• Philadelphus varieties (Mock Orange)
• Papaver (Poppy) 
• Hosta varieties (Plantain Lily)
• Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)
• Paeonies (Peony) 
• Campanula (Bellflower)