Full Summer...

• Watering of plants in tubs and baskets continues to be critical, despite the extra rain we have been having.

• Prolong the flowering season by regular deadheading 

• Summer prune Wisteria by cutting back the long stems of this year’s growth to about five or six leaves to prevent continued leaf formation and encourage flowering buds to form in the leaf axils

• Prune any stone fruits (plum, cherry, peach, etc.) as well as formative pruning of apples and pears trained as an espalier, cordon or fan

• In the vegetable garden, finish harvesting garlic and lift onions and shallots and dry well before storage

• Pick peas and beans regularly as old pods will reduce flowering and stop the crop

• Continue to feed tomatoes and cucumbers with a high potash (K) feed to encourage higher trusses to swell and ripen

• Trim hedges on a dry, but not too sunny day.  New growth in the autumn will be minimal so the hedge will keep its shape well for the rest of the year.  

• Trim Lavender after flowering by removing most, or all of this year’s growth but do not cut back hard into older wood as this may not regrow

• Take cuttings of half-hardy perennials such as zonal pelargoniums (‘geraniums’), fuchsias, Osteospermum, as well as Salvias, and Argyranthemum (marguerites)

• Lift and divide bearded irises now ensuring that the fleshy rhizome remains on the soil surface when replanted so that it can bake in the sun – essential for good flowers next year.

• Autumn is on the way, so make sure you take the time in August to relax and enjoy your summer garden, whatever the weather

CrossGram - Osteospermum

Part Anagram; Part Crossword.  The answers to all the short clues are shorter-word anagrams of the long starter word, and there's even some clues to help you complete it!  The answers are at the bottom of the page.