IT'S NEARLY JUNE (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

IT'S NEARLY JUNE

7:41pm Monday 30th May 2011

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Can you believe that in a couple of days time it will be June and we shall be rapidly heading for the longest day? At this time of year work in the garden never seems to end – but with the warm weather we have enjoyed and the early spring it is a pleasure being outside. Over the years since records have been kept it was always said that June was the month when we can expect the most sunshine – I wonder if the very early spells of hot weather over the past couple of years have altered that.

One important job is to prune shrubs such as deutzia, weigela, philadephus and kolkwitzia as soon as they finish flowering. By doing this you will be encouraging the plant to grow strong shoots and increase the potential for next year’s flowers. Cut back flowering stems by about one third to a strong bud. At the same time give overcrowded and mature plants a new lease of life by cutting up to one in four of the oldest stems right out. It may sound a bit drastic but the plant will love you for it!

This afternoon’s rain is so welcome. I have just been out to check on the fruit trees we planted in pots earlier this year and their foliage already looks brighter and fresher. They have, of course, had a thorough watering every week. The same rule applies to anything growing in a pot. Even when it rains hard make sure that the compost is watered as the plants’ foliage can deflect the rain from roots. At the same time keep a close watch on the progress of newly planted shrubs and climbers, especially if they have been planted near a tree or wall. This makes them particularly susceptible to drought so make sure they are kept well watered. You can also preserve moisture by spreading a 5-8cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or bark chippings.

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