Gardening Tips and Advice from
THE POTTING SHED OF THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER Recently, my grandson Sam, who is 19, has been working with me on my gardens. It’s so good to see the next generation of gardeners showing genuine interest and passion for all things horticultural, asking questions, handling plants and getting the soil between their fingers. Well, we’ve certainly had some varying weather and temperatures over recent weeks. To keep hanging baskets looking good, deadhead regularly and trim back if they look a bit untidy. Water regularly with a liquid feed high in potash. Cut back hardy perennials such as geraniums and delphiniums to encourage a second flurry of flowers. If your deciduous magnolia is getting a bit big, trim it back now to keep it a nice size. Tie in new growth on roses, clematis and other climbers to avoid damage if there’s a summer downpour.
Runner beans and celery are crops which need a lot of moisture; if the hot weather continues, water as often as you can. 28
A rustic, reclaimed wooden step ladder with each step filled with scented herbs in terracotta pots looks very cottage garden. Rosemary, basil, thyme and some lime mint work well. A plaque on my potting shed reminds me everyday: “Hands in the dirt. Head in the sun. Heart with nature.” Nurturing your garden doesn’t just feed the body but also the soul. Please have a lovely time out there in your garden during August and enjoy every minute. Enjoy! The Gentleman Gardener NTLEM GE
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If you didn’t prune and feed your blackcurrants last month, do it now to bring on young fruiting growth for 2023. I can see those mouthwatering pies now.
I discovered a beautiful white-flowering, fragrant Jasmine last year, Jasmine Polyanthum, which blooms in winter. Train it up at one end of your greenhouse. At bud stage its flowers are a lovely pink.
HE
Welcome back to my potting shed.
AR
DENE
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