Your garden should be looking at its very best, having reached its peak for the year now that summer is well and truly here. All the work you’ve (hopefully) done such as sowing and planting will be paying dividends with beautiful flower displays and perhaps even a few crops of vegetables. There’s still plenty to be done but now’s the time to make the most of the long summer evenings, and enjoy your outside space to the full over the weekends whether it’s simply switching off and relaxing, or entertaining family and friends.
Task of the month
Water, water, water! Especially in these days of higher temperatures when – rather like us – plants are hot and thirsty. In my experience, the majority of plants die from neglect, they’re desperate to survive but are dependent on a summer downpour and our watering cans to stay alive. Try not to think of it as a chore, but as a chance to switch off for a while and enjoy a few minutes making the most of the beauty of your garden – the chances are you’ve spent some of your hard-earned cash to ensure it looks exactly how you’d like it to, so as well as an opportunity for some mindful moments, you’ll also be looking after your investment.
Outdoor plant spotlight
Synonymous with summer, strawberries freshly picked from the garden have to be one of life’s great pleasures. The taste of home-grown fruit is a world apart from shop-bought, and just a few plants can keep you in constant supply in the early summer months. Pot in a strawberry ‘tower’ or hanging basket in a sunny sheltered spot, and keep harvesting daily to encourage the plants to produce as much fruit as possible.
Indoor plant spotlight
If I haven’t convinced you of the benefits of mindful watering, then perhaps succulents are the plants for you. So-called because of their plump, fleshy leaves which store water, they’re a great plant for someone looking for low-maintenance greenery. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colours, from the trailing burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) to the strange ‘living rocks’ called lithops, providing some character and quirkiness to a plant collection. Place in a brightly lit spot, in free draining soil – and not too much water, hurray!
Eco and wildlife tip
I’m sorry to be boring but I’m really sticking with my water theme this month. The most ecologically beneficial way to water your garden is deeply, and early in the morning. This will reduce water waste, avoiding evaporation in the heat of the day, and lower the risk of disease as it allows leaves to dry during the day thereby reducing
fungal problems. Deep watering encourages stronger roots, pushing them downward and making plants more drought-tolerant, and consistent water deeper in the soil benefits earthworms and beneficial microbes.
Wellbeing and design idea
Did I mention that watering is a wellbeing activity? OK, well let’s consider a design idea instead. One of my favourite garden tasks is planting up pots full of colour and interest, and the way they’re displayed can make a big difference especially in an area such as a small courtyard. Grouping pots in threes is a simple yet effective garden design technique that creates visual balance and interest. By arranging containers in odd numbers, particularly groups of three, the display feels more natural and dynamic than a symmetrical or linear arrangement. Varying the height, size or planting style of each pot adds depth and helps draw the eye through the space, creating an attractive focal point within the space.
Oh and don’t forget to water the pots...
Zoe is the founder of Botanica Garden Design, offering garden makeovers and creative planting concepts for offices and homes, as well as sauna suites and garden kitchens for outdoor living and wellness opportunities. www.botanica.gg
