August Newsletter

We have certainly seen some warm weather and temperatures that could compete with the continent, but alas we’re not used to it and furthermore nor are the plants we grow. You, like us, have probably spent quite some time watering and even on the overcast days, warm winds can dry plants equally as much.

We have a good selection of hosepipe attachments and watering cans to help you in your hour of need and don’t forget applying a good layer of top dressing in the form of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure helps to retain moisture as well as acting as a slow-release feed. We have plenty in stock if your soil appears a little thin or lacking in nutrition.

If your borders are looking somewhat tired at this time of year or are between flowering periods why not put some plants in containers amongst the planting to fill any gaps, we have many plants that will do the job brilliantly and a wide choice of pots in which to house them.

Prune back the long, whippy growth on Wisteria to 5 or 6 leaves. Hard pruning and reshaping can be done over the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Trim back lavender after flowering to keep the plants nice and compact. Prune summer flowering shrubs after they have finished flowering and give herbs a good trim to prevent them from becoming leggy. We have a good selection of secateurs and shears should you find your implements have seen better days. Keep them well-oiled as they quickly become harder to use once plant sap builds up on them.

Water fruit and vegetable plants daily and sweetcorn can be fed, along with tomatoes with liquid tomato feed. Limit squash plants by pinching out surplus fruit, ensuring those left develop better and pinch out the tips of aubergines once 5 or 6 fruits have started to establish.

Don’t forget to top up the water in ponds and bird baths as their levels will quickly drop should we continue to have these soaring temperatures and summer breezes.

Keep dead heading bedding plants to maintain their wonderful display, watering all container plants every day and regularly applying feed to keep them looking tiptop.

We hope you have a lovely summer, whether you manage a break away, either in this country or abroad, but hope you’ll still find time to pop in to see us and peruse our plants, garden furniture and much more to help you enjoy your gardens this August.

Selected garden furniture now on sale

The sun's out and it's time to enjoy your garden! We've got a fabulous range of garden furniture in stock and better still we have a sale on selected lines.
Swing by and pick up the perfect set to soak up those rays in style!

Kaemingk Evora Wicker Sofa Set Sale price £399.99

Castel Wicker Set Sale price £399.99

 

Amadora Sofa Set Sale price £699.99

Winchester Wicker Set Sale price £499.99

 

Perennials We have a stunning range of perennials arriving weekly, perfect for adding vibrant, long-lasting colour to your garden. Whether you're looking to fill borders, create a focal point, or add variety to your flower beds, we have the perfect perennial plants for you.

 

• Carry on feeding lawns with a suitable fertiliser and moss killer.
• Keep mowing the lawn regularly and if we do get some rain, remember to keep spiking and sanding the lawn.
• Remember to water newly planted trees & shrubs well if there is a lack of rain.
• Feed any established trees & shrubs with a suitable granular fertiliser.
• Check roses for signs of black spot, take off leaves and treat with fungicide. Remember don’t compost any diseased leaves always put them in the garden waste bin. 
• Apply bark mulches around newly planted or established trees & shrubs to help supress weeds.
• Once onion tops start to die down they can be lifted
• If ready, pick your plums now; be careful how you handle them as they can bruise.
• Use netting on autumn fruiting raspberries or blackberries to protect them from birds.

• Pick early fruiting varieties of apples now.
• Feed fruit trees and bushes with liquid sulphate of potash, such as a tomato feed. This will work quickly especially if the leaves are looking very yellow.
• Buy Onion sets now for autumn planting.
• Buy potatoes now so that you can enjoy them at Christmas
• Water celery and other crops regularly in hot, dry weather.
• Veg to sow now include swedes, spring cabbages and beetroot for leaves, winter lettuces, radishes, coriander and Japanese onions sets.
• Sow green manure in any bare spaces in your plot.

• Pick off any lower leaves of tomatoes so air and light can reach the fruit and water regularly to help prevent fruit splitting or blossom end rot.
• In the warmer weather, look out for signs of red spider mite and treat with a systemic insecticide right away.
• Thin out weaker looking bunches of indoor grapes.
• Keep a look out for vine weevil beetles – usually crawling across paths or around the bottom of pots.
• If going on holiday this month, set up a watering area using a growbag tray and some capillary matting.
• Water down the greenhouse floor each morning on hot days to increase humidity.
• Open all vents and prop doors open on warm days to improve ventilation this will help reduce fungal problems.
• Shade delicate plants on hot, sunny days to prevent scorch.