Amateur Gardening – 10 July 2019

4 AMATEUR GARDENING 6 JULY 2019

Getting set for July

T

HE summer should be in full
swing by now, though as I’m
writing it’s grey and drizzling
outside, I’m wearing a thick
jumper and the heater is on next to me.
The garden is in full swing, however,
following its yearly cycle even if the
plants are developing slightly slower
than they did in last year’s glorious
warmth. So there’s plenty to do,
especially when the weather
perks up.
This is your last chance to
cut back shrubs that bloom
in late spring and early
summer, such as weigela,
deutzia and philadelphus.
Do it as soon as they finish
flowering – they bloom on
the previous year’s growth
and need as long as possible to
grow to form next year’s blossom.
I hard-pruned our overgrown,
unproductive philadelphus two years
ago, cutting it almost back to ground
level. It didn’t flower at all last year, but

this summer has produced a gorgeous

flurry of scented white flowers.

Rhododendrons and azaleas that

have finished blooming don’t need

much pruning, but they should be

carefully deadheaded now.

Pinch out or cut off the old blooms,

taking care not to damage new growth

growing behind them, and don’t forget

to feed and mulch shrubs after pruning.

Whether you believe in

climate change or not, the

UK’s weather is becomingly

increasingly unpredictable

and extreme. On page 12,

I suggest a few ways of

protecting your garden

from incoming bad weather,

and how to remedy damage

if you’re caught unawares.

This week, I’m also talking

about getting the best from your dahlias,

salvaging hollyhocks and clematis from

debilitating rush and wilt, and reporting

back on the latest news stories

affecting gardeners.

Ruth selects the pick of the jobs to do this month

Cut back early-fl owering shrubs such as deutzia so they have as

long as possible to create new growth for next year’s blooms

1

Use shears to cut away

wayward shoots, faded blossom

and any dead and damaged leaves.

Aim to trim the bush into a neat,

rounded shape.

2

After pruning, weed around

the trunk, give a generous

feed with chicken manure pellets

or blood, fish and bone, water, and

add a mulch.

Pruning a deutzia

Last call for early-flower pruning...

especially when the weather

This is your last chance to

and need as long as possible to

Whether you believe in

climate change or not, the

UK’s weather is becomingly

increasingly unpredictable

and extreme. On page 12,

I suggest a few ways of

protecting your garden

from incoming bad weather,

and how to remedy damage

if you’re caught unawares.

This week, I’m also talking

Weigela is a delight

in early summer

Getting set for JulyGetting set for July

Open up shrubs

from the base

Start by cutting back branches

carrying spent flowers to strong new

sideshoots that will develop next

year’s blooms.

Remove up to 20% of old wood to

the base (do this each year) to open

up the plant, improving shape and

air circulation.

Cut out weak and spindly shoots

and any that are growing inwards,

crossing or rubbing.

This encourages the plant to

grow in an attractive open ‘goblet’

shape to display its flowers to their

best advantage.

Cutting back for

healthy growth

Carefully deadhead

rhododendrons and

azaleas