What’s looking good in the garden?

Right now there are irises that have been flowering away in May still going strong. I’m particularly loving the blue of Iris siberica ‘Tropic Night’ and the purple of Iris ‘Purple Sensation’. Astrantias too are currently filling the garden, whether the pale whites with a hint of blush of Astrantia ‘Buckland’ or the deep reds of Astrantia major ‘Claret’. The geraniums are really starting to get going in earnest, front garden is a sea of lilac Geranium nodosum under planted under roses and a magnolia.

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’

I’m enjoying the apricot of Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ mixed in with the blues of Geranium pratense and Geranium × johnsonii ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and the alliums bobbing along behind them.

Enjoying some sunlit purple irises on a morning walk in Museum Gardens, York

Wandering round gardens, whether my own or when working in or visiting client’s gardens the roses this year are spectacular. One of my favourites is the white with a hint of blush of Desdemona, I grow it up against a fence by the dining area. Perfect to inhale the scent on a summer’s evening.  Tuscany Superb is covered in buds ready to pop open, it’s the one I can see out of my office window and I’m looking forward to a sea of purple.

June Advice

Now that the weather has warmed up plants that were slow to get going at the start of spring have really taken off. Leaving a few tasks to do in the garden:

• I like to wander round the garden checking how plants are faring in the warm weather. On the whole I don’t water established plants, they cope with the weather but occasionally one or two will need a drop to perk them up. But I will regularly water new plants to ensure they have a chance to establish their root system and get going.
• It is worth staking summer flowering plants now before they start flopping over.
• Climbers and any sweet pea seedlings that have been planted out will need regular tying into their supports as they grow.
• If you’ve been growing plants from seeds or plug plants, now that the threat of frost has passed its fine to plant out seedlings. Make sure they’re watered in this warm weather we are currently having.
• If there are still a few bare patches of soil in the borders there is still time to directly sow a few annuals and see them flower later in the summer.
• Whilst having a wander round the garden checking that there aren’t any plants gasping for a drink, it is worth taking a pair of secateurs and removing any leaves that are old or diseased, particularly hellebore leaves.
• Whatever the weather is up to weeds will always thrive, after all they’ve adapted to the situation. If there are plants that have seeded themselves in your garden but you like them, why not keep them (I have a few aquilegias that I didn’t plant)? However if they are starting to take over and out compete the plants you’ve taken the time to nuture then hoe off the weeds.

What I’m working on at the moment

Now that the weather has finally warmed up it has meant that many plants sat on nurseries have finally put a growth spurt on and are ready to be planted out in the gardens. It has been great that gardens that have had the hard landscaping completed have finally been planted. Just in time to allow clients to sit out and enjoy them for the summer.

Here a few of the plants I’ve enjoyed creating new schemes with:

Amelanchier grown as a multi-stem shrub and underplanted with hostas including the really unusual curled leaves on Hosta undulata.

The variegated and curved leaves of Hosta undulata

Lupinus ‘Masterpiece’ waiting to go in with its dark leaves.

Dark purple-red spires of lupins

Revisiting a garden that was planted last year and enjoying a coffee with the client:

Client’s front garden in spring

I’m currently planting up the back garden but it is lovely to be invited to sit and see what she sees. This space gets the evening sun so it has become a favourite space for a gin and tonic.

Enhancing the planting design in your garden

If you would like more help in establishing a colourful garden or border, I offer a planting plan service.

About the author

Camilla Grayley is an experienced garden designer, speaker and writer based in York. She designs gardens and delivers garden consultancy services for clients in Yorkshire and across the UK.

Get in touch on 01904 670330 or info@camillagrayleydesign.com