What’s looking good at the moment

The paeonies are well and truly over and the smaller magenta flowers of Knautia macedonia have taken over. Adding a little pop of colour along the border. The lilac spires of Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’ are in full bloom along with some of the later flowering thalictrums. I’m loving the darker foliage of Actaea simplex and Ageratina altissima ‘Chocolate’. Unfortunately it doesn’t smell of chocolate, it is the colour of the green and purple foliage that gives it, its name. Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Chocamocha’ is probably one of my favourite flowers, the dark brown, tactile, velvety petals and the intense hit of chocolate as I stick my nose into the flowers and inhale deeply. There is a new variety, a finalist of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) plant of the year, Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Cherry Chocolate’, a vibrant pink flower, still with the intense scent of chocolate. I’m not sure what I think about pretty pink chocolate, the two together feel artificial. Although I may have to buy one to test it out.

Repeat flowering roses and geraniums with a long flowering season are some of my go to plants. I want plants that will start flowering in late spring and carry on until the first frosts, particularly in smaller spaces where every plant needs to create maximum impact for as long as possible. The lilac of Geranium nodosum is happily filling a shade space in the front garden and will carry on until November. I’ve even seen it flowering in unseasonably warm Decembers. In sunnier spaces Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and Geranium pratense are adding blue highlights to the garden. Along with plenty of red and white astrantias.

Aftercare and Development

The continued rain along with a few bursts of sun, at least here in the UK has meant many gardens have filled out in every direction, plants and weeds alike.

• First thing in the morning or after work are my favourite times to wander around the garden with a pair of secateurs in hand. A little deadheading, there are always roses that need it and pulling up the odd weed. Whilst staking any plants that are starting to flop over.

• I always like to add mulch after I’ve planted up a garden for a few reasons. To help keep the weeds down and keep the water around plants for as long as possible, in the summer months. As it breaks downs it also helps to improve the soil too.

• Any autumn flowering bulbs, such as autumn flowering crocuses can be planted now, ready to flower later in the year.

• It is scary how quickly the time comes round, it is already time to starting browsing the catalogues and ordering bulbs and seeds for planting or sowing in the autumn. Browsing the catalogues or websites is a favourite evening occupation, sometimes with a glass of wine in hand while sat in the garden.

• While wandering around the garden I like to check for any signs or pests and diseases. If we have another warm summer with lots of rain it creates the perfect conditions for many. Clematis wilt is one to look out for, the first signs are spots on the leaves before they turn brown. It tends to be the bigger flowered varieties that are most affected. If they are suffering it is worth cutting out the diseased leaves and stems and clean any tools afterwards. Apple scab is another, it shows up with dark spots or blotches on leaves and then blotches on the fruit. Pruning out diseased twigs and picking up any fallen fruits and leaves, helps.

Trends

Xeriscaping not surprisingly is being talked about a lot more, looking at ways to reduce the need to keep watering the garden. There are a number of ways to achieve the need to keep watering, a lot of it comes down to right plant, right place. Working with the soil type, how free draining or water logged the garden is and what else has already been planted. Drought tolerant plants such as achillea (yarrow), cosmos and lavender are very happy with only a little water. My garden is mostly clay soil, however the seating areas have a fair amount of rubble in the borders, the lavender is very happy here. There are plenty of grasses and shrubs too that are drought tolerant.

With all the rain we’ve had until recently in the UK, it is worth thinking about rainwater harvesting. Storing up the rainwater ready for use during the hotter months of the year is an ideal way of not only reducing the water bill but giving the rainwater someone to go (other than into the already overflowing drains). Harvesting systems start as simply as water butt attached to the downpipe to larger systems that are sunk into ground and hidden out of site. They can be as simple as collecting the rainwater to also combining grey water from the house (washing up and shower water). It is definitely something I’m thinking more about and planning into gardens.

The trend of shrinking lawns in many ways follow on from Xeriscaping. With hotter summers keeping lawns going can be costly and require a lot of water.  Many people are extending their borders or creating wildflower areas, along with adding in more seating areas. Once established, borders are lower maintenance and need less watering than the lawn does. I have to admit it something I keep looking at in my garden, whether to increase the borders and reduce the lawn.

What I’m working on

Now that the planting design has been agreed for the front garden I’ve been creating the technical drawings including a lighting plan. These have been sent out to landscapers to have a look at. Hopefully to be able to complete the work at the end of this year, ready to enjoy from spring.

I’ve been investigating water features for a client, in preparation for the work to start on the garden in September. The clients are really looking forward to being able to sit out on their new terrace and listen to the sound of babbling water, perhaps with the odd rustling leaf or grass. In this garden one loves the sun and the other much prefers the shade, so the terrace will have a triangular sail shade over it to take both wishes into account.

After the shady border was planted up, the new border has been dug out and the frames for the climbers have been installed. Which all means I’ve been able to add the plants, they still have a while to go before the borders fill out but the client is already enjoying the changes and the colour as they sit out in the garden. It really helps that the sun has finally come out.

If you have any plans for garden in July I’d love to know. Feel free to leave a comment.

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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