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Your monthly gardening Guide ~ 5 jobs for June

If you’re new to the monthly gardening guide, a very warm welcome.

Each month, avid gardener, Jenny from @thelaundrygarden shares her top 5 gardening tips for the month.

If you missed last month’s blog, you can read it by clicking here.

So, let’s get to it!

Over to you Jenny…

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As my dad always says to me on the first day of June, “That’s it, were half way through the year now!” “Ah yes” I say.. “but there’s so much to look forward to as well”.

Better still as its now early summer, just saying that word that makes us want to dig out those shorts, T-shirts and sun cream!

My absolute favourite flower of this month has got to be the rose, we have about 24 different varieties here (approx. 59 in total!) to look after.

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They are such a joy to have and bring a feel of romance to the garden I think. I don’t have a favourite as they all hold a special meaning to me.

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I’m extremely excited to say we’ve booked to visit the brand new RHS Bridgewater garden in Salford later this month,. Have you been yet? I’m so excited as it will be the first garden we’ve visited in what feels like years!

Here’s a list of 5 jobs you might like to do this month..

~ 1. Finish planting up summer containers ~

If you haven’t already done this, then now is the best time as all fear of frosts have passed.

This is something I enjoy doing because it means I get to play with so many types of plants including dahlias and grasses.

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That’s right, you don’t have to stick with just bedding plants! Be adventurous and choose perennials or shrub plants that will perform right up to the frosts, and then have the added bonus of being planted into the ground to enjoy for years to come.

I also use bedding plants where necessary, as the choice is vast, plus they are favourites for hanging baskets and window boxes.

~ 2. Prune and tidy any spring flowering shrubs ~

Now is the ideal time to prune and tidy any spring flowering shrubs. Plants like Weigela, Philadelphus and Deutzia that drop their leaves every year, or evergreens, like Viburnum tinus. Doing this now gives any new growth sufficient time to ripen and flower next year. It’s also a good way to keep them in check and looking tidy for the summer months ahead. This method can also be applied to early flowering clematis like the Montana as soon as it’s finished flowering. Depending on how unruly it has become you can cut out any untidy tangled sections, or even be quite severe and cut it back by less than half its size! Trust me it’s a tough plant!

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~ 3. Tie any climbing plants ~

Keep a check on tying any climbing plants to their supports… like Jasmine, Clematis and Honeysuckle. Also the perennial and annual sweet peas as they begin to put on quite a lot of new growth and they can quickly get out of hand and snap when moved too late!

~ 4. Rose deadheading ~

A job that is essential if you have repeat flowering varieties!

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By constantly checking and snipping off the spent flowers, you will help encourage a prolonged display all summer.. plus you can keep a check on any signs of pests while you’re at it!

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Now there’s a bit of a knack with this task and a good clean, sharp pair of secateurs and garden gloves are required. Here’s the best advice I’ve seen that will help you on your way.

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~ 5. Check the moisture levels in the soil around any newly planted shrubs, hedges and trees on a regular basis ~

We might have had a cold wet May, but now June is here, and the ground and air is warming rapidly, it’s crucial to check on any newly planted shrubs, hedges and trees on a regular basis. It’s also worth remembering that not only does the sun cause evaporation but wind can be as damaging too because it increases plant transpiration, meaning the leaves are losing water as a vapor in the wind, leaving the leaf with less than 5 percent remaining for plant growth!

~ THIS MONTH’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION ~
Book ~ The Naturally Beautiful garden: contemporary Designs to please the eye and support Nature. Kathryn Bradey-Hole

~ THIS MONTH’S INSTAGRAM PROFILE TO FOLLOW ~
Instagram ~ @thehandsomegardener

In addition to Jenny’s stunning family home, she and her husband, Tom also have just under 3 acres of breath-taking garden that they lovingly care for.

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Within those 3 acres they have also built The Laundry Retreat which is a luxury haven specifically designed just for adults, offering a romantic setting, in a truly beautiful rural location.

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Whilst visiting the Retreat you also get to enjoy the stunning gardens which include a stunning walled garden.

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Yet again, huge thanks to Jenny for guiding us through another month of top gardening jobs.

If you’re reading this as a beginner gardener you may find this blog (also written by the lovely, Jenny) really helpful ~ 5 quick gardening tips for beginners.

And finally, if you enjoyed reading this blog do scroll to the bottom to subscribe. Once subscribed, you’ll receive an email when a new blog is published, so you never miss a blog post again.