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The weather has cooled after the mini-heatwave in August, but those hot, sunny days promoted a rise in insect numbers. If you are still swatting flies and wasps in your home, you might like to consider a little biological control in the form of plants. Some flowers and foliage give off an aroma that bugs would rather avoid. Fill your windowsills and kitchens with pots or vases of the following in order to help deter insects.
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Summer in the garden. What could be better… winter, perhaps?
The long days of summer bring a relaxed air of warmth that settles over homes like a drift of the most delicate silk organza. Outdoor life is woven into daily routine, charming all but the most ardent winter-type of personality. Is there such a thing? Indeed there is – in fact a surprisingly high number of people prefer the colder seasons. Love the brightness of summer? Some people can't bear it.
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Create a refuge from the heat with these perfect plants
Read moreThere’s a lot of razzmatazz out in the garden during the gloriously long days of summer. But when temperatures soar, keeping cool suddenly feels more desirable. Plants are amazing beasts that have the ability to cool the air around them. This applies both indoors and out. Do you recognise the family of plants from which the unfurling greenery is emerging?
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Out of reach for most: the expense of a garden makeover
During RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it’s both likely and understandable that the majority of people either visiting or watching the show won’t ever own a garden that could be viewed as anywhere near similar to the gardens on display. This could feel a bit depressing for many who would like to emulate the sights they enjoy at Chelsea. Few people have enough funds to redevelop their plots to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Main Avenue gardens at Chelsea can easily cost £250,000. For a garden that lasts barely a week.
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There are dozens of reasons why including roses in your planting scheme is a great idea, but here's just four to whet your appetite for these beautiful shrubs:
Firstly, in springtime, it’s gratifying to bask in the colours of the growing season and there’s a vibrancy which is much-needed after what seems like a long winter. But the spring doesn't last forever and there's often a flowering lull in June. Good gardeners are masters at planning ahead, so now is the perfect time to plug the June gap!
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The right plant in the right place is the thing to do. Choose appropriate plants for a dry garden as it's possible for them to survive without extra water. And use plants to soak up water in flood and waterlogged zones.
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Keep cool in the garden and seek out the shade
Date: 25 July, 2018|Categories: Perennials , Pots and Containers , Summer , Ferns , Plants , Drought , Clematis , Climbers , Water feature , Planting , Heuchera , Plants for shade , roses , gardenHead for the shade during sizzling summer days
There are many ways to try keeping cool during hot, dry and sunny weather. Some are obvious and others, less so. Garden umbrellas are probably the first line of defence. Put up several before the sun rises, and not only will the shade provide a mini-refuge, but the air flow around the umbrella will create a little breeze too. You don’t need a fancy stand, some garden parasols, such as the Eazy Shade from Cave Innovations, come with multi-function clips and clamps so that they can attach to chairs and tables. Read more -
No flies on me (normally), but how can I keep horseflies away?
The hot, dry summer provides ideal conditions for many things. Some plants love the weather, including cacti; succulents; alpines; ornamental grasses such as Stipa gigantea; Agarves; Bougainvillea; Portulaca; Oleander; poppy; lavender and most silvery or furry-leafed plants. Read more -
Why is your garden bare, dry and jaded? Here's some tips to perk up your plot in July and August
As much as gardeners tend to love summer (because they can spend all those luscious daylight hours outdoors), the time is approaching when garden beauty starts to dwindle. Many spaces begin to look barren, with dry soils and parched plants without much in the way of colour. What can you do this month to perk up your plot? Read more -
Perfect partners: warm weather and water in the garden. Why have a pond?
When the sun’s shining we are all drawn naturally to water. Most people can’t resist dipping fingers into a cool pond and the sound of trickling and sprinkling attract people like a magnet. There’s a practical side to adding a pond to a garden too. Water, particularly if it’s moving, cools the air around it. Tempted to add a pond to your garden? DO IT! Read more