Keeping a Summer Border Open to Air
Remove unwanted growth selectively and guide stems only where support is appropriate. Plan a later relocation for plants fundamentally too large for the gap.
THE GARDEN JOURNAL
The garden journal.
Good growing starts with a little understanding. Find practical ideas for your plants, your patch and your everyday home.
Keeping a Cutting Patch Productive
Cut at the stage suitable for the species and retain healthy leaf pairs or growing points needed for further branching.
Looking After a Garden Before a Summer Trip
Group compatible movable pots in a suitable sheltered position, leaving drainage clear and labels visible.
Refreshing a Tired Annual Container
Remove clearly spent growth while preserving healthy shoots, or replace the plant if its seasonal role has ended.
Reading Leaf Changes in Late Summer
Check soil moisture, drainage, light changes and recent weather before altering care. Photograph the same area to follow progression.
Collecting Flower Seeds at a Sensible Stage
Collect on a dry day when the seed is mature according to the species, then separate and dry it in a suitable ventilated place.
Leaving Useful Structure in an Autumn Border
Keep selected upright stems and seed heads while removing collapsed material from paths and crowns where it traps excessive moisture.
Planting Perennials in Mild Autumn Weather
Prepare a workable site and set the crown at its appropriate level, gently settling roots without compressing wet soil.
Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs With Drainage in Mind
Plant sound bulbs at the depth recommended for the species, using workable soil and avoiding a hole that behaves like a water filled bowl.
Using Fallen Leaves Thoughtfully
Clear slippery access surfaces promptly and gather suitable leaves for leaf mold or a planned mulch use without burying small plant crowns.
Preparing Containers for Colder Nights
Move suitable pots to an appropriate protected position while there is time to handle them safely. Check light and ventilation in the destination.
Checking a Garden Before an Autumn Storm
Move manageable vulnerable items to secure storage and check existing supports according to their intended design.
Adjusting Watering as Days Become Cooler
As growth and light decrease, let moisture checks determine watering. Cooler weather does not mean every plant needs the same reduction.
Choosing What to Remove From a Winter Garden
Remove material that interferes with safe access or plant health and retain suitable sound structure where it fits local habitat guidance.
Protecting Pot Drainage Through Winter
Use suitable stable pot feet or another appropriate support where needed and keep drainage routes unobstructed.
Looking After Evergreens in Winter Containers
Place suitable movable pots in a more protected position where necessary while retaining adequate light and ventilation.
Working Around Frost Without Damaging Plants
Keep unnecessary foot traffic off frosted lawns and frozen soft ground. Handle foliage only when conditions are safe and the plant is not brittle.
Assessing Snow on Garden Plants Safely
Leave normal snow cover alone where it causes no problem. For a specific concern, follow species appropriate local advice and use gentle safe handling only.