Gardeners Diary – Early Summer

Camellia 'Claire Hannah' Large coral red semi double flower with gold stamen.

Dry spells may occur from early June onwards and can cause all sorts of problems. Newly planted shrubs are particularly vulnerable, so take care to keep watering if we are lucky enough to have a long period without rain. Danger of frosts should have passed and gardening takes on a new aspect

There’s still time to feed and weed your lawn with a combined fertilizer and weedkiller treatment if you haven’t already done so, and remember between now and October regulate the height of your mower blades according to the weather. During drought raise the blades and cut without the box and leave the  clippings as these will help to retain the moisture. Soak your lawn thoroughly once a fortnight rather than giving small drinks frequently.

Check Roses and Gooseberries for early signs of greenfly and other pests and diseases. You will be able to pick off early offenders or maybe removed with soapy water, but be prepared to spray later with a systemic insecticide if the infestation is well established. Also may be an idea to spray against black spot, mildew and rust. Roses are at their best in the garden from now onwards, so to keep them in full bloom add some mulch or well rotted manure or compost. This will help reduce water loss as well as suppressing weeds.

I was given this Camellia by my husband this time last year, so I have been patiently tending to her every need in the hope she would repay me with some fabulous flowers. I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed she rewarded me just a few weeks ago with the most beautiful blooms shown here captured for me to share with you.

I love her nearly as much as I love him!  Thank you darling x

Elizabeth

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