The summer months are spent reaping the rewards of the hard work put in earlier in the year. Perennials and summer bulbs burst into flower and borders fill up lessening the need to weed.

The kitchen garden will be both productive and attractive.

Why not visit some open gardens to gain inspiration for your own plot?

• Cutting back spring flowering perennials - this may give a second flush of flowers and neat, new foliage.
• Stake taller perennials to prevent flopping in the wind and rain.
• Keep mowing and edging. Regular mowing is the best way to keep a good lawn.
• take softwood cuttings.
• Sow salad crops fortnightly to give a continuous supply.
• Cover soft fruit with netting to protect from birds.
• Harvest new potatoes.

Plants to enjoy this month:
Roses, Hardy Geraniums, Lupins, Peonies and Honeysuckle.

Canndu's favourite: 'Alchemilla Mollis'
A perfect filler with soft tactile leaves which capture jewels of moisture.
Lovely frothy lime green flowers look great in both traditional and modern plantings.

• Lift spring bulbs and store in a cool place.
• Cut back perennials which have flowered by half.
• Plant and water summer bedding to prolong flowering and keep your containers looking good.
• You can continue to sow salad crops which should be ready before the first frosts.
• Lift and store onions, harvest salad and cucumber as they are ready.

Plants to enjoy this month:
Penstemons,Llilies, Hollyhocks, Lavender and Nepeta.

Canndu's favourite: 'Ligularia Przewalski'
An elegant beauty which does will in any moisture retentive soil. Great heart shaped serated edged leaves and tall spires of yellow flowers. Good for brightening up a dark corner.

• Mowing, watering and deadheading are generally the most taxing tasks this month! Keep an eye on plants showing stress during hot dry spells and water accordingly rather than give everything a drenching.
• Don't forget to enlist a friend to water containers whilst you are on holiday.
• Look out for spring bulbs in the shops.
• Sit back and enjoy your garden!

Plants to enjoy this month:
Heleniums, Echinops, Rudbeckia, Perovskia, Dahlias.

Canndu's favourite: 'Verbena Bonariensis'
Tall airy stems topped with tiny purple flowers can be used to add height anywhere in the garden. With no need for staking these leggy giants look great mixed with grasses or perennials.

Canndu Gardens Landscape Gardens, Landscape Gardening, Landscape Designers, Garden Design, Water Gardens, Water Garden Landscapingin Norfolk, Norwich, Aylsham, Fakenham, Costessey, Wymondham, Mulbarton, Holt.