hiya bucks Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Missenden June 2016 | Page 14

JUNE GARDENING Today is Monday 9th May and what a last few days we have had in terms of weather! At last, some amazing sunshine and warmth which has been missing really so far this year up until now. Tomorrow is not looking too clever though, as we are due heavy rain all day. I suppose we need it really as the beds and borders have fried recently and need a good soaking! As mentioned last month, I planted out my perennials over the weekend as I think the risk of frost has surely gone now......he says! No, but seriously, we will be very unlucky to get frost now, but it has happened in the past before during May! A lot of my clients are now asking me to change over their winter/spring pots to summer displays. There are many different flowers to choose from ranging from Petunia’s to Calibrachoa’s, Border design Verbena’s to Fuchsia’s and Lobelia’s to Nemesia. When changing over your pots and baskets, I tend to get rid of the old compost and top it up with fresh compost adding a good fertiliser which will encourage bigger blooms. Once planted, the key is to keep them well watered. Oh, and don’t forget a few slug pellets in your pots for extra protection! Live update........just as I am writing this, it’s started to rain! That’s great news for our gardens. We really did need this! Anyway, we have started cutting back a few hedges over the last couple of weeks, Laurel, Leylandii, Yew and Privet to name a few. You don’t want to cut them too hard, (my personal choice) but everyone is different. Some people like a very sharp, square, tight cut, others like a more fuller, not so sharp look. Don’t forget to weed under your hedges too at this time of year. Then, after weeding, add a layer of mulch to suppress any weeds from quickly reappearing. Driveways and paths are also coming under attack from various weeds during this time. The bigger ones can be dug out by hand, but generally a good old application of Glyphosate weedkiller will do the trick. It takes a few weeks to really start working but does a good job. Obviously don’t apply if it’s due to rain that day! Happy gardening!!!! by Stuart McCann of Gardening Angel 14 To advertise in Hiya Bucks text or call 07947 349134