OUTDOORLIVING
YOUR GARDEN THIS MONTH:
JULY
TOP 10 JOBS THIS MONTH
1. Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt 2. Care for houseplants while on holiday 3. Water tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-wise
4. Deadhead bedding plants and repeatflowering perennials, to ensure continuous flowering
5. Pick courgettes before they become marrows 6. Treat apple scab 7. Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds and keep them topped up 8. Order catalogues for next year’ s springflowering bulbs 9. Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if not given a spring feed 10. Harvest apricots, peaches and nectarines
CHECK CLEMATIS FOR SIGNS OF CLEMATIS WILT
Clematis wilt is a disease of clematis caused by the fungus Calophoma clematidina( syn Phoma clematidina, Ascochyta clematidina). Many of the large flowered hybrid cultivars are very susceptible, but the smaller flowered species appear to be much more resistant.
Wilting has long been recognised as a serious problem in clematis. Although it is known that Calophoma clematidina causes clematis wilt, there are many cases of wilting recorded where the fungus is not present. Research has clarified two important points:
The symptoms of fungal infection and environmental stress can be similar. The following symptoms are associated with fungal infection:
• When fungal infection occurs through the leaves, these wilt and the leaf stalks turn black. Leaf infection is followed by rapid wilting of the stems.
• Fungal infection can also occur through stems. Freshly affected stems show black discolouration of tissue when split open.
• Young, healthy shoots may be produced from the base of affected stems, sometimes from below ground.
DEADHEAD BEDDING PLANTS AND REPEAT- FLOWERING PERENNIALS
Most flowers lose their attraction as they fade, spoiling the overall appearance of beds, borders and containers, and are best removed. However, there are other reasons:
Regular deadheading directs energy into stronger growth and more flowers. Once the flowers are pollinated, seed heads, pods or capsules form at the expense of further growth and flower development. It can prevent plants with numerous petals, such as peonies, some camellias and many roses, scattering debris widely
WHEN AND WHAT TO DEADHEAD
Remove the spent flowers as soon as they look scruffy. In practice, gardeners usually have to remove them as soon as they can and, thankfully, a few days delay won’ t make a difference.
PLANTS TO DEADHEAD
Bedding plants: Tender plants growing in beds, containers and hanging baskets respond well to deadheading. The faded blooms of argyranthemums, cherry pie, pansies, polyanthus and petunias can be removed with finger and thumb.
Geraniums( Pelargonium): Hold the faded flower stalk near the base and pull downwards. The old bloom will snap out cleanly.
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