Mid-August Garden Update from the RHS
We are nearly half way through August, and there is always so much colour to enjoy in the garden at this time, as well as many jobs to do too!
Looking for something striking for large containers? Agapanthus are excellent plants that provide colour through August and into September with their vivid flowers and attractive seed heads. They have strap-shaped leaves from which straight, slender stems emerge producing a fantastic head of very deep blue flowers. Take a look at Agapanthus ‘Midnight Blue’, which is shorter than some, reaching around 40cm (16in) tall. They thrive in full sun and enjoy free-draining soil that is moist and fertile. They make great container specimens and actually prefer their roots being restricted in a pot.
Now’s the time to start pruning fruit trees after harvesting. Summer prune sideshoots on restricted fruit trees (such as espaliers and fans) to three to four leaves to form fruiting spurs. If necessary, prune nectarines, apricots and peaches after they have fruited, and prune plums, gages and damsons immediately after harvest.
While you’re busy harvesting fruit and veg or simply enjoying the sunshine, remember to continue to sow spring cabbage, turnips, Oriental vegetables and overwintering onions, in the south of England.
Video advice on growing cabbage
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Visit the Glasshouse Gallery at RHS Garden Wisley, Surry for wonderful displays of fuchsias and an opportunity to ‘ask the experts’ as The British Fuchsia Society celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Fuchsias in the Glasshouse runs on August 17 and 18.
Grasses experts from Hillier Nurseries will be in the Plant Centre at RHS Garden Rosemoor on August 18. Pop along to see them demonstrating how grasses can be used to great effect, whether in borders, containers or mass plantings. Talks / demonstrations at 11.30am and 2.30pm, will each followed by a brief walk in the Foliage Garden to see grasses growing at Rosemoor. A good selection of grasses will also be available to buy in the Plant Centre.
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