When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. You know the saying. But you may not have heard of lemonading, an emerging garden trend that focuses on making your garden’s imperfections work in your favour - and following this summer’s relentless heatwaves, now is the perfect time to get started.

One thing that’s abundantly clear from this year’s garden trends is that resilient, hardy gardens are everyone’s goal in 2026. We want plants that withstand heatwaves and landscaping ideas that can go toe to toe with flood risk, and it needs to look good while doing so.

Interestingly, the lemonading approach is one of the best ways to achieve a resilient garden. By embracing your garden’s flaws, rather than trying to ‘fix’ them, you can build an outdoor space that can withstand the elements and look good all year round.

What is lemonading?

While a perfectly manicured garden is no more than a dream for most of us. I’m not saying it to be disheartening, but your garden will have flaws, and instead of wasting time, money and energy trying to fix them, why not embrace them? Plus, considering your garden is probably a little battered and bruised after this year’s intense heatwave, there are likely plenty of imperfections to embrace.

‘As a gardener, I think the 'lemonading' trend is a really positive approach, particularly after the recent heatwaves. The idea comes from the saying 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade', and in the garden it's all about turning challenges into opportunities rather than focusing on what's gone wrong,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

‘For me, ‘lemonading’ means working with nature instead of against it. If a plant struggles in the heat, I see it as a chance to find a variety that's better suited to those conditions. If a self-seeded flower appears somewhere unexpected and thrives, I'll often embrace it rather than pull it out. It's about being flexible, creative and open-minded.’

Naturally, this trend lends itself to wildlife-friendly garden ideas and rewilding as it encourages us to let nature influence our gardens.

‘Some of the most beneficial things we can do for nature come from allowing our gardens to be a little less controlled. By giving plants space to grow, welcoming wildflowers and creating habitats for insects and other wildlife, we can turn small garden moments into something that has a much bigger impact,’ adds Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of the original seed ball company, Seedball.

How to follow the trend

‘Lemonading in the garden is about working with nature rather than trying to control every element of your outdoor space. It could be as simple as leaving a small patch of lawn to grow longer, allowing wildflowers to self-seed, or planting a mix of native and wildlife-friendly flowers that will provide food for pollinators throughout the seasons,’ says Dr Emily.

‘Instead of removing every plant that appears unexpectedly, take a moment to see what it might be. Many wild plants that are often considered weeds can be incredibly valuable sources of nectar, pollen and shelter for insects,' she adds.

‘In my own garden, I like to leave room for things to surprise me. Allowing plants to grow naturally and seeing which species arrive brings a sense of discovery and helps create a more varied habitat for wildlife. Every flower, seed and plant plays a role in supporting biodiversity – whether that’s providing nectar for bees, food for birds or shelter for small insects.'

Lemonading looks different in every garden. So I asked our experts and some of the Ideal Home team how they use the lemonading trend in their garden.

‘When I moved into my house, I inherited a garden filled with sedums, which I wasn’t sure that I liked. However, I kept them as they were so well established, and now I love how many bees and butterflies they attract in late summer. Plus, they’re one of the few plants in my garden that have been LOVING this hot and sunny summer, and they haven’t needed any watering.

‘Three years into stewarding this garden, I’ve also discovered that (unsurprisingly) nature is far better at planting than I am. Very few of the verbena I planted have come through, but the ones that have self-seeded have found the exact conditions they need in the garden and are absolutely thriving. I’m definitely discovering successful gardening is often about relaxing control and letting nature do its thing - so I’m fully in favour of lemonading!’

'I inherited a rather badly paved little courtyard garden, the pavers had no grout between them which means weeds are constantly growing up between them. However this summer I decided to stop fighting the weeds and work with them to create a patchwork patio. I only pull up the particularly tall or out of place ones, but I've left any small or ground cover weeks to fill in the gaps in my patio.'

'In my dog's puppy stage, she used to dig a lot in the garden and left me with some huge holes that I filled, but they've never looked quite right since. Now I'm inspired to create a new flower bed and add some more colour to my garden.'

Start lemonading in your garden

‘It's [lemonading] definitely a principle I use in my own gardening. No garden is ever perfect, and some of the best results come from unexpected discoveries or lessons learned when things don't go to plan. With extreme weather becoming more common, I think gardeners who embrace a lemonading mindset will find it easier to create resilient, beautiful spaces that can cope with whatever the seasons throw at them,’ Luke concludes.

As the climate changes and we seek more resilient gardens, is lemonading an approach you will adopt this year?

Patio water features are one of the hottest garden trends this summer, but I’ve just spotted the best one yet on Instagram, and its creator has revealed all about how to get the look at home.

Water feature trends, particularly DIY ideas, have been a huge garden trend this year on account of the fact that they create calming, wildlife-friendly environments that are beautiful to look at. Not to mention, the popularity of solar water fountains means it’s so easy to create a striking display.

If you’re looking to make your own water feature, I’d implore you to first check out content creator Anna Louisa’s (@anna_louise_at_home) stunning example, complete with a solar fountain and blooms - it’s an elevated take on an already stylish trend.

Everywhere I turn this summer, I’ve spotted DIY water features, whereby creators use a large planter filled with pebbles and water, topped off with a solar fountain (like this Amazon £9.99 one). The DIY hack is incredibly simple, affordable and suitable for small patios, too. Seeing how accessible it makes a bespoke garden water feature, it’s easy to understand why this trend has really taken off.

We’ve even seen other brands try to get in on the hype, including Aldi’s £13 solar fountain, which took the middle aisle by storm and QVC’s stunning tiered terracotta water feature. But the water feature that has impressed me the most has to be content creator and author of The 5 Minute Clean, Anna Lousia.

Anna took two larger planters, using the base layer to plant beautiful blooms and foliage, before filling the top planter with white pebbles, water and, of course, a solar fountain. With wheels on the base to make it easy to move around her patio, the water feature was complete.

Displaying her method in an Instagram reel, it’s easy to get the look, too. Anna filled the base of her larger planter with polystyrene bricks to save on compost and make it lighter. She also added bedding plants for immediate impact. The water aspect is even easier. The solar fountain charges in the sun, releasing a constant spray of water.

‘I love finding simple ideas that can make a space feel better without spending a fortune. This DIY water fountain was really easy to put together, and it’s made such a difference to our garden! It’s now one of my favourite spots to sit and relax,’ Anna told me.

Since posting the reel, Anna’s followers advised adding a copper disc (£7.99, Amazon) to prevent algae building up in the water - it’s also a great tip to keep your bird bath clean, too!

What you need

Will you try making this chic DIY water feature?

Nothing ruins a relaxing evening in my garden faster than mosquitoes buzzing about. When I hear the little whine near my ear, I'm straight back inside, as for some reason they love me, but the feeling isn't mutual.

Unbeknownst to me, I've actually been fighting back all along. I originally planted catmint by my seating area because I wanted a pollinator-friendly display, and if I'm being honest, my cat absolutely loves it too. It turns out, though, that accidental placement is exactly what experts recommend if you want this mosquito-repellent plant to help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Sitting in the planter and in pots, experts recommend giving the leaves a little rub and brushing past the ones closer to the ground every day so they're perfectly positioned to release the natural oils whenever the leaves are disturbed. Which is, in fact, the secret to making catmint work in the fight against mozzies.

How catmint can help keep mosquitoes away

Catmint (or Nepeta) contains a naturally occurring compound called nepetalactone, which experts say mosquitoes find irritating.

Gardening expert Lucie Bradley from Easy Garden Irrigation explains that the plant only releases this natural defence when its leaves are disturbed.

'It is only brushing against the plants which releases the scent to then act as a deterrent,' she explains. 'There is no point simply placing a pot containing a catmint plant on your patio and expecting it to repel mosquitoes just because it's there. It needs to be brushed against, or its leaves rubbed to release the natural oils.'

Shop mosquito repelling varieties

Where I've planted my catmint

My catmint (Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', from £9.99 at Thompson & Morgan) in the large planter sits beside my outdoor seating where it's within reach, and I have a few more posts dotted around the patio so I naturally give them a rub or quick fly-by.

According to Richard Barker, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, that's exactly where the plant works best.

'Planting catmint near seating areas, patios or doorways can be beneficial because it makes the leaves easily reachable for crushing when you are outdoors. Brushing the plant as you walk by will release some of the scent into the air, but this is not as effective as crushing the leaves.'

Luxury garden designer Jo McGarry from Caragh Nurseries recommends placing it where you spend the most time outdoors. 'Catmint is a great plant to have on the patio, especially if you're looking for natural ways to make your outdoor space a bit more comfortable in summer,' she explains.

Lucie agrees that positioning is everything, recommending growing catmint close to seating areas or in borders surrounding patios where the foliage can be brushed regularly. She adds that once the oils are released, they remain effective for around 20 to 30 minutes before you'll need to disturb the leaves again.

While the mosquito-repelling properties may have persuaded me to buy more catmint, I'd happily grow it for its looks alone. The lavender-blue flower spikes soften the edges of my patio perfectly, flower for months and attract plenty of bees.

And as Jo points out, that's what makes it such a worthwhile addition. She explains that it's not a magic solution, and it won't stop every mozzie from showing up, but it's an easy plant to add alongside other ways of keeping them away (like using scent). Plus it looks lovely while it's doing the job.

It's also refreshingly low-maintenance, says Jo. 'It loves a sunny spot, copes well if you forget to water it now and then and flowers for months. If you're growing it in pots, I'd keep them close to where you sit so you can enjoy both the flowers and the extra benefit when you're eating and relaxing outside.'

Lucie also recommends choosing Nepeta cataria (also known as catnip), which you can pick up at Crocus for £7.99 for a 9cm pot, if mosquito deterrence is your priority, as it contains particularly high levels of nepetalactone, while the popular 'Walker's Low' variety, from £8.99 at Crocus, offers beautiful lavender-blue flower spikes and the same easy-going nature.

Whether you're battling mosquitoes or simply looking for one of the best low-maintenance container plants to grow, catmint ticks an impressive number of boxes. It's a beautiful cottage garden plant, it's easy to care for, and it's wildlife-friendly.

So, if rubbing a few leaves before settling down outside helps keep the mozzies away, that's a gardening trick I'll happily keep up all summer.

We know it's only July, so it might feel way too early to be thinking about Christmas. But if you've got a Christmas cactus, now is actually one of the most important times of year to care for it. Experts say knowing what to do with a Christmas cactus in summer can make all the difference to how well it blooms later in the year.

Summer is when Christmas cacti quietly do all the hard work. During the active growing season, they produce new stems and store the energy they need to form flower buds in the months ahead, which is why Christmas cactus care is so important. 'While they’re associated with winter displays, Christmas cacti need the right care months in advance to produce plenty of buds,' explains Dr Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema. 'Feeding during summer helps provide the nutrients needed to support healthy stems and encourage stronger flowering.'

The good news is that the care they need between now and autumn is surprisingly simple, and involves just a few consistent jobs. From feeding at the right time to avoiding too much sunshine, experts recommend following these five steps to ensure your Christmas cactus actually blooms when it's meant to.

What you'll need

1. Check the conditions of your Christmas cactus

The first step is to check the conditions of your Christmas cactus.

'Remove any dead or damaged sections and make sure the plant is growing in a pot with good drainage,' says Dr Sharp. 'These plants don’t like sitting in water, so a container with drainage holes is essential to prevent the roots becoming damaged.'

If it looks healthy, there's no need to repot a Christmas cactus - as Dr Sharp says disturbing the roots during summer can do more harm than good. 'It’s best not to repot unnecessarily in summer, as disturbing the roots can put the plant under stress,' he warns.

2. Find a bright spot, away from direct sunlight

'Many plant parents assume that cacti need full sunlight, but the Christmas cactus actually thrives best in bright but indirect sunlight,' says Angharad James, brand manager at Baby Bio.

It's also worth being mindful that light levels can be stronger in summer, sometimes leaving a Christmas cactus looking droopy and stressed. Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture suggests placing it in a bright room with filtered light, or at least a few feet away from a sunny window.

'Too little light or keeping the plant in a dark room can slow growth, whereas afternoon sun can scorch the flattened stems,' warns Richard. 'If you are keeping the plant on a south-facing windowsill, move it back from the glass slightly or use a sheer curtain to shield it during the hottest part of the day.'

During summer, you can also move it outdoors to a sheltered spot, says Dr Sharp. 'However, you should avoid placing it somewhere exposed to strong sun, heavy rain or sudden temperature changes,' he says.

3. Water only when the top layer of compost feels dry

Unlike desert cacti, Christmas cacti appreciate regular moisture while they're actively growing, but overwatering is one of the most common Christmas cactus problems.

Richard points out that warmer temperatures in summer can mean that they need to be watered more regularly, particularly if they are growing in a bright spot. 'Before watering, check if the top inch of compost feels dry instead of using a fixed watering schedule,' he recommends.

Once it's ready for a drink, water thoroughly and allow any excess to drain away.

When it comes to how often to water a Christmas cactus, as a general rule Angharad recommends watering once every couple of weeks during the summer, but she says it's more important to check the compost.

'Only water when the top two inches of soil are completely dry, so use your finger or a pencil to test its moisture levels before each water,' she says. 'If it feels dry, aerate the soil to allow for an even distribution and use tepid water, or water from the bottom if your pot has drainage holes.'

4. Feed it with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks

Summer is the ideal time to feed your Christmas cactus, as this is when it's producing new stems and storing energy for flowering later in the year.

'You should give your Christmas cactus a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks,' says Richard. 'However, take care to avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage the plant to produce weak, leggy growth.'

Dr Sharp echoes this, warning that too much fertiliser can encourage lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers. 'Stop feeding once the plant starts preparing to flower, as continued feeding at this stage can interfere with bud development.'

5. Check regularly for pests

Summer is also an ideal time to check for pests, particularly if you've moved your Christmas cactus outdoors.

Pests are much easier to deal with if you catch them early, 'Try to inspect the stems every week, and check the joints between stem segments as pests can easily hide there,' says Richard.

If you do spot an infestation, deal with it promptly before it spreads. 'Remove the insects immediately and treat widespread problems with neem oil,' adds Richard.

Follow these five steps to caring for your Christmas cactus in summer, and you'll give it the best chance of being rewarded with a colourful display of blooms later this year.

Did you know that birds can’t sweat? Me neither, which is why I’ve asked wildlife experts what we should do to help our feathered friends during the summer and reduce their risk of overheating.

If you’re someone who likes to attract birds to a garden, you may have noticed a few of your visiting birds struggling a little in the heat. This summer has been a scorcher, with less rain than usual, hence the importance of supporting birds in hot weather.

As birds don’t sweat, they use other methods, like panting, to help them stay cool. But if you want to lend a helping hand, too, here are the garden adjustments wildlife experts recommend.

Why don't birds sweat?

Birds don’t have sweat glands, which is why they can’t sweat as we do. Instead, they evaporate water via their respiratory tract, which means they pant. Birds are warm-blooded, with most maintaining an internal temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius, and panting is one way they regulate their body temperature when the mercury spikes.

‘Sweating would actually be less effective for them because their feathers provide insulation and would make it difficult for moisture to evaporate efficiently,’ explains Richard Scholfield, Wildlife Expert at Woodlands.co.uk.

‘One of the most common ways birds cool down is through a behaviour called panting, where they breathe rapidly with their beaks open to increase heat loss. Some species also use a process known as gular fluttering, which involves vibrating the thin skin in their throat to boost evaporation and cooling without using as much energy as panting.’

‘You may also notice birds holding their wings slightly away from their bodies to allow air to circulate their skin, or seeking shade during the hottest part of the day. Many species will bathe more frequently in warm weather, using water to cool down and keep their feathers in good condition.’

What are the signs a bird is overheating?

While birds are experts at regulating their own temperature, there are instances where they overheat, and this can sometimes prove fatal. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stress, exhaustion and dehydration. So, it can be helpful to recognise the signs of overheating.

‘If you think a bird is overheating, check for panting, wings held out from the body and fluffed feathers. Birds that are too hot may appear sluggish, remain on the ground, or lose their balance when trying to perch,' explains Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

If you notice a bird struggling, provide cool, fresh water in a shallow dish, and ensure your garden has shade. You should not handle the bird unless it is an emergency, and consult a local wildlife rescue for help.'

How to support birds during summer

If you want your wildlife garden to be able to support birds in hot weather, you need to provide both shade and water. Consider planting plants that provide shade, such as silver birch trees, and ensure you have a bird bath (£30, B&Q) that you regularly clean and refill with fresh water.

‘To support birds during the heat, you should leave out water for them to use. Birds will drink the water and bathe in it, which helps them cool down. You do not necessarily need a bird bath for this, as a shallow dish will work as long as it is stable and cleaned regularly. Adding a few small stones is also helpful, as this gives birds somewhere to perch. Place the water in the shade if possible, and top it up daily. As bacteria and fungi thrive in the heat, you will need to clean bird baths more often. Use hot, soapy water or a mild disinfectant, rinse thoroughly and allow the bath to dry before refilling,’ says Lucy.

Richard also points out the importance of not disturbing nesting birds. Not only is it illegal to interfere with their nests under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, but it can cause excess stress and increase the risk of overheating.

‘Creating shady areas in the garden can also make a big difference. Trees, shrubs, hedges, and dense planting shelter birds from direct sunlight and help them conserve energy. Avoid disturbing nesting or resting birds during very hot weather, as unnecessary activity can increase their risk of overheating,’ he says.

What you need

If you love seeing birds visit your garden, it's important to make your outdoor a hospitable envrionment, whatever the weather.

Forget chemicals and copper tape and beer traps aplenty; did you know that birds will get rid of slugs in a garden?

Yes, we all know that slugs are one of the biggest frustrations for gardeners, capable of stripping hostas, dahlias and young vegetable seedlings in a matter of days. While there are plenty of ways to get rid of slugs, though, not everyone wants to rely on pellets or spend evenings picking them off by hand.

Instead, encouraging natural predators into your garden can provide an effective, wildlife-friendly way to reduce slug numbers. Especially as several familiar garden birds feed on slugs and snails as part of their diet anyway.

Helping to create a healthier garden ecosystem while supporting local wildlife? It sounds like the perfect solution to a very sluggy problem (particularly if you tend to grow the plants that slugs love). So, how to go about doing it like a pro?

Attracting birds that will get rid of slugs for you

The key to attracting birds that will get rid of slugs in a garden is making your outdoor space somewhere these birds want to visit regularly. From leaving leaf litter to planting the right shrubs, a few simple changes can help attract birds that will happily do some of the hard work for you.

1. Encourage slug-eating birds to visit

Not all garden birds eat slugs, but several common species are known to snack on them while foraging.

Charlotte Ambrose, one of the Wildlife Experts at the RSPB, says, ‘There are quite a few garden birds that will eat snails and slugs. Song thrushes are probably the one most well-known for eating snails, although like blackbirds they do eat both snails and slugs. Smaller garden birds such as wrens and dunnocks may also help keep snail numbers down in your garden, as both are known to eat small snails (although not a top choice).’

While it is important to note that birds alone won’t eliminate every slug, attracting species that naturally feed on them can help keep populations at more manageable levels over time.

Garden bird essentials

2. Make your garden a natural feeding ground

Rather than keeping your garden overly tidy, leave areas where birds can forage for insects and molluscs.

Charlotte explains that ‘all these species have similar foraging styles, rummaging through leaf litter and turning leaves over in search of a wide range of insects as well as molluscs.

Instead of raking up leaves and disposing of them, make leaf litter piles, and plant wildlife-friendly plants like holly, spindle and common dogwood to encourage them to visit your gardens all year round.’

As well as picking up something like a red-barked dogwood from Crocus, then, remember that leaf litter piles create valuable habitat for wildlife while giving birds somewhere to search for food. The trick is to make your garden attractive throughout the seasons.

3. Provide food, water and use a citrus fruit trap

Alongside wildlife-friendly planting, offering birds the basics will encourage them to spend more time in your garden.

Richard Green, bird feeding specialist at Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, says, ‘Start by making sure you have the essentials, like food, water, and shelter. Planting berry-producing shrubs such as hawthorn, ivy, and cotoneaster is a simple way to encourage visits year-round, even during colder months. And adding a birdbath or shallow water source helps birds stay hydrated and cool, especially in warm weather.’

We quite like this pebble bird bath from Crocus if you fancy something different!

Try these berry producing plants

Richard also recommends a simple trick that can help birds find slugs more easily.

‘Using citrus-fruit traps is a fantastic, natural alternative for pest control in the garden. Cutting an orange or grapefruit in half and placing the halves throughout your garden can serve a dual purpose,’ he says.

‘Birds are drawn to the fruit, and slugs are attracted to the leftover rinds. Once the slugs gather, the birds will return to eat them, creating an effective and eco-friendly way to manage pests.’

FAQs

Combined with wildlife-friendly planting and a reliable source of food and water, encouraging slug-eating birds into your garden is one of the simplest ways to let nature deal with this particularly pesky problem for you (this writer swears by it, quite frankly).

Of course, it won’t replace other methods entirely (a little copper tape can go a long way). That being said, it can reduce the number of slugs reaching your prized plants. And, even better, it will do so while making your garden a richer habitat for wildlife, making it a real win-win approach!

This summer, I’ve been absolutely charmed by one plant that’s woven itself around my mum’s garden: a delicate, creeping sedum.

I’ve always been an advocate for learning how to grow sedums, because they’re climate-resilient plants and a hit with pollinators, but I was stunned by the volume of sedum in my mum’s garden – and how it all started from one plant.

As it turns out, some sedums are self-seeding, which means they’ll expand your collection for you – and my mum has very cleverly divided parts of the plant up and scattered it in her borders, planters and even gravel for a wild, naturalistic look. Here’s why I’ll be taking a leaf (a succulent one) out of her book.

White stonecrop (Sedum album) is the drought-tolerant plant my mum began her sedum collection with. It produces masses of tiny white flowers during the summer, and the succulent leaves are beautiful in their own right – bean-shaped, green, pink and purple. The closest I’ve found on the internet are these Sedum album plants from Etsy.

I first spotted white stonecrop growing in a small pot on the gravel area of my mum’s garden, spilling over the edges as a beautiful trailing plant. Then, I noticed that the succulent foliage was continuing onto the gravel itself, sewing itself between the stones. It sort of reminded me of Cath Kidston’s patio garden, in which Erigeron grows between the cracks and gaps in the pavers. My mum said the white stonecrop has been popping up everywhere, self-seeding itself all over the gravel.

'For smaller spaces or gravel gardens, white stonecrop (Sedum album) is excellent,' says Andrew Jackson, award-winning garden writer, designer and creator of The New Build Manifesto. 'It self-seeds readily into gaps between paving and walls, creating a living carpet that’s both drought-tolerant and attractive to pollinators.'

Then, my mum pointed me in the direction of her garden border, where a fizz of the same delicate flowers was lining the area by her bug house. The sedum was growing happily there, too, from a section of the original plant that my mum had divided.

There was also a small white stonecrop plant growing in a wooden crate, which looked right at home beneath her iconic succulent planter. My mum truly is the queen of succulent-growing – even inside, her alpine arrangements are thriving – and she’s mastered the art of growing succulents outdoors, too.

White stonecrop is the variety my mum grows, but there are a few other self-seeding sedums that will spread in a similar way.

'Biting stonecrop (Sedum acre) is another tough native species that happily colonises sunny, free-draining spots, producing bright yellow flowers that are loved by bees,' suggests Andrew. You can order a Sedum acre plant from Thompson & Morgan.

'The real benefit of self-seeding sedums is that they soften hard edges and gradually knit a garden together without becoming invasive,' Andrew adds.

Other sedums can be easily divided and planted up around the garden.

'Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a favourite because it brings colour later in the year when lots of other flowers are starting to fade,' says Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert from Caragh Nurseries. 'While it doesn't self-seed quite as freely as some of the smaller stonecrops, it forms larger clumps that are easy to divide and spread around the garden.'

Get the look

Self-seeding sedums like white stonecrop are a fantastic way to achieve naturalistic planting without lifting a finger. Plus, they're brilliant for pollinating insects and summer colour.

Not every neighbour dispute starts with a major landscaping project - more often than not, it's the everyday garden habits that annoy neighbours. From mowing the lawn at the crack of dawn and letting hedges creep over the fence to installing outdoor lighting that shines into your neighbour's garden, small oversights can quickly become recurring irritations.

While these habits are rarely intentional, repeated noise, neglected planting and poorly positioned lighting can all create tension and build up over time. The good news is that most of these issues are easy to avoid with a little forward planning and regular maintenance.

Just as there are certain garden features that can cause disputes, the way you use and maintain your outdoor space can be just as important. To help you avoid the biggest neighbourly bugbears, we asked gardening and property experts to reveal the issues most likely to cause complaints, and what you can do to keep the peace.

1. Letting hedges and trees take over boundaries

'The biggest causes of neighbour disputes are usually plants that cross boundaries or start affecting how someone else can use their garden,' explains Liam Cleary, gardening expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre.

Overgrown hedges are also a common issue when they begin blocking light, taking up too much space or becoming difficult to maintain. 'Trees that grow too large for their original position, drop excessive leaves or have roots affecting nearby areas can also become a source of frustration for those nearby,' adds Liam.

While it might be tempting to cut back your neighbour's hedges that extend across a boundary, there are some rules worth knowing first, as you could even be breaking the law in your own back garden. 'You have the legal right to prune branches or roots back to the boundary line; however, you should not step onto your neighbour's land without their permission while doing so, as this can be classed as trespassing,' warns Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture.

The plant material cut off technically belongs to the plant's owner, so once trimmed, you should offer them back to your neighbour. 'If they do not want these, you are responsible for disposing of them and cannot throw them back over the fence,' adds Richard.

Shop hedge trimming gear (if your neighbour agrees)

2. Allowing fast-growing climbers to run wild

Climbing plant ideas can add plenty of character to a garden, but when they're not kept under control, they can quickly become a source of tension between neighbours.

'Climbing plants can cause problems when they're not kept under control, especially if they start spreading onto fences or outbuildings that don't belong to the homeowner who planted them,' says Liam.

Fast-growing climbers, like ivy or wisteria, can cause issues if left unchecked. 'They can cling to brickwork, block guttering and spread under roof tiles, causing costly structural damage to shared walls,' warns Richard.

So what can you do if a climbing plant starts crossing a boundary? 'You're allowed to prune any part of a climbing plant that crosses your boundary line,' explains Richard. 'If plants have caused significant damage, your neighbour may be liable for the repair costs.'

Prevention is often the easiest solution. 'Fast-growing plants, self-seeding varieties and bamboo are also worth keeping an eye on because they can quickly spread beyond where they were originally planted,' adds Liam. Regularly checking growth and training climbers onto the structure they're intended to cover can help prevent problems developing.

3. Letting your garden become untidy

While a garden doesn't need to be tended to daily, a messy garden is among the garden habits that annoy neighbours.

'Garden maintenance can become a point of tension when lawns, borders or planting areas are left unmanaged for long periods,' says Liam. 'Issues such as weeds spreading through seeds, plants growing through fencing, branches hanging into neighbouring gardens and garden waste accumulating along boundaries can all create avoidable problems.'

The good news is that keeping on top of the basics can prevent most issues from escalating. 'With weeds, prevention is usually easier than removal,' adds Liam. This involves keeping borders covered with mulch and removing weeds before they set seed, which can help reduce the chance of them spreading.

'A tidy garden doesn't need to be perfectly maintained, but it does need some basic upkeep to stop plants becoming someone else's problem,' Liam says.

That said, it's worth approaching the situation with understanding. Richard recommends having a conversation with your neighbour in the first instance: 'A neglected garden can be the result of someone being physically unable to cope with the upkeep required, and they may need help.'

Rather than making the conversation about the state of their garden, focusing on the impact - such as plants spreading or damage to shared boundaries - can help keep things neighbourly.

4. Hosting loud garden parties or making noise at antisocial hours

We naturally spend more time in our gardens during summer, but with neighbours also enjoying their gardens and keeping windows open, noise can travel much further than you might expect.

'Beyond the visual, it is the behavioural habits that can be harder to address but just as damaging,' says Katie Cromwell, founder and director of No. 86 Estate Agency in Swansea. 'Loud parties, regular late-night gatherings or persistent noisy DIY at weekends create a reputation for a property that buyers can pick up on.'

Whether it's mowing the lawn, using a pressure washer at the crack of dawn or hosting a late-night BBQ, being mindful of the time can go a long way towards keeping the peace. If you are planning a larger gathering, giving neighbours a quick heads-up beforehand is a simple gesture that's often appreciated.

5. Watering your garden without thinking about next-door

It might not be the first thing you think of, but where your sprinkler or hose is pointing can affect more than your own garden. Sprinklers that spray over the fence, or hoses that repeatedly soak shared boundaries, can create problems with neighbouring gardens without even realising it.

'If your neighbour's garden watering is leading to an excessive amount of runoff or overspray, this can cause problems in your own garden, such as oversaturated soil, root rot and fungal diseases,' says Richard.

If your garden is at a lower level than your neighbours, excess water can naturally pool on your property and drown plants.

Repeatedly soaking a shared fence can cause damage, too. 'If they are soaking the fence when watering, this can make the wood rot and encourage mould growth,' adds Richard. 'You should begin by talking to them about redirecting their hose or adjusting their sprinklers so it does not affect your garden or fencing.'

6. Installing outdoor lighting that shines into neighbours' homes

If you're wondering whether neighbours can complain about outside lighting, the answer is unfortunately yes. Security and feature lighting is increasingly common, but poorly positioned fixtures can quickly become a sore point.

'Harsh, poorly positioned security lighting that floods a neighbour's garden is something buyers notice and ask about, particularly in the evening,' says Katie. 'It suggests an unresolved tension that they may inherit.'

Luckily, the fix is straightforward and low-cost. 'Replace directional security lights with motion-activated alternatives that are angled inward rather than outward. It costs very little and removes a potential source of dispute,' advises Katie.

Shop garden lights that won't annoy neighbours

7. Leaving bins or garden waste where they affect neighbours

First impressions count, and bins are often the first thing a neighbour or visitor will see. If you've ever wondered whether neighbours can leave their bins outside your house, you're not alone - where bins are stored between collections can also become a common source of frustration.

Katie says this is a bigger factor than most homeowners realise. 'Bins left permanently on display at the front affect first impressions before anyone has even knocked on the door.'

Katie's advice is simple. 'Move them out of sight where possible, and look at whether a bin store can be added permanently. Even a simple wooden screen makes a significant difference to how the front of a property presents.'

The same logic applies to garden waste left along a shared boundary, which Liam flags as an avoidable source of tension if it's allowed to build up over time. Garden maintenance can become a point of tension when lawns, borders or planting areas are left unmanaged for long periods,' he says. 'The best approach is to check your garden regularly.'

FAQs

Most of the garden habits that annoy neighbours are easy to avoid with a little planning and regular upkeep. Tackling small issues early can help prevent unnecessary complaints and keep your garden enjoyable for everyone.

With summer in full swing, most of us will be spending more time than ever in the garden. And it turns out that we’re not the only ones enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, home and pest experts are warning that rat activity has been peaking in heatwave conditions, posing a serious threat to our gardens.

By now, it’s clear that this has been a summer like no other. Since late May, we’ve experienced week-long heatwaves and seen temperatures soar to record-breaking heights. Most of us have likely been worrying about how to keep our homes cool during these hot spells, but experts say it’s time to turn our attention outside in a bid to stop rats in the garden.

‘Rats are active throughout the year, but activity can increase during the summer months because the warmer weather creates ideal conditions for feeding and breeding,’ warns Kara Gammell, Home Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket.

‘With this summer being extra hot and dry, our gardens are more appealing to rats. They are more likely to venture closer to homes and gardens as they search for water sources or food,’ she adds. We all know rats are a nuisance, but they can cause serious destruction if not dealt with, especially when it comes to outdoor wiring and garden appliances during the summer months.

‘Rat’s teeth never stop growing, so to keep them at a comfortable length and maintain their ability to eat properly, they need to gnaw on hard materials – which, unfortunately, includes wires,’ explains Adam Wilkins, managing director of Lightning Legends. ‘During the summer months, we tend to spend more time outdoors using garden lighting or electric lawn appliances, which often have exposed cables. These can be easily accessible to rats and may be used as something to gnaw on.’

‘Outdoor wiring is particularly vulnerable because it’s commonly hidden beneath decking, inside sheds, or behind outdoor kitchens and garden buildings. And these are places where rats feel safe from predators,’ adds Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager at BASF Pest Control Solutions.

‘Once rodents discover these sheltered areas, cables can quickly become damaged through repeated gnawing,’ he adds. So, even if you’ve never seen a rat in your garden, it’s wise to check your appliances and garden wiring for hidden signs.

If your outdoor wiring has been damaged, you might be wondering how serious this can be. And, you’re likely asking yourself how to keep rats away from your garden appliances. I asked the experts all you need to know.

The consequences of damaged wires

From outdoor lighting ideas to lawn care equipment, you’ll likely have more wired appliances in your garden that you initially realise. So it’s important to ensure they stay in good condition, especially as this summer has the perfect conditions for a surge in rat activity – ‘we can expect to see a higher than average volume of rats in the summer, particularly during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather,’ explains Laurence.

Many pests just cause aesthetic damage to our gardens, but chewed wires can carry serious consequences. ‘Once the protective insulation has been stripped away, exposed wiring can create a serious fire risk, particularly if it comes into contact with combustible materials such as timber structures, fencing or dry garden debris,’ says Laurence.’

‘Damaged wiring can also cause outdoor lighting, water features, electric gates and other garden appliances to fail unexpectedly, often leading to expensive repairs,’ he adds. And, from a home insurance point of view, the costs will just keep rising.

‘Standard home insurance typically won’t cover pest infestations because insurers view it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, unforeseen event like a fire or storm,’ explains Kara. ‘That means the cost of removing rats – or repairing the damage to your garden appliances – will likely come straight out of your own pocket.’

‘Some insurers do offer home emergency cover as an optional extra, and this can sometimes include pest removal. But don't assume you're fully protected,’ she adds. ‘This type of cover generally won't pay out for any damage rats cause to your property, and outbuildings such as sheds and garages are also often excluded.’

How to stop rats damaging your garden appliances

If rats get to your garden wires, you’ll likely be left with damaged equipment and a big bill to pay, so it’s important to keep your garden undesirable for them. ‘Rats may be small, but the damage that they can cause can be huge,’ says Kara. ‘Taking preventative steps to keep rodents out is far cheaper – and far less stressful – than dealing with an infestation once they've moved in.’

In sunny spells, rats are drawn to our homes in search of food and water. If they can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll likely leave your garden in peace. ‘Keep rubbish secure and out of reach of any rats and avoid leaving food waste outdoors or exposed in any way. Stay on top of maintenance, too. Dripping taps and leaking pipes will provide a water source for rats,’ says Kara.

Rats are also known to seek shelter in gardens, so be sure to keep this in mind when tending to your garden. ‘Keeping lawns and vegetation well maintained, removing piles of debris and blocking access beneath decking or into sheds will reduce the number of places rats can shelter and nest,’ says Laurence.

As well as keeping rats away from your garden, it’s also vital to make sure your electrical wires are protected. ‘There are several ways to help prevent rats from chewing through wires during the summer,’ says Andrew. ‘Protective cable coverings or anti-rodent tape is a good place to start, they can make cables more difficult to gnaw and help reduce damage.’ This option from Amazon should do the trick.

‘If possible, clipping wires higher up and off the ground can also help make them less accessible to rats. This is easier to do with equipment installed above ground level, such as outdoor lighting and security cameras,’ Andrew explains.

Or, opt for stylish wireless garden appliances – like battery-powered lamps – to keep your outdoor space feeling neat and cosy.

Thames Water has just announced a hosepipe ban, following a string of other regions falling under the restrictions. It’s a sad day for my hose reel, and a host of other gardeners who I’ve heard asking one question in particular: Can you use an outside tap during a hosepipe ban?

Well, the good news is that hosepipe ban rules don’t prohibit the use of outside taps completely – it’s more about how you use them, and you’ll need to be aware of the dos and don’ts if you want to avoid stumbling into fines.

So, under what circumstances can you use an outside tap during a hosepipe ban? I consulted the experts to find out.

What you'll need

So, can you use an outside tap during a hosepipe ban?

Absolutely – but, as you’d expect, you can’t use a hose with one. You’ll need to find other ways to water your garden during a hosepipe ban instead – and I’d recommend making sure you’ve got a big watering can in stock, like this 10-litre Ward Watering Can from Argos.

‘Homeowners are allowed to use an outdoor tap during a hosepipe ban, so long as they’re using it to fill a hand-held container, like a watering can or bucket,’ says Craig Pennington, managing director at Universal Tankers. ‘In fact, this can be a great way to keep on top of watering your garden during a ban.’

That means sprinklers, pressure washers and hosepipes are out, and manual watering is in.

‘As the aim of a hosepipe ban is to prevent excessive water use, the restriction applies specifically to continuous water usage,’ explains Craig. ‘Therefore, connecting your outside tap to a hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer is strictly prohibited.’

If you’re wondering how to look after your lawn during a hosepipe ban, the same rules apply.

‘If a hosepipe ban is in place, you can use a tap to fill up a watering can, so it is still possible to water your lawn – and it uses significantly less water than a sprinkler or hosepipe,’ says Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People.

‘Ensure you still water in the morning, focusing on giving it a deep soak a couple of times a week, instead of little and often, as this will make the most of your watering efforts.’

So, a hosepipe ban cracks down on exactly what you’d expect: hosepipes. That means you can use an outside tap during a hosepipe ban, as long as you use a watering can or bucket to collect the water.

Many of us have accepted that mosquitoes are just an annoying, biting side effect of summer, but what if I told you that this doesn’t have to be the case? Did you know there are actually certain features you can add to your garden to make it mosquito repellent?

During this time of year, I’m always looking for ways to get rid of mosquitoes. But recently I’ve been considering the preventive measures we can use to keep these blood-thirsty pests at bay.

Using scents mosquitoes hate is one effective way to deter mosquitoes, but garden experts are taking it one step further. They’ve revealed five features to turn your outside space into a mosquito repellent garden.

1. Plant mosquito-repelling plants

If you want to lean into scent deterrents, ensuring you have strongly scented plants such as lavender (£7.99, Thompson & Morgan), lemon balm (£2.99, Thompson & Morgan) and rosemary (£7.99, Crocus) is a must. Mosquitoes have highly sensitive scent receptors, and certain strong smells can overwhelm and confuse them, leading them to avoid that area.

‘Combining different plants that naturally discourage mosquitoes while also attracting their predators is a simple and effective way to make your garden less inviting to these unwanted visitors,’ explains Amber Tunney, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

‘Mosquitoes tend to avoid strongly scented plants, particularly when their leaves are brushed or crushed. Varieties such as lavender, lemon balm, basil, rosemary and mint can all help create a fragrant barrier while also adding colour, texture and useful herbs to the garden.

‘A great way to make the most of these plants is to group them in pots or borders around patios, decking and outdoor dining areas, where their scent is most likely to be released as people move around.’

2. Use a fan

You should also consider using one of the best fans when hosting outdoors. Not only will this help you stay cool on hot summer evenings, but the strong breeze makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly (they’re small, weak fliers) and can interrupt their ability to follow scent.

‘A fan positioned at table height directed across the seating area is one of the most underrated mosquito deterrents available. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and cannot navigate in airflow above one mile per hour. A small desk fan or oscillating garden fan creates a permanent barrier around where you are sitting that no insect repellent can match for consistency. Position it low so it disrupts the air at the height mosquitoes fly rather than above head level where it has no effect,’ says Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

3. Embrace wildlife gardens

An excellent way to deter and get rid of mosquitoes is by having a wildlife-friendly garden. Wildlife gardens house predators such as bats, birds and frogs, which eat mosquitoes.

‘Many garden-friendly animals are natural mosquito predators, including bats, frogs, dragonflies and house martins. By creating a wildlife-friendly garden with native flowering plants, bird nesting boxes, bat boxes or a pond with moving water, you can encourage these helpful species to visit and naturally keep mosquito numbers down,’ says Amber.

Mosh agrees, emphasising the benefits of attracting bats to your garden.

‘A single bat can consume up to 3,000 insects in a single night, mosquitoes included. Fixing a bat box to a north or east-facing wall or tree at least four metres high costs under £20 and attracts common pipistrelle bats that will actively reduce the insect population in your garden each evening. It takes a season for bats to discover and adopt a box, but it is one of the few genuinely long-term natural solutions available,’ he says.

4. Consider your garden lighting

Interestingly, your garden lighting ideas can impact the insects you attract to your outdoor space, as mosquitoes are attracted to cool-toned lights.

‘The lights you choose for your garden can either attract or deter insects. Mosquitoes are drawn to cool-toned lights, which they see more easily, especially during the evening hours,’ says Melissa Quinney, Gardening Expert at Cabin Master.

‘For a less inviting atmosphere, opt for warm-toned, yellow lights (with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K). These are much less visible to insects and will help keep your outdoor space less buggy.’

5. Remove standing water

One of the most important things you can do is remove standing water from your garden. If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your bird bath, adding a solar fountain (like this £9.99 Amazon fountain) is a great way to keep water moving.

‘One of the most important things you can do is eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed. They only need very small amounts of standing water, so it's worth regularly checking items such as buckets, watering cans, children's toys, plant saucers and bird baths,’ says Amber

‘If you have features like bird baths, it's a good idea to refresh the water every two to three days. This helps prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs while still providing a safe source of water for visiting wildlife.’

We can’t promise that these ideas will get rid of all mosquitoes from your garden forever, but by making your garden a less desirable environment for mosquitoes, you will see a reduction in numbers.

There's nothing more beautiful than a country cottage garden – all of those gorgeous varieties that offer an untamed look that our pollinators adore too.

The best bit is that some varieties self-seed. 'Self-seeding cottage garden flowers are brilliant because they do half the work for you and help fill borders for free,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'Some will settle in happily and come back year after year, while others will gently move around the garden and surprise you in new spots.'

If you're on a budget and want to embrace these wonderful flowers, then read on to find out which self-seeding flower varieties should be top of your list.

1. Foxgloves

There's not much more quintessentially cottage garden than the foxglove, with its stunning spires of flowers that tower over other varieties; it looks wonderful against stone cottage walls.

'Whilst most foxgloves are biennials, producing roots and foliage in their first year and flowers in their second year, once these plants start to self-seed you will naturally create the illusion of blooms every year from then on,' says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

According to Lucie, a single foxglove can produce up to two million minuscule, dust-like seeds once their distinctive tubular, bell-shaped blooms have faded. 'When they finish flowering from July onwards, their seed pods form, dry and crack open in late August or early September to scatter their seeds, which are light enough for the wind to naturally disperse them around your garden borders,' shares Lucie.

There are quite a few different colours to choose from; we love the colour of this Suttons Apricot foxglove, currently £5.99 for a one-litre pot from Gardening Express.

For a more classic look, consider the Dalmatian Mixed variety, which comes in pots or as plug plants, from £7.99, Thompson & Morgan.

2. Forget-me-knots

'For shadier spots, I'd look at forget-me-nots,' suggests Liam Cleary, gardening expert at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre. 'They're brilliant at filling awkward gaps beneath shrubs or around trees, and because they self-seed so freely, you end up with carpets of blue each spring with very little effort.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, agrees, 'Most varieties of forget-me-not are biennial, so they will self-seed. Although seedlings can be pulled up and replanted, you can collect seeds from the plant. When the seed pods turn brown, gently snip them off the stems and place them into a paper bag. Shake the bag to separate the seeds from the chaff, and then store them until ready for planting.'

You can buy forget-me-knots, and we love Amazon's Forget Me Knot Myosotis alpine mix; you get six large plug plants for £14.99.

3. Nigella

Nigella, sometimes called 'love-in-a-mist ', produces seeds that can be collected easily from the seed pods.

Richard explains, 'When the pods turn brown and papery, this indicates that the seeds are ripe and ready to collect. Alternatively, you can leave the seed pods on the plant, and they will eventually dry out and split open to scatter seeds across your garden. However, it is best to collect seeds yourself because the plant can develop a long taproot, which makes it harder to move them once established.'

The sky blue variety of Nigella is perhaps the most well-known. Crocus sell Miss Jekyll seeds, three packets for £6; they're an easy-to-grow variety and great for beginner gardeners. We also love the pastel pink version, Miss Jekyll Rose, 1000 seeds for £1.69, Amazon; they will flower from July to approximately September and love full sun.

4. Lupins

Lupins are a hardy perennial that, once established, is low maintenance. They come in a great selection of colours too.

'Their pea-like flowers are a rich source of pollen, which makes them great pollinator magnets with their tall spires,' says Lucie. 'With long tap roots making then drought tolerant and prolific self-seeders, they will naturally populate your garden, forming gorgeous, free-flowing spaces of colour in May and June, and repeat flowering in August if you have the chance to cut back the spires once faded.'

Lucie recommends the West Country varieties for their robustness; Persian Slipper is one that has blue flowers, £12.99 for a 9cm pot, Crocus, and the bi-coloured Tequila Flame, £27.99 for three established plants, Amazon.

5. Calendula

Calendula is one of those useful plants that has healing properties – it's anti-inflammatory and soothes and heals skin; you can often find it in creams to heal minor wounds.

As a plant, it loves full sun and can do well in poor soil, so it's rather forgiving and easy to grow.

'Calendula is one I'd recommend to almost anyone as a self-seeder,' says Liam. 'It flowers for months, the pollinators love it, and it's incredibly generous when it comes to self-seeding. You will likely find fresh seedlings popping up the following spring without you having to put in any effort whatsoever.'

It's mostly known for its yellowy orange flower heads that are rather daisy-like; you can buy 100 seeds for £2.79 of the English marigold variety from Crocus. For a mix of orange and yellow colours, have a look at Amazon's Calypso mixed mini plug plants; you get 20 for £15.99.

Cottage garden shopping essentials

These self-seeding plants will give you so much joy in your cottage garden over the coming years. Invest in them now, and they'll bring you colour and free flowers to boot.

Potted plants are all fun and games until the drained compost starts marking your patio. Mine’s been afflicted by my planter in recent weeks – and now, I’m trying to figure out the best way to remove compost stains from a patio.

Containers are game-changers for small or paved outdoor spaces, but if the pots and planters are sitting directly on a patio, they’ll leak or even puddle when you water them. That’s the case for my vegetable planter – the drainage holes are in the legs, so they carve lovely rivers of compost-y water along my patio whenever I water it.

After I finally buy a tray for the planter, I need to tackle those stains and figure out the best way to clean the paving slabs – so I asked the experts for their take on the best ways to remove compost stains from a patio.

What you'll need

1. Remove loose debris

Before you start scrubbing away at your compost-stained pavers, it’s worth giving it a chance to dry. It makes the first step in removing compost stains from a patio a lot easier.

‘Allow any wet compost to dry before lifting it away with a broom, soft brush or plastic scraper,’ advises Morgan Smith, director at porcelain garden tiles company Pegseo Stone. ‘ Removing the loose material first stops it turning into sludge and spreading across the surrounding slabs.’

A soft broom like this Gardeners Mate one from Amazon ought to do the trick, but a plastic scraper like Morgan suggested will help loosen up tougher debris. Or, use the metal scraper on this Charles Bentley 2 in 1 Outdoor Broom from Argos.

2. Use a mild detergent

Once the looser material has been removed, you’ll likely be left with a matt compost stain. That’s where a mild detergent, even fairy liquid, can be a good first port of call.

‘Mix warm water with a mild detergent, apply it to the affected area and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse with clean water once the discolouration begins to lift,’ says Morgan.

This Faithfull Stiff Bassine Natural Material Hand Brush from B&Q is ideal (but remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from the detergent).

3. Use a patio cleaner

If that doesn’t do the job, or you just want to start with a cleaner that you know will act fast on stubborn stains, it’s worth looking into the best patio cleaners on the market (our current favourite is Algon Organic Path, Patio & Deck Cleaner, which you can order from Amazon).

‘For a mark that remains after washing, try a specialist enzyme cleaner designed to break down organic matter,’ says Morgan. ‘Follow the product directions, including the recommended amount and contact time.’

You could even pair a patio cleaner with a quality pressure washer to target tougher stains, like the WORX Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer from Argos (the best budget machine we've tried!).

4. Preventing future stains

Prevention is, of course, better than cure, and there are ways to keep stains minimal going forward.

'Clear spilt compost promptly and avoid leaving damp bags, pots or garden containers directly on the paving,' says Morgan. 'Regular sweeping will also stop organic debris from sitting on the surface long enough to leave a mark.'

Morgan also told me that acting early is key, once you spot the first signs of staining.

‘Compost can leave dark brown marks on patio slabs because decaying leaves and other organic material release tannins as they break down,' Morgan explains. 'These natural compounds can soak into porous paving, so treating the stain early can make it easier to remove and reduce the need for stronger cleaning products.’

Removing compost stains from a patio isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you target them early.

Patio water features have been a huge trend in small and large gardens this summer. Whether it's a DIY micro pond or a statement planter water fountain, these garden features have been taking over my Instagram feed.

However, as someone who doesn't have the budget for a £100+ water feature and loves the idea of a budget DIY alternative but lacks the execution skills, I've been hunting high and low to find an expensive-looking ready-made version under £100. Finally, this week I stumbled across a gem when scrolling through QVC: the Sara by Sara Davies Water Feature & Planter.

My curiosity was already piqued when I saw that the crafting queen and Dragon's Den star had launched an outdoor collection at QVC, but I was not prepared for how hard I'd fall for the £80 water feature and planter. I'm snapping the terracotta version up for my garden as soon as payday arrives.

The water feature comes in terracotta and blue, and is made up of two bowls stacked together, with a geometric design printed around the edges. The bottom bowl is the planter, which can be filled with trailing ivy, geraniums or even easy-to-care-for succulents for a more classic Mediterranean garden look.

The top bowl is the one filled with water, with a fountain mechanism running through it. When turned on, the fountain LED lights produce a gentle glow and the water bubbles gently through the top bowl.

It is a small water feature, it measures 38cm in diameter and 22cm tall, which makes it perfect for complementing small garden ideas, styled alongside a cluster of other containers. Alternatively, I love the idea of styling it on an outdoor coffee table or a side table to make it a bigger focal point on a patio. For a striking look, pair it with the matching Sara by Sara Davies Indoor Outdoor Geometric Pattern Side Table, £55 at QVC.

I have hunted around for similar water feature ideas, and as I said earlier, most versions on the high street that look as good as this one come in over £100. While you can make your own DIY planter fountain for under £80, it will still easily cost you £20 for just one similar-sized terracotta plant pot.

The biggest downside to the water feature is that it is mains-operated rather than solar-powered, with a 2m cable. That is actually a plus for my little north-facing garden, where I struggle to get enough sunlight to power my solar-powered garden lights.

However, if you don't have an outdoor mains supply or want to position it in the far corner of the garden, you are best off looking at one of these other water features I've found.

I'm fully sold on the QVC planter water feature, but are you opting for a solar powered version instead?

I love hydrangeas, so I have planted quite a few varieties in our garden over the past few years. Usually, at this time of the year, my garden is blooming with puffball flowers of different shades, but this year's been a little different.

I've noticed my mophead hydrangea in my front border is struggling. Its once pristine white flowers have started developing brown patches, with some petals looking dry and crispy around the edges. I thought it might have been because it had simply finished flowering, but with so many of its blooms changing colour at once, I was suspicious there was something else going on.

After speaking to a few gardening experts, it turns out there are several reasons why my hydrangeas are turning brown, and thanks to this summer's prolonged hot weather, they say more hydrangeas are turning brown than ever before. So, I don't think I'm alone! Here's their advice on why it's happening and what to do about it.

1. Heat and strong sunshine

If your hydrangea has been flowering beautifully before suddenly developing brown, papery petals during a spell of hot weather, heat stress is probably to blame.

'Whilst we are experiencing heatwave conditions, hydrangeas are likely to be turning brown due to them being scorched by the intense, direct sunlight,' explains Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. She says hydrangea flowers are particularly delicate, especially mophead and lacecap varieties, with tissue-paper-thin petals that dry out quickly when exposed to prolonged sunshine.

It's not just the flowers that suffer either. Lucie says leaves can wilt, curl and develop crispy brown edges when they're exposed to too much direct sun or drying winds.

That certainly sounds like what has happened to mine. While the shrub itself still looks healthy, the blooms that catch the strongest afternoon sun are the ones browning first.

Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert at Caragh Nurseries, agrees that placement makes a huge difference. 'Hydrangeas tend to do best somewhere with morning sun and a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. Too much intense afternoon sun can scorch the flowers and leaves, which can cause those brown patches.'

2. Hydrangeas are thirstier than you might think

The recent dry weather has also made caring for hydrangeas in a heatwave a priority, and more specifically, watering is far more important than usual.

Lucie explains that hydrangeas have relatively shallow roots, making them particularly vulnerable when the soil dries out. During prolonged hot spells, they lose moisture through their leaves faster than they can replace it, causing the plant to go into survival mode. While many hydrangeas recover overnight after wilting, repeated drought stress eventually leaves flowers and foliage brown and crispy.

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, says a lack of water is one of the biggest reasons hydrangea flowers deteriorate in summer. 'Hydrangeas are moisture-loving plants, and most varieties will need deep, frequent watering through summer to stop them from deteriorating. A lack of water can quickly turn flowers brown, as the plant needs consistent moisture to maintain its flowers.'

He adds that brown leaf tips often accompany browned flowers and recommends aiming for around an inch of water each week during the dry periods. While damaged blooms won't recover, a watering routine can help protect any flowers that are still healthy.

The best thing you can do is to give them a deep watering, especially during dry periods, rather than sprinkling the surface. Adding a layer of mulch (we love RocketGro's Magic Mulch, £14.99 at Amazon) around the base of the plant can help keep moisture in the soil for longer.'

Hydrangea care essentials

3. Other causes worth checking

While heat and drought are by far the most likely explanation this year, experts say there are a few other possibilities.

Lucie warns that overfeeding can cause fertiliser burn, particularly if you've applied a feed that's high in nitrogen. This often results in brown, crispy leaf edges alongside lush green growth but fewer flowers.

She also says fungal diseases such as leaf spot (which I think my plant has), botrytis blight and anthracnose can leave brown blotches on leaves and flowers. However, because these diseases thrive in warm, damp and humid conditions, they're much less likely during dry weather. Plants that are already stressed by heat can still become vulnerable, though, particularly if they're watered from overhead and the foliage remains wet.

Richard also recommends checking carefully for pests if watering and sunlight don't seem to be the issue.

'Hydrangeas can often be targeted by aphids and spider mites, which can cause damage to the flowers, leaves and stems,' he says. Spider mites can be difficult to spot, so look for fine webbing and a dusty residue beneath leaves. Neem oil or insecticidal soap (this handy spray version is easy to use, £14.99 at Amazon) can help prevent infestations from spreading.

What I'm doing to help my hydrangea recover

Lucie recommends checking the soil moisture regularly before watering and directing water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. She also suggests applying a 5 - 8 cm layer of organic mulch, such as compost, leaf mould or Strulch (from £19.99 at Thompson & Morgan), to keep the soil cooler and reduce moisture loss.

Because my shrub sits in a particularly sunny spot during the afternoon, I'll also be trying to give it some temporary shade whenever another heatwave arrives. Lucie says even positioning a patio parasol nearby or suspending an old sheet or shade netting above the plant between 10 am and 4 pm can help prevent further scorch. You could even pick up these cute little plant umbrellas, £11.54 at Amazon.

She also recommends removing the brown flowers completely using clean bypass secateurs (we really rate these Japanese Kimura secateurs, £24.99 at Amazon), cutting just above the first healthy pair of buds or leaves. Likewise, leaves that are more than halfway brown can be removed, but any with plenty of green should be left in place to continue producing energy for the plant.

If your hydrangea is growing in a container, simply moving it into a shadier position can make a noticeable difference. For shrubs planted in borders, though, Lucie advises waiting until autumn before relocating them, as moving a stressed hydrangea during summer can lead to transplant shock.

As disappointing as it is to see my once-white flowers turning brown, I feel reassured to know that it's probably just a response to this summer's hot weather. With plenty of deep watering, my favourite mulch and a little sun protection, I'm hoping my shrub will stay healthy and be ready to put on another cloud-like display next year.

In my humble opinion, mosquitoes are easily one of the worst things about summer. If they’ve been plaguing your patio this summer, and like me, you’ve ended up with a few nasty bites, here are five scents they hate and will keep them at bay, according to pest experts.

If you want to get rid of mosquitoes and stop them from coming back, a scent deterrent can be an excellent, chemical-free method that won’t harm your family, pets or plants.

Mosquitoes have a highly sensitive sense of ‘smell’ which they use to find hosts, breeding sites and nectar. But they find some scents overwhelming and confusing, which in turn deters them from the area, leaving you mosquito-free!

1. Citronella

Of course citronella is first on the list. Citronella candles (like Argos Home’s Scalloped Terracotta-Effect Citronella Candle, £15) are famed for their abilities to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, as their strong scent prevents mosquitoes from finding their hosts.

‘Citronella is another popular natural mosquito repellent. It contains compounds such as citronellal, geraniol and citronellol, which help to mask the scents mosquitoes use to locate people,’ says Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control.

‘Citronella can be applied directly to the skin in the form of sprays or lotions to provide short-term protection. It is also commonly available as candles and essential oil diffusers, which release the scent into the surrounding air to help reduce mosquito activity around patios, gardens and outdoor seating areas. While citronella can be effective, it works best in calm conditions, as wind quickly disperses the scent.’

2. Clove

Clove is also a scent that flies hate, and is great for deterring mosquitoes - as well as making your home or patio smell great in the process.

‘Clove oil [available on Amazon] contains eugenol, a compound used in professional pest products in diluted form, and is one of the most potent natural mosquito repellents available. Studies have shown it provides effective repellence for up to three hours when applied topically in a carrier oil. As a garden scent, adding a few drops to an outdoor oil burner near your seating area significantly reduces mosquito activity. The scent is strong so a little goes a long way,’ explains Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

3. Lemon eucalyptus

The experts swear by lemon eucalyptus (£4.99, Amazon) as a powerful scent deterrent against mosquitoes. Its strong odour interferes with a mosquito’s sense of smell and makes it harder for them to detect us, humans.

‘Lemon eucalyptus' is one of the most effective natural mosquito deterrents, providing around four to six hours of protection, depending on the concentration. It contains an active ingredient called PMD, which interferes with mosquitoes' odour receptors, making it more difficult for them to detect human scent,’ says Daniel.

‘The most effective way to use lemon eucalyptus is by applying a commercial repellent containing PMD to exposed skin. Some products can also be applied to clothing, provided the label states this is safe. It is an excellent option for activities such as camping, gardening and spending evenings outdoors, when mosquitoes are often most active.’

4. Lavender

Lavender (£7.99, Crocus) is a superhero plant that will not only make your patio smell gorgeous, but deters a range of pests too. Wasps and flies also dislike the smell of lavender, whereas helpful pollinators such as bees love it - it’s a win-win choice for a garden.

You can even plant lavender in July, if you give it a little extra help settling into your garden.

‘Lavender contains linalool and linalool oxide, both of which are natural insect repellents. Mosquitoes find the scent deeply unpleasant and will avoid areas where it is concentrated. Planted lavender near a patio provides ongoing passive deterrence throughout summer, and crushed lavender flowers rubbed on pulse points provide short-term personal repellent effect. It is not as potent as citronella, but as part of a layered approach it adds meaningful protection,’ says Mosh.

4. Peppermint

Last but not least is peppermint (£9.99, Amazon). While you and I may enjoy its fresh peppery scent, mosquitoes can’t stand it and will automatically avoid an area with a strong peppermint scent.

‘Peppermint contains the strong-smelling compounds menthol and menthone, which can interfere with mosquitoes' ability to locate people,’ says Daniel.

‘Peppermint can be used in homemade sprays when properly diluted, or you can purchase commercial peppermint-based repellents and essential oil diffusers. It can also be used as a fabric spray on outdoor cushions or camping equipment, helping to keep mosquitoes at bay during time spent outside. As with other essential oils, peppermint provides relatively short-lived protection and should be reapplied regularly if used on the skin.’

If you’re sick and tired of painful mosquito bites this summer, try one of these scents to keep them at bay.

Lavender is a staple in any drought-tolerant garden, which means it’s perfectly suited to the hot weather we’re having this summer. Can you plant lavender in July, though?

Well, according to experts, you can – you’ll just need to complete a few preparatory tasks beforehand. Learning how to grow lavender is pretty easy, because it’s so low-maintenance, but it still needs a little extra help settling into the garden when the weather is hot and dry.

‘Whilst July isn’t the best time to plant Lavender, if you’ve been given a plant by a friend or need to fill an empty space and must plant during this month, then there are a few things which you can do to make the process as successful as possible and reduce the stress for your plant,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

So, under what conditions can you plant lavender in July? Here’s what the experts recommend.

What you'll need

1. Keep new plants well-watered

Lavender might be a hardy Mediterranean plant once established, but it'll struggle to establish itself in hot, dry weather.

’Dry weather means your plant will lose more moisture from its leaves than its roots can supply, which makes a new plant vulnerable to transplant shock and could result in your lavender wilting, dropping leaves and even struggling to survive,’ explains Lucie.

That doesn’t mean you can’t plant lavender in July, though – you can still buy the plants in a range of sizes, like English lavender ‘Hidcote’ from Crocus. You’ll just need to start by compensating for that lack of soil moisture.

‘You need to soak the root ball of the plant before transferring it to the ground, as well as fill the planting hole with water and allow it to soak into the soil prior to positioning the plant,’ Lucie advises.

After that, you’ll need to keep the soil moist (never waterlogged, since drought-tolerant plants hate sitting soggy). Lucie recommends deep watering the plant twice a week, avoiding wetting the foliage where possible, but always check the soil beforehand (a soil moisture meter like this one from Amazon can be a useful indicator).

2. Mulch with gravel

To lock some of that moisture in, Lucie also recommends mulching around the base of your lavender plant. Don’t reach for bags of organic matter mulch, though, since lavender tends to thrive in poor, free-draining soils.

‘If you use a light-coloured gravel or stones to act as mulch (don’t use organic mulches, as these can hold too much water to suit lavender), the light colour will help to reflect the strong July sunlight into the lower canopy of the plant,’ says Lucie. These Mellow Cotswold Decorative Stones from B&Q should do the trick.

If you want your lavender to flower well, you’ll also need to make you’re planting it in the correct position.

‘Ideally, lavender should be planted where it will receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day, or it will produce fewer (or no) blooms, and may grow leggy in attempt to reach the light,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture.

3. Provide some shade

It might seem like a waste of time to shield a sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant from the sun, but new plants will benefit from a little extra protection while they establish themselves in your garden. As Lucie mentioned before, transplant shock is still a looming risk – but there are several ways to shade plants from the sun.

‘It’s best to shade your new plant over the first few weeks at mid-afternoon so it’s not damaged by the intense sunlight,’ says Lucie. ‘This can be done easily by using garden canes to support either shade netting, garden fleece or an old pale sheet above your plant to protect it from strong sunlight.’

You can order shade netting for plants online, like this Seedzbox Shade Netting from Amazon.

'If you’re looking to plant lavender in July, it’s important to try and minimise heat stress on the plant,' adds Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk. 'Choose a time when there is no prolonged heatwave and temperatures are slightly cooler.

So, you can plant lavender in July – you'll just need to water it in well, add some gravel mulch around the base, and consider shielding it from the intense midday sun.

Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants in proximity to each other to help them grow and thrive. In light of this year’s heatwaves and the likelihood that future summers will be even hotter, shade companion planting is the clever method gardeners are turning to to ensure their plants stay protected from the hot sun.

When you think of companion planting ideas, you’re likely thinking of combinations that stop pests from destroying your garden. But with shade companion planting, these combinations consist of using hardier, taller plants to provide shade for delicate, smaller plants - and it’s one of the best ways to help heat-proof your garden.

‘One of the simplest ways to create a more resilient garden is to think about plants as a community rather than as individuals. In nature, taller trees and shrubs naturally create sheltered microclimates beneath their canopies, protecting smaller plants from the hottest afternoon sun, reducing water loss and helping the soil retain moisture. We can borrow the same principle in our own gardens,’ explains Andrew Jackson, award-winning garden writer, designer and creator of The New Build Manifesto.

Here are five combinations you can put to practice in your garden.

1. Verbena bonariensis, geraniums and heucheras

If you love cottage gardens, Andrew recommends using this planting scheme to achieve a whimsical, romantic border that remains resilient in hotter gardens. Use plants like verbena bonariensis, bronze fennel and ornamental grasses at the back, pot astrantia, hardy geraniums and foxgloves in the middle and have heucheras, alchemilla and epimedium in the front, he advises.

‘The tall, airy plants filter sunlight rather than blocking it completely, reducing heat stress while allowing enough light through for flowering plants beneath. The layered planting also helps keep the soil cooler and slows evaporation, meaning plants need less watering during dry spells,’ says Andrew.

Where to buy verbena bonariensis, geraniums and heucheras

• Verbena bonariensis, £7.99, Crocus
• Geranium 'Border Supreme' F2 - Seeds, £4.49, Thompson & Morgan
• Heuchera 'Eternal Flame', £13.99, Thompson & Morgan

2. Culver’s root and lily turf

Another beautiful combination you should consider is Culver’s root and lily turf. This striking combination of one of the best plants for clay soil and one of the best ornamental grasses for shade makes a resilient yet colourful display.

‘Culver’s Root is the ideal architectural plant for sunny garden borders, as these low-maintenance, hardy herbaceous perennials thrive in sunny borders, growing in dense clumps up to two metres high and with a spread of around one metre. To take advantage of the shade that this perennial provides, growing Lilyturf at its base will provide this small, grass-like evergreen,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Gardens Irrigation.

‘The partial shade-attracting ground cover protects from direct sunlight that this sun-sensitive plant prefers to protect its foliage from being bleached by strong sun rays. With both Culver’s Root and Lilyturf enjoying the same consistently moist, well-draining soil, they can be grown easily together. These two plants also complement each other in other ways, including the timing of their blooms, with the tall ‘candelabra’ style spikes of the Culver’s root appearing in mid to late summer, closely followed by the vibrant, smaller spikes of dense, bead- like flowers which appear from late summer into autumn.’

Where to buy Culver’s root and lily turf

• Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination', £12.99, Crocus
• Liriope muscari, £12.99, Crocus

3. Olive trees, lavender, creeping thyme

Climate-resistant planting schemes will inevitably embrace Mediterranean garden ideas. Mediterranean plants are well equipped to deal with hot, dry, poor conditions, making this one of the easiest planting combinations you can follow.

Andrew recommends planting a multi-stem olive tree or Amelanchier lamarckii at the back of your border, with either salvias, nepeta or lavender in the middle and creeping thyme, oregano or low-growing sedums.

‘Although Mediterranean plants enjoy sunshine, even they benefit from cooler root conditions. The light canopy of a small tree creates welcome shade during the hottest part of the day, while aromatic groundcover plants act as a living mulch, reducing soil temperatures and locking in moisture,’ he says.

Where to buy olive trees, lavender, creeping thyme

• Olea Europaea- Olive Trees - Half standards - Established Plants Approx 100 cm Tall, £32.99, B&Q
• Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote', £7.99, Crocus
• Creeping Phlox Collection, £8.99, Thompson & Morgan

4. Foxgloves and aquilegia

Foxgloves are tall and low-maintenance, making them a great choice as a shade companion plant. Plus, with grandma gardens making a comeback this summer, they’re perfectly on-trend, too.

‘Foxgloves are not only popular to include in your garden as they provide striking vertical height, with tall spires of tubular bell-shaped blooms which are magnets to beneficial pollinators whilst also being low maintenance and pest resilient, but their height also makes them ideal companion plants for other plants which are more sensitive to the sun,’ says Lucie.

‘When in full flower, from May to July, their vertical height can be used to naturally shade plants such as Aquilegia, which prefer dappled shade and usually stand between 60 to 90cm in height. With flowers appearing from mid-May until June, their blooms will overlap and make for a perfect, long-lasting display in a cottage garden. Whilst the shallow roots of the foxglove won’t compete for space with the deep taproots of aquilegia, ensuring they both can access moisture without competing, and they both prefer moist, humus-rich soil, making them ideal companion plants.’

Where to buy foxgloves and aquilegia

• Foxglove 'Dalmatian Mixed', £7.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port', £9.99, Crocus

5. Birch trees, hydrangeas and tiarella

If you thought you had to say goodbye to hydrangeas because of the heat, think again. This planting scheme is perfect for creating a woodland edge in your garden, helping it stay cooler.

Andrew says to plant birch trees or serviceberry trees at the edge of your border. Then, you can plant hydrangeas, ferns and Japanese anemones in the middle, followed by hostas, tiarella or pulmonaria at the front - simply choose a combo you like!

‘These plants naturally grow along woodland edges where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. The open canopy of birch or amelanchier provides dappled light without creating heavy shade, allowing moisture-loving plants to thrive while protecting them from scorching temperatures,’ adds Andrew.

Where to buy birch trees, hydrangeas and tiarella

• Betula alba Pendula - Silver Birch - Circa 220-250cm Tall, was £89.99, now £59.99 at Gardening Express
• Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise', £11.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket', £10.99, Crocus

‘As our summers become warmer, gardening is becoming less about finding plants that tolerate full sun and more about designing gardens that create their own favourable conditions. Layering plants by height to provide gentle shade is an easy technique that improves plant health, reduces watering and produces borders that feel softer, more natural and more resilient over time,’ Andrew concludes.

With so many combinations to try, shade companion planting is like a shortcut to a stunning yet climate-resilient garden.

A tree makes a stunning focal point in any outside space, but choose too-large a tree for a small garden, and there’s the danger that it will completely overwhelm the space. But opt for a smaller, multi-stem tree, and it can make as striking a focal point as any large tree but while still feeling in proportion with the space. And there’s the bonus of low-maintenance multi-stem trees being much easier to look after too, so what’s not to love?

‘If your home has a small garden, then multi-stem trees are one of the best trees for small spaces, offering a really simple yet effective way to create a focal point without needing to compromise on any valuable outdoor space,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist.

‘If planning a small garden, it's worth factoring in that many varieties of multi-stem tree require little maintenance in modest gardens once established, which makes them perfect for the majority of us who probably don’t have a huge amount of time to spend tending to their garden.'

1. Silver birch

Multi-stem trees are becoming increasingly popular. A brilliant option for compact gardens or small patio ideas, the tree’s energy is divided across several smaller stems (rather than one large trunk), which naturally restricts the overall height and spread of the tree and keeps it more compact.

And by fanning out from the ground (rather than up high), multi-stem trees create interesting structural forms that give interest at eye-level without requiring a large footprint, which is why they work so well in smaller gardens.

‘When it comes to multi-stem trees, the striking white bark on silver birch trees helps to really set them apart compared to other tree types, adding year-round impact and a bit of variety in a smaller garden,’ says David.

‘Silver birches are also a great tree for creating shade in your garden, so try not to go for one that is too big and will block too much sun,’ adds David.

Where to buy silver birch trees:

• Gardening Express: Make a statement with this striking Betula utilis jacquemontii - West Himalayan Birch, from £29.97.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or go for this stunner - Silver Birch tree (Betula pendula) grown by Cotswold Trees, from £25.95.

2. Fuji cherry tree

‘The easy-to-grow Fuji cherry tree is a delicate plant with its long twigs coming to life in late winter and early spring with stunning flowers,’ says Chris Bonnet, founder of Gardening Express. ‘The leaves change shade each season for year-round interest, and it will thrive in full sun, requiring just a light prune in mid-summer, purely to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches.’

When choosing where to place a multi-stem tree, positioning them in a prominent spot, like the centre of a lawn or a courtyard garden, can work well, where their features can be enjoyed up close, such as a tree with fragrant blossoms or an attractive peeling bark. In larger spaces, consider positioning one where you can take advantage of the dappled shade, such as around a garden seating area.

Where to buy Fuji cherry trees:

• Gardening Express: Enjoy the pretty blossoms of this Prunus incisa Kojo-No-Mai - Standard Fuji Cherry Tree, £34.99.
• Roots Plants: Or try this stunning 5ft 'Mount Fuji' Cherry Blossom Tree | Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae', from £55.

Shop these tree-planting essentials

3. Amelanchier

Another major benefit of choosing a multi-stem tree for a small garden is that they create open, airy canopies that help to softly filter sunlight, rather than dense foliage that casts heavy shadows, which keeps smaller gardens feeling light and bright rather than dark and shady.

‘Amelanchiers are a great choice for a compact garden, because they are small and require minimal pruning,’ suggests David. ‘During spring you’ll be treated to delicate white springtime blossoms, then summer brings green foliage and autumn a vibrant orange and then red leaves throughout autumn.’

‘This makes amelanchier a great choice for anyone wanting to switch up the look of their garden throughout the year, and they won’t take up too much space either,’ adds David.

Where to buy amelanchier trees:

• Crocus: Perfect for a small garden, try this Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes', from £79.99.
• Sarah Raven: Or go for the compact Amelanchier lamarcki Snowy Mespilus, £17.47.

4. Himalayan birch

‘This versatile tree with its silvery white bark and architectural shape will create a fabulous focal point in the garden,’ says Chris. ‘It thrives in a sunny south-facing spot with well-drained soil, and it will need pruning between late summer and mid-winter.

‘When it comes to pruning a Himalayan birch tree, remove only dead, diseased or crossing branches,' adds Chris. 'And if there’s a build-up of green algae on the trunk, gently sponge this off with warm water.’

Where to buy Himalayan birch trees:

• Gardening Express: With a stunning white bark, try this Betula utilis 'Snow Queen' - Himalayan Birch - 250-300cm Tall, £69.99.
• Roots Plants: Or go for the striking Silver Birch Tree | Betula pendula, from £40.

5. Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

‘Acer palmatum (also known as Japanese maple) is a good, low-maintenance choice for any small garden or one of the best trees to grow in pots,’ suggests Chris. ‘This architectural plant looks beautiful all year round with colour-changing displays throughout the seasons.’

‘Acers require minimum care - some gentle pruning to keep the tree’s shape, with heavy pruning best done during January and February when the plant is dormant,’ adds Chris.

Where to buy Acer palmatum trees:

• Suttons: Enjoy a blaze of colour with this fiery red Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', from £44.99.
• Amazon: Or try this stunning orange toned You Garden - Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream', from £22.99.

6. Olive tree

‘Olive trees offer a contemporary and Mediterranean vibe to any sized garden or outdoor space,’ suggests David. ‘And they will thrive when added to any large container if planting space is limited.

‘Olive trees are also incredibly resilient in hot weather and extremely drought-tolerant, making them perfect for placing in any sunny or sheltered areas.’

Where to buy olive trees:

• B&Q: Add a Mediterranean vibe with this large standard olive tree, £52.99.
• Amazon: Or start small with this potted patio hardy olive tree, £45.90.

7. Californian lilac

‘With evergreen foliage and bright blue flowers from spring until early summer, Californian Lilac is a welcome addition to any garden, big or small,’ says Chris.

‘An easy-to-maintain plant, Californian lilac will only need trimming lightly once the blue flowers have faded, which will help maintain the bushy shape,’ adds Chris.

Where to buy Californian lilac trees:

• Gardening Express: Add stunning blue colour outdoors with this Large Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac Tree - circa 140-160cm, £79.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or go for the smaller Ceanothus 'Italian Skies'Californian Lilac Hardy Shrub, from £12.99.

Want to create a focal point in your small garden? Have you considered adding a multi-stem tree? Let us know.

From roses and ornamental grasses to painted metal furniture, there are several garden trends making a comeback, proving that good design always comes full circle. What felt dated a few years ago is having a resurgence, as we fall back in love with nostalgic planting, heritage materials and gardens with a bit more personality.

Blame it on Rivals, blame it on the wider wave of nostalgia gripping everything from fashion to interiors, either way, we're dreaming of romantic country English gardens filled with colour, character and creative charm. Even outdoor furniture is having its own throwback moment.

From planting choices and landscaping ideas, we asked gardening and outdoor living experts which outdated garden trends are making a comeback, and exactly how to embrace them this time around.

1. Grandma gardens are reviving nostalgic planting

If there was any doubt that nostalgic gardens were making a comeback, the popularity of the 'Grandma Garden' trend firmly proves otherwise. As the name suggests, the aesthetic takes inspiration from the characterful gardens many of us remember from our childhood. Think colourful planting, vintage-inspired furniture, wildlife-friendly borders and gardens that feel collected over time, rather than curated.

Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film at Cox & Cox believes the shift is being driven by our desire for comfort and familiarity. 'In a rapidly changing world, people crave security which makes us nostalgic for the places we felt secure and happy,' she says. 'For most that’s a childhood space, like granny’s garden where the summers were endless and there were adventures to be had around every corner, followed by snacks at the little wrought iron bistro set on the patio.'

It's also a sign we're becoming more confident showing character outdoors, says Danielle. 'For years, many gardens ended up looking remarkably similar – the same staple features, the same grey furniture. Our outdoor spaces are a being treated much more like interiors where the same appetite for antique or vintage style pieces exists, as well as the desire for layered textiles.'

It's this renewed appreciation for traditional gardens that's helping to bring everything from roses to metal furniture back in fashion.

2. Classic roses

Topping the list of nostalgic plants making a resurgence is the classic English rose. Once seen as too fussy or old-fashioned for modern gardens, these timeless blooms are enjoying a revival as gardeners rediscover their scent, charm and wildlife appeal.

As Dr Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema, explains, roses fell out of favour as many gardens shifted towards cleaner, more minimalistic planting schemes. 'Roses were sometimes dismissed as being too much work because of pruning, but they're becoming popular again because gardeners are looking for plants that bring character, scent and a strong connection to traditional gardens.'

Thankfully, today's varieties are much easier to care for. Dr Sharp says many modern varieties are more disease-resistant and better suited to contemporary gardens, making them a much less demanding choice than their reputation suggests.

Rather than planting roses in formal beds, Dr Sharp recommends pairing them with ornamental grasses, salvias, lavender or other long-flowering perennials for a softer, more natural look. 'They work well in smaller gardens when trained against walls, fences or arches, where they add height without taking up much ground space,' he adds.

Softer shades such as blush pinks, apricots and whites help to keep the look fresh rather than dated.

Try a romantic variety, such as the Olivia Rose Austin (£35, David Austin), which lets one or two statement blooms stand out beautifully among simpler planting.

3. Ornamental grasses

Once a staple of noughties gardens, ornamental grasses lost their appeal for looking untidy, particularly during winter. Today, however, they're taking centre stage again thanks to the rise of naturalistic planting.

Michael Wheat, founder of Ponds by Michael Wheat says big drifts of grasses, like Miscanthus and Stipa are back in force now, inspired by prairie-style planting popularised by designers like Piet Oudolf.

'Ornamental grasses fell out of favour because gardeners were cutting them back too hard and too often, losing the winter structure that's actually the whole point,' he explains.

Michael says ornamental grasses work brilliantly around water, softening the edges of a pond or border, helping to soften hard landscaping, and create a relaxed, more natural feel. 'Used well, they give movement, texture and habitat for insects right through to spring,' he adds.

Recreate the look with an elegant variety, like this Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Silberspinne' (£10 from Crocus),, which reaches up to 1.2m, making it perfect for adding height to borders or as a standalone feature.

4. Gravel gardens

Gravel gardens were once dismissed as a low-effort option, and often associated with sparse new-build front gardens, rather than proper planting.

Now, they're one of the garden trends making a comeback, largely because of the drought summers we've had, says Michael. 'Now, paired with drought-tolerant perennials like sedum, achillea and lavender, they're valued for using far less water than a traditional lawn or border, while still looking deliberate rather than neglected.'

Rather than relying on gravel alone, he recommends combining it with structural planting and ornamental grasses. 'In a contemporary garden, both work best combined rather than as one big block: threading grasses through gravel with pockets of structural planting for year-round interest.'

The result? A garden that's not only low-maintenance but also packed with texture and seasonal interest.

5. Painted metal furniture is replacing rattan

For years, chunky rattan styles were at the forefront of garden furniture ideas, but traditional painted metal bistro and dining sets are making a stylish return as English country gardens grow in popularity.

'Metal sets which were seen as dated, impractical and uncomfortable and were replaced by larger boxy faux rattan styles which gave a more contemporary look, but now feel a bit hotel terrace,' says Danielle.

Today’s look is more romantic, pastel and heritage tones have replaced standard black and white metal furniture. 'We are also styling it much more casually – we can mix and match different chair types and colours around an outdoor dining table and dress with comfy cushions, tablecloths and vintage accessories for a much softer look,' adds Danielle.

To embrace the trend in 2026, Danielle recommends bringing in bold stripes, frilled seat pads and scalloped or fringed parasols that reference both English country gardens and Mediterranean holidays - added to a modern garden, the result feels less like a patio and more like decorating a room.

Shop the trend

Whether you're inspired by Grandma Gardens or painted metal furniture, these garden trends making a comeback prove that good design never really goes out of style.

Knowing how to water roses in hot weather can be the difference between them surviving the heatwave and not – so I spoke to the experts to find out exactly what I needed to do (and where I was going wrong) to ensure that my precious roses make it through.

Understanding how to water roses in hot weather is an essential part of growing roses, and thankfully, established roses are surprisingly drought-tolerant plants – it's one of the reasons I love them. However, heatwaves test even the hardiest roses, so getting your plan in place is vital to keeping your roses blooming all summer long.

1. Reduce frequency and increase quantity of watering

I always thought that the best way to water roses in hot weather was to water every day – even though I rarely managed it! So I was delighted to find out that I didn't need to feel guilty about not picking up the watering can every day – in fact, my lack of a daily watering schedule was actually better for my roses.

'Roses are relatively deep-rooting plants, so for well-established plants, roses should be okay on their own without needing lots of additional watering, as they will root down to the water table,' says Oliver Goold, sixth-generation rose grower at Henry Street Nursery.

'If you water roses in the ground with a little bit of water every day, you encourage the roots to rise to the surface to take in the little bit of water they are given on the surface and won’t send as many roots deep down into the ground, which is needed for long-term success of the plant.'

During prolonged periods of hot and dry weather, even drought-tolerant roses require a little extra help. Aim to drench your roses once or twice a week thoroughly.

2. Watering young roses correctly will set you up for success

Younger roses benefit from more regular watering throughout summer – even if there isn't a heatwave on the horizon, but again, the key is to use lots of water less frequently.

This advice was particularly important for the bare-root roses that I planted in my £20 rose garden at the start of the year.

'Water once or twice a week and aim to use between half to a full watering can of water per rose. This water will settle through the soil profile and encourage the roses to root deep down in the soil to reach the water table,' says Oliver Goold.

Make life easier by investing in a larger watering can – like this 13ltr plastic watering can from B&Q.

Training your young roses to rely on water from the water table rather than your watering will make them more self-sufficient, so they won't struggle if you go away for a fortnight in the summer.

3. Water the base of the rose in the morning to avoid disease

Time of day is also important when watering roses in hot weather.

'It is best to water roses in hot weather earlier in the day, so plants can take up moisture before the heat builds, and leaves have time to dry, further reducing disease risk,' says experts from Harkness Roses.

'Always water the soil at the base of the rose, not the leaves. Keeping foliage dry helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases in roses, especially when plants are stressed by heat.'

4. Employ the use of mulch

I can't sing the praises of mulch enough! It's been a game-changer – not only for my garden's soil health, but also because it meant that my garden hasn't really suffered in the most recent heatwave (even when it wasn't watered for over a week while I was on holiday!).

Roses particularly welcome a layer of mulch – like this Peat Free Manure from B&Q – as it keeps water in the soil.

'Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (like compost or well-rotted manure) around the base, keeping it a few centimetres from the stem. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature, protecting roots and reducing how often you need to water,' says experts from Harkness Roses.

Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane swears by RocketGro's Magic Mulch 'I'm worrying less about watering my plants in hot weather because the compost and soil are staying moist for longer. RocketGro's Magic Mulch is available for just £14.84 on Amazon

5. Water potted roses daily

Potted roses require much more attention than those in the soil, as their water reserves are much more limited than those in the borders.

'Water potted roses daily and make sure the whole pot is saturated, as roses will flower most when given plenty of water,' says Oliver Goold. 'Fertilising roses is particularly important for those in pots. Use a liquid food like a rose tree & shrub or tomato feed, as when watering a lot, you wash a lot of the nutrients out of the soil, meaning the roses, while well watered, can start to become hungry.'

Amazon stocks a range of rose tree and shrub feeds – like this Miracle-Gro feed – and tomato feed – including the favourite Tomatorite. You could even make your own rose fertiliser.

'If growing in pots, use a soil-based compost such as John Innes No.3 as it's far more water absorbent than multi-purpose compost,' adds Stewart Pocock, owner at Pococks Roses. John Innes No.3 is available to buy on Amazon.

Here’s something I didn’t expect to see in a summer gardening advice video: frost fleece.

It probably isn't on your summer gardening bingo card, but if you’re looking to shade your plants without moving them, it’s worth watching Ish Kamran’s (@gardening.with.ish) recent Instagram reel. Horticultural fleece actually has a ton of benefits for your plants in hot weather – and it won’t smother them as you’d expect.

Here’s why Ish recommends frost fleece as a garden cooling technique (and two of the best ways to use it this summer!).

What you'll need

Whether you’re looking to protect your potted plants in hot weather or shield your border plants from the blazing sun, frost fleece has long been overlooked as a cooling solution. It wasn’t until I saw Ish’s video that I considered dragging mine out of the shed.

‘The most unlikely thing you could ever imagine is actually the most protective thing for your plants during a heatwave, and that is frost fleecing,’ Ish says in his recent video.

‘It’s nice and light, airy and translucent, so some light can still get through but, a bit like greenhouse shading, it reflects some of those UV rays and the heat, so it actually keeps the plant slightly cool underneath.’

Frost fleece, then, is the surprise way to heatproof your garden – especially if you have white fleece (like this GardenGloss Fleece from Amazon), which Ish says reflects the sun’s rays and therefore won’t absorb much heat in the sun.

You can use frost fleece to protect plants from the sun in two different ways, and one of them is basically a mulching technique.

‘You can get a good amount of it and pop it straight onto the top of the soil to create a bit of a reflective mulch,’ says Ish. ‘Water can get through when you’re watering it, but the sun’s light will reflect off, so it’s absolutely perfect.’

Or, for larger shrubs, you can use it in the same way you’d use an outdoor plant cover in winter.

‘If you’ve got a big plant like an acer, what you can also do is actually wrap it straight around, and because it’s going to reflect some of that sun’s heat, it’s going to stay nice and cool inside as well,’ says Ish.

‘So, it just goes to show that sometimes, when you’re trying to protect your plants, the most uncommon thing can be the best.’

Who'd have thought frost fleece is the dark horse of summer gardening?

If ants have been plaguing your garden this summer, diatomaceous earth (£14.45, Amazon) is the all-natural solution I’m recommending to gardeners, and it works just as well as white vinegar.

If you’ve been looking to make the most of your garden this summer, it can be a little disheartening to see trails of ants making themselves at home on your patio. While there are many ways to get rid of ants, this pest control-approved method is completely natural and organic.

Diatomaceous earth is an effective pest control measure, but it’s really important to buy the correct type. Here’s everything you need to know and how to use it.

What is diatomaceous earth?

It may have a fancy scientific name, but diatomaceous earth is simply the microscopic remains of ancient aquatic sea life.

‘Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring powder made from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It looks and feels like a fine white dust, but under a microscope, it is razor-sharp. It is one of the few natural pest control products that pest professionals genuinely rate, though most consumers buy the wrong type and wonder why it does not work,’ says Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘This is the detail most guides leave out. There are two main grades: food-grade and filter-grade. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is what you want for pest control. Filter-grade, often sold for pool filtration, has been chemically treated and is far less effective as a deterrent and potentially harmful to inhale. Always buy food-grade and check the label before purchasing.’

How does diatomaceous earth work?

It’s really easy to use diatomaceous earth to get rid of ants from a patio, and it won’t get in the way of your garden ideas.

To use diatomaceous earth, you need to apply a thin layer to entry points, windowsills, doorways and basically anywhere you’ve spotted ants congregating. You’ll want to apply a fine layer, as ants will simply avoid walking over too thick a layer. Remember, diatomaceous earth stops working when wet, so you’ll need to reapply when it rains.

‘The microscopic sharp edges of the particles pierce the waxy outer coating of an ant's exoskeleton as it walks through the powder, causing it to dehydrate and die. It is a purely physical process rather than a chemical one, which means ants cannot build resistance to it the way they eventually do to some chemical products,’ adds Mosh.

‘The main limitation is that it kills individual ants rather than addressing the colony, so it works best as part of a broader approach rather than a standalone solution. For outdoor use or as a preventative barrier inside, it is genuinely worth using.’

If you want to reclaim your garden from ants this summer, diatomaceous earth is the all-natural solution that’s safe to use around pets and kids. It’s cheap and will get the job done.

If you’re hoping to fill the shady gaps in your garden but still want the drought-tolerant benefits of sun-loving Mediterranean plants, you can have the best of both worlds. You’ll just need a list of the best plants for dry shade to hand.

It’s safe to say that drought-tolerant plants are becoming more popular by the year, but since most of them thrive in full sun, they generally aren't so compatible with shaded areas of the garden. That’s a problem for north-facing gardens, or those that sit in the shadow of taller trees and hedges – but thankfully, there’s a string of plants that are hardy enough to tolerate shade and dry soils.

Here’s a list of the best plants for dry shade, recommended by the experts, to give you some planting inspiration.

1. Lily turf

Lily turf (Liriope muscari) usually flowers from August all the way through to the autumn, so it’s worth planting ready-grown plants now, like these big blue lily turf plants from Gardening Express (or just after things cool down from the heatwave) for instant impact.

As luck would have it, it’s one of the best plants for dry shade – so it’s perfect for filling in those trickier gaps in the garden. It's also a brilliant drought-tolerant plant for pots if you're cultivating a container garden.

‘Liriope is great for a dry, shaded area as it has thick, tuberous roots that can draw up the minimal moisture available,’ explains Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture. ‘Once established, it is very drought-resistant and can bounce back from dry spells that would kill other plants. However, if grown in shade, it may produce fewer flower spikes.’

Where to buy lily turf:

• Crocus: Buy big blue lily turf in 9cm or 2-litre pots.
• B&Q: Or, start growing white-flowered Liriope muscari 'Monroe White'.

2. Common polypody fern

There’s a long list of low-maintenance ferns that thrive in shade, and several of them can tolerate dry soils, too. The common polypody, an evergreen fern, is a plant I spotted in the pocket woodland garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and it’s also a recommendation of RHS award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore’s for dry shade.

‘Fern-wise, Polypodium vulgare and Drypoteris affinis are some of the best native ferns that cope with dry shade,’ she says. ‘I used them in my RHS Chelsea garden on the recommendation of the National Collection holder.’

Where to buy ferns:

• Crocus: Order pots of common polypody fern.
• Thompson & Morgan: Drypoteris affinis is another recommendation of Zoe's for dry shade.

3. Barrenwort

When you’re browsing for the best plants for dry shade, you’ll want to make sure the root system can handle both conditions. LBS Horticulture’s Richard tells me that barrenwort can do just that.

‘Barrenwort is considered to be one of the best plants to grow in dry shade and can even thrive directly underneath trees,’ he says. ‘This is because once the plant is established, its tough, fibrous roots are able to compete for moisture underneath large trees. It also has large, waxy leaves that naturally lose less water from evaporation.’

Barrenwort is a beautiful flowering groundcover plant (it’s affectionately known as fairy wings!), and it becomes really drought-tolerant once it’s established. I’ve got my eye on the butter-yellow blooms of Epimedium × versicolor 'Sulphureum', which you can order from Crocus (although it won’t flower until next spring now).

Where to buy barrenwort:

• Thompson & Morgan: Barrenwort 'Lilafee' produces striking purple flowers.
• Crocus: Barrenwort 'Amber Queen' is on my wishlist, too.

4. Japanese spurge

If you’re looking for an ultra-hardy evergreen shrub that thrives in dry shade, Japanese spurge (Pachysandra) is one of the best choices. Its low-growing, glossy green foliage makes it one of the best groundcover plants for preventing weeds, too.

‘Another dry shade plant that has been successful is Pachysandra,’ agrees Zoe.

Pachysandra terminalis, which you can order from Crocus, provides shaded garden borders with colour and texture all year round.

5. Bear's breech

I'd never heard of bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) before Zoe recommended it to me for dry shade, but it's on my list now. The ornamental flower stalks are stunning, and they're at their peak now until the end of summer, so it's the perfect time to add the plants to your garden – especially if you're wondering what to plant in July (just wait until the heatwave is over!).

'Acanthus 'Rue Ledan' produces really beautiful white flowers,' says Zoe. I've put it in some free-draining gardens in dry shade with success, and the foliage is a good contrast.'

Where to buy bear's breeches:

• Gardening Express: I love the look of Acanthus mollis 'White Water'.
• Dobies: Another beautiful Acanthus mollis plant for architectural borders.

These plants give you the best of both worlds: drought-tolerance and the ability to cope with shade.

Our big paddling pool only comes out a handful of times each summer, but whenever it does, the ending is always the same. Once the girls have finished splashing around, we usually cover it for a while, but because we don't treat it with chemicals, we then need to empty it after a couple of days, which usually ends up as one giant puddle on our grass.

I'd never actually questioned it before, but after another spell of hot, dry weather and the constant threat of hosepipe bans, it made me think of how much perfectly usable water I was wasting, as well as the fact that I was wrecking my lawn in the process, which is why I was struggling to revive it all the time.

It turns out that as long as the water is clean and hasn't been treated with chlorine and other chemicals, gardening experts say there are plenty of ways to reuse paddling pool water around the garden instead of letting it drain away. So before I empty ours again, these are the tips I'll be stealing.

1. Give your borders a long drink

Instead of sending all that water across one patch of grass, the experts I spoke to say it's far better to spread it around the garden, particularly on established planting.

'People don't always realise how much water is sitting in a paddling pool, so it makes sense to use it elsewhere in the garden rather than just emptying it away,' says Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert at Caragh Nurseries. 'If it's only been used for paddling and doesn't contain lots of chemicals, it's ideal for watering trees, shrubs and flower beds.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, also recommends using it on ornamental plants and lawns, explaining that established plants have much stronger root systems than young plants.

Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, agrees that established plants are the safest bet. 'I wouldn't recommend it for watering fruits and vegetables as it is likely to contain traces of soaps, sunscreens, sweat and oil,' she explains. 'But I would highly recommend it for keeping established perennials, shrubs, trees and lawns hydrated.'

She also advises watering deeply at the base of plants rather than over the leaves to encourage healthier roots.

Padding pool watering essentials

2. Rescue your patio pots

Container plants are often the first to suffer during a hot spell because they dry out much faster than borders, making them an ideal place to use leftover pool water.

'Patio pots and hanging baskets are another great place to use it because they dry out much more quickly than plants growing in the ground,' says Jo. 'A really good soak with leftover pool water can help keep them looking their best during a hot spell.'

Jo also recommends pouring any remaining water onto your compost heap if it's becoming dry. 'Compost needs moisture to break down properly, so it's an easy way to put every last drop to good use.'

If you regularly fill a large paddling pool over summer like us, Jo suggests investing in a small submersible pump like Gardena's submersible pump, £59.99 at Amazon. 'It makes moving the water around the garden much easier than carrying watering cans back and forth, especially if you've got a larger garden.'

3. Store it in a water butt

If you've still got water left after watering the garden, why not save it for another day?

'The water from a paddling pool can be siphoned into existing water butts to ensure you have a good reserve during dry weather or for use during a hosepipe ban,' says Richard.

He advises only storing clean water that's free from chlorine, soaps and dirt, adding that it's worth filtering it through a sieve first to catch grass and other debris before pouring it into the butt. If you're using a submersible water pump, like this Amazon pick, to drain your pool, you could add this pump filter, £7.99 at Amazon, to strain it all out.

Lucie adds that this is especially worthwhile considering many family paddling pools hold several hundred litres of water, meaning there's often far more than you can immediately use around the garden.

Shop water butts

4. Help wildlife through hot weather

Clean paddling pool water can also be put to good use, helping wildlife stay hydrated. Richard says it's suitable for topping up bird baths, provided it's free from dirt, sunscreen, soap and chemicals. 'If the water appears dirty or has an oily film, this should not be used as it can ruin birds' feathers and make them more vulnerable to predators.'

Lucie also recommends using it to create shallow drinking stations for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, adding that involving children in transferring the water is a brilliant way to teach them about both wildlife and saving water.

Shop wildlife hydration essentials

5. Use it for cleaning jobs around the garden

Your plants aren't the only things that can benefit. Instead of reaching for the hose, Richards suggests using leftover paddling pool water to clean garden furniture, decking, wheelie bins and even wash the car using a bucket.

Lucie points out that hosepipes and pressure washers can use around 1000 litres of water an hour when cleaning patios or cars, so reusing water you've already paid for is a much more efficient option.

Where not to reuse paddling pool water

All three of the experts agree that you should avoid paddling pool water on fruit, vegetables or young plants if there's any chance it contains sunscreen, soaps or other contaminants.

If the pool has been treated with chlorine, Richard recommends leaving the water uncovered in the sun for around 24 hours before using it so the chlorine has time to dissipate.

So the next time I drag the paddling pool out (i.e. this weekend), I'll probably still end up with a soggy lawn where the kids are splashing around, but after speaking to the experts, I certainly won't be pulling the plug quite so quickly.

With hosepipe bans becoming an increasingly familiar part of summer, it feels like an easy way to water your garden during one!

If flies and mosquitoes have been plaguing your patio this summer, pest experts have revealed how a mix of coffee grounds and bicarbonate of soda can deter them from your garden, leaving you free to host, relax and enjoy.

It’s always helpful to know how to get rid of flies and mosquitoes. These buzzing pests can be a real nuisance when trying to enjoy your garden, and in the case of mosquitoes, carry a nasty bite, too.

Recently, Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor Lauren Bradbury used coffee grounds to deter flies from her home, and now pest experts have revealed you can apply a similar principle to your patio. Here’s how.

What's the hack?

Coffee has a strong fragrance that flies and mosquitoes can’t stand, and once lit and smouldering, they won’t go anywhere near it.

‘Flies and mosquitoes locate food and hosts primarily by smell, and strong, unfamiliar odours confuse and deter them. Coffee grounds produce a powerful, bitter aroma that insects find deeply unpleasant and that masks the smells that attract them in the first place, such as food, sweet drinks and carbon dioxide from humans,’ explains Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘Bicarbonate of soda used as part of a mixture can produce carbon dioxide when combined with an acid, which confuses mosquitoes whose tracking systems are tuned to follow CO2 towards a host. Used together, they create a reasonably effective scent barrier around a patio.’

Many pests, including flies and mosquitoes, rely on scent to navigate and communicate, and so scent deterrents are an effective way to keep them at bay. This scent deterrent method is easy to follow, too. Burn dry coffee grounds in a heatproof dish on your patio, and pests will stay away.

‘Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in and around rubbish bins or in areas where food odours tend to linger,’ suggests Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control.

‘Before using coffee grounds, ensure they are completely dry. Place them in a heatproof container outdoors and light them so they smoulder rather than burn with a flame. Position the container near seating areas, while keeping it well away from flammable materials.

‘These natural methods work best alongside good patio hygiene. Regularly empty rubbish bins, wipe away food and drink spills promptly, remove fallen fruit, and eliminate standing water from pots, buckets, and other containers to prevent attractive odours and mosquito breeding sites from developing.’

Is this a good hack to use?

While it definitely works, this method is most effective when the coffee is burning. So, unless you’re a full-blown coffee addict and have a steady supply, or have one of the best coffee machines at your fingertips, you might need a more permanent solution.

‘The benefits last only while the bicarbonate of soda continues to absorb odours and the coffee grounds are still smouldering. Once the smoke dissipates or new odours develop, flies and mosquitoes are likely to return,’ confirms Daniel.

However, this doesn’t mean the method is without benefit; it should be used alongside other deterrents.

‘It is a reasonable first line of defence for casual outdoor use and has the advantage of being cheap, natural and widely available. It will not replace a citronella candle or a pheromone trap for serious mosquito pressure, but as a supplementary measure around a patio table, it is worth doing. The burning coffee grounds method in particular is something I genuinely recommend for evening use outdoors when mosquito activity peaks,’ says Mosh.

Don't let pests put you off enjoying your patio this summer. Employing the right deterrents means you can have a practically pest-free summer.

It may not feel like it, especially considering the temperatures, but July is one of the most productive months in the gardening calendar – especially if you’re keen to expand your planting without spending a fortune. Because, yes, there are no less than five perennials to propagate in July if you want free plants aplenty!

Yes, we all know that propagation is the MVP in our gardening arsenals. It basically means that, rather than buying new plants every time you want to fill a gap in a border or refresh a tired-looking patch, you can just... well, just multiply the favourites you already have growing.

A single healthy plant can provide the starting point for several new additions, helping you create a fuller garden while saving money and reducing waste. And high summer? Why, it just so happens to be one of the easiest times to try your hand at taking cuttings.

Five perennials to propagate in July

So many perennials are putting on strong growth at this point in the year, which means that those stems are at the perfect stage to develop roots before the colder months arrive. With a few basic supplies and the right aftercare, even beginner gardeners can successfully grow their own plants for next year.

‘Summer cuttings will root quickly and grow into beautiful plants for next year,’ says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

‘It’s a great way to ensure you can replace any plants that suffer in winter, while also filling gaps in your borders with strong, home-grown stock.’

With that in mind, then, here are five reliable perennials to propagate in July, along with Morris’s expert advice on how to get them started. (Just take care to avoid any obvious propagation mistakes when you get to work).

1. Clematis

Clematis is one of the most rewarding climbers to propagate in summer, especially if you already have a healthy, established plant in your garden. If you fancy it, Morris recommends selecting a strong, non-flowering stem and taking a cutting carefully.

‘Choose a healthy stem and, with sharp secateurs (these Kimura bypass secateurs, £24.99 at Amazon, are our top buy), cut between leaf joints. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting powder. It’s very easy to root,’ he says.

Shop propagation essentials

Once prepared, the cutting should be planted into a pot of moist compost (like Westland Gro-Sure cutting compost, £8.85 at Amazon). To maintain humidity, cover it with a transparent plastic bag and place it somewhere warm and bright, but out of direct sunlight. ‘The plastic cover helps keep moisture in until the cutting has rooted well,’ adds Morris.

Be patient here, as clematis can take a little time. Once established, though, the reward is a vigorous climber that can transform fences, arches and pergolas. Win!

2. Salvia

Salvia is a cottage garden staple, loved for its spires of purple, blue or pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. And it is one of the best plants to grow from cuttings, so long as you target non-flowering shoots.

Morris explains: ‘Softwood cuttings can be taken from non-flowering shoots. Remove the lower leaves and place them into a gritty, moist compost. Keep these shaded and moist until rooted.’

The key here is balance, as too much sun can scorch delicate cuttings, while too little moisture will slow root development. A light, airy compost mix like Gro-Sure Westland Seed & Cutting Compost Bale helps prevent rot and encourages healthy root formation.

‘Summer cuttings will root quickly and grow into beautiful plants for next year,’ he adds, making salvia one of the most satisfying perennials to propagate at this time of year.

3. Lavender

Lavender is one of the easiest and most reliable plants to propagate in July, especially if you already have a bushy plant.

Morris suggests selecting side shoots that aren’t flowering. ‘Choose non-flowering side shoots and pull away from the plant with a small piece of older wood attached. Plant into a gritty mix of moist compost,’ he says.

Unlike some other perennials, lavender rarely needs rooting hormone and thrives in a warm position with excellent drainage. ‘Lavender roots easily in a warm position and usually doesn’t need rooting powder,’ adds Morris.

This is a particularly useful method if your lavender plants are getting woody or sparse, as propagation allows you to refresh your planting stock every few years.

4. Penstemon

Penstemons are brilliant long-flowering perennials, but the frost can and will make short work of them. ‘Sometimes they can suffer in long, cold winters, so propagating is a good way to ensure you can replace any damaged plants the following year,’ Morris explains.

Semi-ripe cuttings, Morris says, are the key to success here. ‘Take 5–10cm semi-ripe cuttings from healthy stems on the plant. Remove the lower leaves and place around the edge of a pot filled with a moist, gritty mix of compost,’ he says.

Positioning the cuttings around the edge of the pot helps improve airflow and rooting success. Keep them sheltered but not overly warm, and ensure compost stays lightly moist.

5. Hardy geranium

Fun fact: hardy geraniums are one of the most forgiving and productive perennials you can grow, and they multiply easily through division or cuttings. Or, as Morris puts it, they can ‘easily be propagated by dividing larger clumps after flowering, or by taking young shoots as cuttings. Hardy geraniums grow well and soon flourish again.'

Basically, a little propagation now and you will have the ideal filler plant for stuffing awkward gaps in borders or expanding existing drifts of colour. Plus, once established, geraniums quickly settle back into growth, rewarding even beginner gardeners with reliable, long-lasting colour.

FAQs

Whichever way you look at it, propagating perennials in July is one of the most cost-effective and satisfying gardening tasks of the summer. All it takes is a little patience, a clean pair of secateurs, the correct conditions, and a handful of cuttings to turn into a flourishing border by next year.

And when all of that is promised for free? Well, then the little effort it takes is more than worth it. Good luck!

If there’s one potting ingredient I swear by, it’s an unlikely one: sheep’s wool.

My potted plants have thrived every year since I discovered it for gardening, and it’s all thanks to its water-retaining benefits. Even in peat-free composts, which tend to dry out quicker, I’ve found I can water my plants less than I usually would – and that’s especially handy in hot summers like this one.

There are several ways you can use wool in potted plants, so I’m about to break down the ready-made composts I use and the pellet method I just discovered on Ish Kamran's (@gardening.with.ish) Instagram reel.

What you'll need

When I first stumbled upon Dalefoot Wool Compost for Potting (which you can order from Crocus) back in 2021, it completely changed the way I garden. Initially, I chose the brand because it specialises in peat-free composts (I’m a huge advocate for their environmental benefits), but I was pleasantly surprised by the ingredients: nutrient-rich bracken and comfrey, which feed the plant for up to 12 months and, of course, sheep's wool.

Dalefoot Composts claims that plants require 50% less watering in this compost, and I found that to be pretty true. I’ve actually planted all of my tomatoes in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes (also available at Crocus) this year, and they managed to survive the few days I was away while there was a heatwave here in the UK (even if the tomato leaves looked a little yellow and droopy when I first came home!). The plants are still pumping out tomatoes, which is so impressive considering the fact that A) it’s been sweltering, and B) they’re in relatively tiny pots.

You don’t have to buy pre-mixed wool compost, though, thanks to the existence of wool pellets.

It’s common knowledge that wool can deter slugs, since the critters hate anything that wicks water out of them, but I’d never really considered adding it to my potting mixes. Until I saw Ish’s Instagram reel, that is.

‘Add them to a tub of water or some really wet compost, and all of a sudden it makes this fantastic little slurry which is soaking in the moisture really, really well,’ says Ish.

‘I’ve been mixing this in with my multi-purpose compost or peat-free compost, which is not very good at retaining moisture anyway, and as a result, it’s been holding onto that moisture just a little bit longer, meaning that I don’t have to worry about my plants drying out so quickly.’

Besides their moisture-retentive and slug-deterrent properties, wool pellets have a few more benefits – and mulching is one of them.

‘If you place them on top, it actually works as a really good mulch layer, too,' Ish says. 'Any sun rays during a heatwave are reflected off of the soil, meaning the soil dries out slower.'

You can buy a top-rated pack of wool pellets from Amazon for £13.99.

‘A double bonus is sheep’s wool is naturally full of nitrogen, meaning when this breaks down, it’s also a slow-release food,’ he adds.

I'm sticking with my sheep's wool compost for the foreseeable – but wool pellets are something I want to try as a layer of mulch, or mixed into other wool-free composts I have lying around.

If this summer has taught me anything, it’s to never take shade for granted. And with hotter summers expected to become the new normal, it’s a good idea to create areas of shade in your outdoor space to help it stay cooler. So I spoke with garden experts who revealed three fast-growing trees and shrubs that are great for providing shade in a garden.

Where before, gardeners coveted a ‘sun trap’ garden, 2026 has proved there is such a thing as too much sun, with garden shade ideas becoming more popular. One of the best ways to shade a garden is with clever planting.

If you want to heatproof your garden and keep it cool for heatwaves to come, here are some fast-growing trees and shrubs that are great for providing shade.

1. Viburnum tinus

Not only is Viburnum tinus great for providing shade, but it’s also one of the best low-maintenance privacy shrubs. It’s evergreen, providing colour to your garden in the depths of winter, too.

‘A popular, hardy evergreen shrub, Viburnum tinus is low maintenance as well as fast growing, adding approx. 50cm each year to its height until it reaches maturity at between 2.5 and 4 metres in height,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘In the summer, its solid foliage creates effective shade, blocking the strong rays of the sun and providing great privacy. With pruning, you can shape this shrub into an informal hedge, standard tree, or simply leave it untrimmed to form a free-standing, multi-stemmed shrub.’

Where to buy Viburnum tinus:

• Viburnum tinus, £35.99, Crocus
• Viburnum tinus - Laurustinus, £14.97, Gardening Express
• Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', £24.99, Crocus

2. Silver birch

Silver birch is one of the most recognisable trees in the UK, famed for its gorgeous silvery bark. Silver birch trees grow relatively fast and establish quickly, too. Plus, its spring catkins make the perfect treat for wildlife.

‘Silver birch trees are another great option for sunny gardens. Their light canopy helps cool the area beneath while still allowing airflow through the garden. They thrive in full sun and prefer consistently moist soil,’ says Darren Beard, Senior Gardening Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres

Where to buy silver birch:

• Silver Birch (Hedging), £12.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Betula alba Pendula - Silver Birch - Circa 220-250cm Tall, was £89.99, now £59.99, Gard
• Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Youngii' - Silver Birch - Circa 250-300m Tall, was £129.99, now £69.99, Gardening Express

3. Photinia ‘Red Robin’

Another great shrub for privacy, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is known for its fast-growing nature and stunning, glossy red leaves.

‘I not only love the look of vibrant, fiery-red new foliage which Photinia ‘Red Robin’ produces in the spring, I also adore the fact that it’s year round, glossy, oval leaves create a dense cover to this fast-growing shrub, providing me with both privacy and shade during the summer months when I’m sat out in my garden,’ says Lucie.

‘Thriving in plenty of natural light, ‘Red Robin’ can produce 50 to 100cm of new growth in a year when in good, well-drained soil and with plenty of full sun. Once mature, your shrub should reach between 2.5 and 4 metres in height and spread, easy to manage by trimming twice a year, once in spring and again in late summer, so you can manage the shape and size of this shrub as well as encourage its foliage to remain full.’

Where to buy Photinia ‘Red Robin’:

• Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', £19.99, Crocus
• Photinia Red Robin Bushy Evergreen Hardy Shrub Garden Hedging Plant in Pot - 9cm pot, £8.97, B&Q
• Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin', £8.99, Thompson & Morgan

On a hot day, you can't beat a shady spot to cool down. Which tree is your favourite?

While the warmer weather has been lovely (most of the time), my garden has seen a few casualties from the heat this summer. Tender bedding plants and my hydrangeas have really suffered when it’s been hot and sunny, and it has been a struggle keeping up with watering and looking after them.

But when it comes to varieties like lavender and rosemary dotted throughout my garden, these plants are thriving in the hot weather, which has got me thinking about adding a few more Mediterranean plants that can cope better with the heat and will thrive even during a heatwave.

‘With the UK experiencing record-breaking temperatures throughout June and July, many gardeners are now on the lookout for drought-tolerant plants that can handle the hot and dry weather that could continue well into August and September,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist.

‘While many traditional bedding plants struggle to cope in periods of prolonged heat, Mediterranean plants have naturally adapted to large amounts of sunshine, dry soil and high temperatures, so now is the perfect time to consider them in your own outdoor spaces.’

1. Lamb's ears

‘Mediterranean plants are excellent choices for coping with the UK's increasingly frequent heatwaves,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.

‘Opting for varieties that can retain water is a must, and these will often have fleshy leaves that store excess moisture. Plants with silvery or hairy foliage, such as lamb’s ears or lavender, will reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, and those with deep root systems that can access moisture below the soil surface are also great options.’

Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) is a silver, velvety ground cover plant that produces pretty pinky-purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it a great low-maintenance choice for hot and sunny conditions.

Great for garden borders, edging and rock gardens, bees and pollinators love lamb's ears for its fuzzy foliage and the furry hairs on the leaves, which they use to line their nests.

Where to buy lamb's ears plants:

• Gardeners Dream: Enjoy the silver tones and velvety texture of this Lamb's Ears Stachys byzantina 'Pure Cotton', £14.99.
• Crocus: Or go for this variety with silver, white leaves - Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet', from £8.99.

2. Olive trees

'While our shifting summer weather certainly puts our gardens to the test, a little research and careful planning can go a long way,' says Shelley Davis, flower expert at Flying Flowers. 'By choosing the right varieties and adjusting our care routines, we can help these sun-loving Mediterranean plants establish themselves and bring a vibrant touch of the continent right into our gardens.'

'Nothing brings that Mediterranean holiday atmosphere home quite like an olive tree, and with UK summers getting hotter, we might actually start seeing them bear fruit,' adds Shelley. 'When temperatures settle into the late 20s and early 30s, olive trees will open up their tiny blossoms, which local pollinators can help develop into small, homegrown olives.'

'Just remember that while they love the heat, they aren’t completely self-sufficient. Young or potted olive trees need a steady supply of moisture, so keep the soil damp but never soggy to protect their roots from rot.'

'It’s hard to beat the addition of one or two olive trees to add a touch of ‘Greek summer holiday’ aesthetic to your outdoor space,’ agrees David.

‘Olive trees are incredibly resilient in hot weather and become more drought-tolerant as they mature. Place them in large containers with good drainage to keep them thriving during the heat.’

Where to buy potted olive trees:

• Beards & Daisies: Go for this easy-to-care-for small-sized Olive Tree Olea europaea, £24.
• Gardening Express: Or go for an established tree with this Giant Tuscan Olive Tree XXXL, £199.99.

Shop these extra-large patio planters

3. Geraniums

‘Geraniums are a summer staple,’ says David. ‘They love a sunny spot, and geraniums actually perform better when allowed to dry slightly between waterings, making them a great option for summer containers.’

‘For those looking to squeeze every last bit of the summer sunshine out of their garden, it’s also handy to know that geraniums continue to produce colourful blooms for months, regardless of how high the mercury rises,’ adds David.

Thanks to their thick, fleshy foliage that acts as a natural reservoir, geraniums don’t struggle in the heat. To keep them thriving and flowering when it's warm, water them at the base of the plants early in the morning or late evening, ensuring that any excess water drains away. And make sure to deadhead geraniums, pinching off dead flowers and any yellowing leaves regularly to ensure they’ll continue to flower throughout summer.

Where to buy geraniums:

• Crocus: Add vibrant colour with these Geranium 'Red Shades', from £4.
• Gardening Direct: Or go for a mix of sunny shades with this Geranium 'Reach-Out' mix, from £8.99.

4. Salvias

'Hailing from hot, dry climates, salvias are exceptionally drought-tolerant once established,' says Shelley. 'While other flowers might scorch under the intense summer sun, salvias keep their vibrant colour. And thanks to their deep root systems, they can tap into moisture deep underground, meaning they only require a thorough soaking once or twice a week even during a severe heatwave.'

'For ultimate summer resilience, look for the ‘Heatwave’ series–a hardy hybrid of Salvia microphylla (Mountain Sage) and Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage), known scientifically as Salvia x jamensis, which has been specifically bred to thrive in baking heat,' adds Shelley.

‘Salvia’s vibrant foliage is perfect for adding long-lasting bursts of summer colour to your garden,’ agrees David. ‘And with regular deadheading, salvias should continue to flower long after many other plants have started to fade.’

Salvias thrive in sunny, sheltered positions and look great in the middle or front of garden borders, and in gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens. Salvia in pots is more susceptible to drying out, though, so these will need more regular watering than plants in the ground.

Where to buy salvia plants:

• Gardeners Dream: Enjoy the purple colour and spiky shape of this Salvia 'Amistad', £15.73.
• Crocus: Or go for a hot pink variety with this Salvia gregii 'Lipstick', from £5.99.

5. Callistemon

‘When it comes to flowering shrubs that do well in hot, dry weather, varieties like callistemon, cistus and nerium oleander are all top picks,’ says Chris.

‘These plants are all able to retain water for heat spikes and do well in a hot climate. Their features include deep roots and leathery leaves, which retain moisture. Just make sure to protect them from the UK’s colder climates.’

Callistemon (also known as the bottlebrush plant) has dense cylindrical spikes of crimson flowers on the ends of aromatic green foliage. It flowers best when grown in full sun, and in moist but well-drained soil, sheltered from cold winds. Ideal for flower beds and borders, position callistemon against walls and fences where its bright flowers will pop more brightly.

Where to buy callistemon plants:

• Thompson & Morgan: For striking borders, try this Callistemon viminalis 'Hot Pink', £44.99.
• Gardening Express: Or go for a hot red variety with this Callistemon rigidus - Bottlebrush, £17.99.

6. Sea holly

‘Sea holly (Eryngium) is another plant that loves dry weather and is a bit more unusual looking, with its spiky, silvery-blue flowerheads that wouldn't look out of place in a coastal garden,’ suggests Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

‘Sea holly is tougher than it looks and actually does better when you leave it to fend for itself, so it is perfect for planting when conditions are dry and will cope in a heatwave.’

With purple, thistle-shaped flowers and spiky, architectural foliage, sea holly looks striking planted in garden borders, rising in drifts above low-growing plants or paired with billowy ornamental grasses or cottage-style flowers like salvias and alliums.

Where to buy sea holly plants:

• J. Parker's: Add structure and colour to borders with these Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', from £4.99.
• Crocus: Or go for the striking Eryngium bourgatii 'Picos Blue', from £14.99.

7. Silverbush

'Originating from the coastal areas and limestone hills of Spain, Italy, and Croatia, the silverbush is highly prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in the baking sun,' says Shelley. 'Much like salvia, this hardy plant only needs a deep watering during heatwaves when the soil has dried out completely.'

'While its delicate, white trumpet flowers can handle the heat, they may fade a bit faster in hot weather. Regularly deadheading these blooms will encourage a bushier shrub and stimulate a fresh flush of new flowers.'

Where to buy silverbush plants:

• Gardeners Dream: For a pretty swathe of white blooms, try this Silverbush Convolvulus cneorum, £10.49.
• Amazon: Or go for the fast-spreading Convolvulus Cneorum White Evergreen, £10.49.

8. Achillea

‘Achillea is another star pick for a potentially warmer climate,’ suggests Julian. ‘Achillea boasts flat-topped flowers in yellow, pink or red, sitting on feathery foliage that copes well in poor soil.’

‘Achillea is one of those low-maintenance plants that genuinely seems to prefer being left to its own devices, so it can thrive with little water,’ adds Julian.

Plant achillea in sunny borders with well-drained soil. Achillea’s flat-headed blooms look good when paired with plants that provide a contrasting shape, such as spiky salvias or feathery grasses. Deadhead flowers through the summer to encourage more blooms, leaving a few flower heads if you want to collect seed.

Where to buy achillea plants:

• Crocus: Go for these sunny yellow blooms of Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold', from £8.99.
• Gardeners Dream: Or try a mix of pretty pastel shades with this Achillea 'Summer Pastels', from £7.86.

Has your garden been suffering in the heat? Are there any plants that are thriving in your garden in the heat? Let us know.

Mulching is a crucial garden task all year round, especially during a heatwave – but there’s an underrated way to mulch that we don’t talk about enough.

Enter living mulch plants. Generally, they’re flowering groundcover plants or nitrogen-fixing annuals that provide cover around the base of other plants, protecting the soil and suppressing weeds in the process. Plus, several mulch plants are terrific at enriching the soil with nutrients.

‘The most practical options are the low, spreading ground cover plants that are already well stocked in garden centres over summer,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘These plants do the work of a traditional mulch, as they reduce weeds, lock in moisture and help keep roots cooler in summer, without the need for bags of bark or compost.’

These are the best living mulch plants that experts recommend for a healthier, drought-protected garden.

1. Aubrieta

Aubrieta is one of the first living mulch plants that Julian recommended to me, and it’s certainly among the prettiest.

This popular perennial flowers in spring, and its dense foliage throughout the rest of the year makes it the perfect groundcover plant for suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. Personally, I’ve got my eye on Aubrieta ‘Purple Cascade’ F1, which you can buy from Thompson & Morgan, because the blooms are so vividly purple.

‘For sunny borders, aubrieta is widely available and spreads quickly to form a dense, weed-suppressing mat,’ says Julian. ‘It’s low-maintenance, usually evergreen or semi-evergreen, and many will flower heavily, so they add colour while protecting the soil.’

Where to buy aubrieta:

• Crocus: Aubrieta F1 ‘Purple Cascade’ produces masses of pretty purple flowers for dense ground cover.
• YouGarden: Grow Aubrieta ‘Kate’ Mix for larger flowers that grow in mound shapes.

2. Clover

There are so many benefits to leaving clover in your lawn, but according to garden designer Zoe Claymore, it works wonders as a living mulch plant, too.

‘Clover is good for nitrogen fixing,’ says Zoe. ‘Wait until after the heatwave, and we’ve had some rain before sowing anything.’

It’s actually a popular green manure plant, which is why many gardeners sow it in spring or autumn before digging in the mature plants to give the soil a nutrient boost. In fact, many gardeners choose green manures over bags of mulch if they’re looking to prepare it for the next growing season.

Where to buy clover seeds:

• Amazon: Order a pack of white clover seeds.
• Thompson & Morgan: More green manure seeds to give your soil a nutrient boost.

3. Creeping thyme

Creeping thyme is by far one of the best groundcover plants for a sea of pretty blooms, and it’s a fantastic living mulch plant in other ways, too.

‘For a more natural look in sunny, dry spots, creeping thyme is easy to source and creates a low, walk-on carpet that holds moisture and keeps the soil cool,’ says Julian.

You could even take that walk-on carpet idea to the next level and grow a creeping thyme lawn, which requires a lot less watering than traditional grass.

Where to buy creeping thyme:

• Crocus: Creeping thyme 'Pink Chintz' produces flowers that release a light fragrance when brushed.
• B&Q: Grow Thyme pulegioides 'Archers Gold' for golden foliage.

4. Nasturtiums

When I first grew my own nasturtiums from seed, I quickly learned that the popular flowering annuals grow really fast. They gain height and spread at speed – but they also have a huge selection of benefits as living mulch plants.

'Nasturtiums make great living mulch plants as they have trailing stems and large leaves that can function as a weed-suppressing canopy,' explains Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture. 'The leaves will also shade the soil to help it retain moisture, and keep roots cool in hot weather.'

Richard recommends planting nasturtiums around plants with deep root systems, so that their shallow roots won't compete with them for nutrients.

Where to buy nasturtiums:

• Amazon: Order a pack of Fothergill's Oh Sow Simple 'Nasturtium Mix' seeds.
• Thompson & Morgan: Grow Nasturtium 'Purple Emperor' for pink flowers.

5. Periwinkle

Periwinkle is one of those fast-growing groundcover plants that can blanket an area with dense foliage in no time at all, so it’s among the best living mulch plants out there. Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor, which you can buy from Crocus) is generally the best choice for gardens, since it’s easier to manage than its greater periwinkle counterpart.

‘In shade or under trees, periwinkle is an excellent choice,’ says Julian. ‘These are common in garden centre shade‑plant sections, establish quickly, and are great at filling gaps and keeping bare soil covered through the year.’

Where to buy periwinkle:

• Crocus: Order 9cm or 2-litre pots of Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety'.
• Gardening Express: Vinca minor 'Illumination' produces striking golden foliage.

Who knew living mulch plants could be so good at nurturing and protecting our plants?

The holiday is booked, the weather looks great, but oh – what about the plants in the garden – especially if we have a heatwave while I'm away!

This is definitely a problem to solve this summer with unknown temperatures heading our way. I can deep water before I go, but that won't last long and my neighbours are elderly, so they can't help me.

I have turned to our garden experts for advice on how they look after their plants when they're on holiday, so I don't come home to very sad-looking plants that I've been keeping alive for the last few months.

1. Pre-care before you leave

The best place to start is by giving your garden some pre-prep before you leave.

Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, agrees, 'If you’re heading off for two weeks, the main thing is to give your plants a really good soak before you leave. Don’t just sprinkle the surface; make sure you water deeply so the moisture reaches the roots.'

It is possible to make watering mistakes, though – Julian does say don't overwater; things should be on the slightly dry side rather than overwatered and soggy. Another great tip from him is regarding pots and hanging baskets: 'These are usually the first to dry out, so it helps to move them out of full sun if you can, and group containers together to create a more sheltered spot.'

'Before you leave,' says Liam Cleary, gardening expert at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre. 'It's also worth removing any faded flowers or fruit that's ready to pick. Plants put a surprising amount of energy into producing flowers and seeds, so taking those off helps them focus on staying healthy while you're away.'

Mulching is very beneficial as it keeps the moisture in the soil. We like B&Q's Fargro Strulch organic garden mulch; it's £21.99 for a 9kg bag. Or if you like a decorative finish that's practical too, have a look at Amazon's Spruce ornamental bark mulch, it's known for helping with summer heat, £20.99 for 60 litres.

2. Watering spikes

'Watering spikes made from terracotta are extremely popular and easy to set up,' advises Lucie Bradley, gardening expert and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

Based on ancient 'olla' irrigation, the porous clay allows water to seep into the soil when it dries out. Soak the spike in water for a couple of hours, then push it into the soil near the roots. Then you get an empty bottle, fill it with water and insert it into the spike that acts as a reservoir.

Crocus sell a pair for £7.99 that will fit a wine bottle, they are made from natural clay. If you prefer to use a plastic version, then check out Amazon's six-pack for £7.95; they come with an adapter for different-sized bottles.

3. Capillary matting

Capillary matting is a great option, and it can be used in greenhouses or outside.

'Before going away, line plant saucers or trays with a layer of an absorbent material, such as capillary matting,' suggests Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture. 'Add water to the material, and then place potted plants back on top of their saucer or tray. The plant will be able to draw water from the material when it needs it.'

You will need a flat tray – we like Amazon's EarlyGrow three-pack of trays, £23.95. For capillary matting, try B&Q's Verve capillary matting sheets, pack of five for £3, or you can buy in rolls if you want a large piece.

Or, have a look at Tesco's Plantpak watering tray kit, which comes complete with trays and capillary matting, £12.99.

4. Cotton wicks

This is an idea that I think is genius, and I'll definitely be trying it!

Richard explains, 'You can use a cotton wick to water multiple plants at once while you are away. Bury one end of a piece of cotton twine or cloth a few inches deep into the soil of the plant. Submerge the other end of the cotton into a container or bucket filled with water, ensuring that the water is placed on a surface that is higher than the plant. The cotton will continuously drip water into the soil when it is dry.'

It works in the same way as capillary matting – the cotton cord continuously draws up water from a reservoir – and is a great value option.

You need to use 100% natural cotton string or rope. Amazon sell ten metres of self-watering absorbent cotton rope for £3.99.

5. Drip irrigation

'You can automate plant watering completely, whether you are on holiday or not, by using a drip irrigation system,' says Richard. 'The system hooks directly to your garden tap, and you can install a water timer to the faucet to control when water is released. Attach a soaker hose or drip system to the timer, and lay this across flower beds or into pots.'

When you are setting up a new watering system, Richard does advise testing it for a few weeks before you go away, 'You may need to adjust the water timer and pressure to find the right settings.'

We like the drip irrigation system 25 adjustable dripper from Easy Garden Irrigation, currently priced at £54.99. It has all the parts for up to 25 plant containers or 12.5 metres of hedging/six metres of flower borders.

Amazon have a 110 foot 90 pack kit with a quick connect system, it includes nozzles and sprinklers for your lawn too, £21.99.

Plant watering essentials

These great ideas from our experts are really worth trying, and after the hours of care we all invest in our plants and gardens, we want them to still look great when we get back from our holidays.

This summer has seen temperature extremes for the UK, and my grass is looking less than pleased right now. Unsurprisingly, the way you water your lawn in hot weather can have a huge impact on its condition – and it's something I've learned the hard way.

Contrary to popular belief, though, you shouldn’t water your lawn more. Just as there’s a correct way to mow your lawn in hot, dry weather, there’s also a right way to water it – and quality is better than quantity, according to the experts. Apparently, sprinklers are a little more redundant during heatwaves.

Here’s how you should be watering your lawn in hot weather.

What you'll need

If you take just one July lawn care tip on board during the height of a heatwave, make it this: don’t water your lawn every day.

‘Light, frequent watering encourages weak, shallow roots,’ says Jonathan Davis, grass expert at leading lawncare specialists Lawnsmith. ‘You're better off giving it a proper soak early in the morning or evening.’

That might sound counter-intuitive, especially when your grass is already looking yellow and worn – but according to experts, deep watering a couple of times a week is far better for your lawn’s overall health and longevity in future droughts.

‘A thorough watering once every few days does far more for a lawn than a daily light sprinkle,’ says grass expert Vania Zhang at Segway Navimow. ‘Deeper water encourages roots to grow down into the soil, making the turf naturally tougher when drought hits.’

Drought-tolerant planting is becoming more and more popular in the UK, and watering a lawn deeply rather than frequently in hot weather can toughen up your grass, too. You can still use a sprinkler, like this Hozelock Rectangular Oscillating Sprinkler from Argos, which can cover up to 220 square metres – but make sure you aren’t lightly sprinkling your grass every day, and stick to a deep soak once every few days instead. Plus, it’s usually easier to revive a dry lawn than you’d think.

‘When supplies are genuinely tight, water your most vulnerable plants first,’ says Vania. ‘Lawns are more resilient than they look and manage surprisingly well on a more targeted amount of water.’

Watering is crucial if you want to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave, but less is more for the making of drought-tolerant grass.

Garden experts are urging gardeners to check for these 5 things in their sheds this month, as temperatures become uninhabitable for some common store items.

I know when I’m too hot, I don’t work to the best of my ability, and the same can be said for some of the items in my shed. While the best shed ideas are perfect for maximising storage space, they hardly take into consideration extreme heat.

So, when temperatures reach above 30 degrees, some items are no longer suitable to be stored in the shed and need to be moved somewhere cooler.

1. Paint

When the weather reaches temperatures over 30, you really shouldn’t be storing your paint in a shed, as the high temperatures can affect the quality of your paint.

‘Paint, varnishes and other decorating products are some of the main items that shouldn’t be left in a hot shed because high temperatures can affect the quality and consistency of paint. It will separate, thicken or become difficult to use and even if the tin looks fine from the outside, the contents may no longer perform properly when you use them,’ explains Scott Godfrey, a construction trade consultant with Black Hammer.

‘Wood treatments, stains and some adhesives can also be affected by heat, which means you may not get the finish or strength you expect from them. If you have leftover paint you want to keep, store it somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.

2. Pesticides and weedkillers

If you use pesticides or weedkillers on your garden(although there are plenty of natural methods to get rid of pests), it’s important to move these products somewhere cooler during a heatwave.

‘Many garden chemicals become unstable or degrade in high heat, which can alter their effectiveness or make them hazardous. Some products also have a lower flash point than people realise. Always check the storage guidance on the label and keep these in a cool, dark environment rather than a shed that bakes in the afternoon sun,’ says Jamie Bloomfield, co-founder and director at Eden Landscapes.

3. Aerosols

Aerosols and extreme heat do not mix, which is why many cans come with warnings to keep them out of direct sunlight. During a heatwave, sheds can become unbearably hot and stuffy, which is a less-than-ideal environment for aerosols.

‘The issue is that sheds can get incredibly hot during periods of really warm weather, which can have a big impact. For some products like paints and adhesives, this can cause thermal and polymer degradation over time, which can affect their overall quality,’ explains Sue Taylor, product expert at Complete Construction Products.

‘That can be really frustrating, and something you don't realise until it's time to use it again. But another thing to consider is safety. Most aerosols have a max tolerance of 50C, which sheds could reach in enclosed spaces, especially if cans are exposed to direct sunlight. If that happens, then internal pressure can build up so much that cans can fail. Today, many cans are designed to tear apart rather than fragment to reduce potential injury, but they can still be a serious hazard.

‘To reduce the risk, move them outside to a well-ventilated and shaded spot, like a covered porch or near a north-facing wall. Keep them out of direct heat and away from anything metal that can add to the surrounding heat.’

4. Fuel and gas canisters

If you have a gas BBQ, I can’t imagine you’ve let it go to waste during all this sunny weather, which means you might have some gas canisters to store, too. But during a heatwave, this can actually be quite dangerous.

‘Gas canisters for barbecues or camping stoves are one of the most dangerous things you can store in a hot shed. High temperatures cause the gas inside to expand and the pressure inside the canister to rise sharply. A shed in direct summer sun can reach 50 to 60 degrees on a hot day, which is well above safe storage temperatures for pressurised gas. These should always be stored upright in a well-ventilated, shaded outdoor area away from any heat source,’ says Jamie.

5. Batteries

Lastly, you should avoid storing batteries - especially lithium iron batteries - in a shed during a heatwave. They can become a fire risk when the mercury soars, making it quite simply unsafe to keep them in a shed. Plus, the heat can affect how they work, too.’

‘Rechargeable batteries and cordless garden tool batteries are another item that shouldn’t be left sitting in a hot shed. Many modern garden tools use lithium-ion batteries, which can be sensitive to high temperatures,’ says Scott.

‘Repeated exposure to heat can reduce their performance and shorten how long they last, and won't hold their charge as well. It’s better to remove batteries from cordless mowers, strimmers and hedge trimmers and store them indoors at a stable temperature. The tools themselves can usually stay in the shed, but the batteries are the part that needs extra protection.

Now, you might want to check your shed for any of these items, and move them to somewhere cooler!

When the sun is beating down, patios can quickly become uncomfortably hot. And while parasols and pergolas can provide some welcome shade, Alan Titchmarsh's clever planting trick can also make spending time on your patio far more comfortable this summer.

In a recent Instagram reel, the gardening expert showed how he uses large, castor-wheeled planters, allowing him to move them around the garden with ease, refresh the layout, place plants in the best growing conditions, and change their position wherever they'll have the biggest impact.

And while it's a handy way to refresh the look of your outdoor space, it's also a clever solution to keep your patio cool in a heatwave. By moving tall, leafy plants beside your outdoor seating area, you can create more shade exactly where you need it, while taking advantage of the natural cooling effect plants have on the air around them. It's also one of the smartest small patio ideas if you're short on space and a flexible alternative to a fixed garden shade idea.

I asked experts why it's a trick well worth copying during hot weather.

How Alan Titchmarsh's moveable planters can cool a patio

Plants are a natural way to cool an outdoor space. Rather than absorbing and reflecting heat like paving and walls, they provide shade and release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration.

Richard Barker, a horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, explains that the right plants can cool a patio by reducing the amount of heat reflected from surrounding surfaces and lowering the temperature around them.

'Plants with large leaves or dense foliage can stop sunlight from heating the patio's paving stones,' he explains. 'Their leaves also cover nearby masonry, helping to keep surfaces cooler and preventing heat from radiating back towards you. As plants release water vapour through transpiration, they absorb heat from the surrounding environment, helping lower the temperature.'

Garden expert Lucie Bradley, from Easy Garden Irrigation, says this makes a moveable planter an especially clever choice.

'Plants are a lovely, natural way to help cool down a patio area by providing shade, blocking intense sunlight and releasing water vapour into the air, which helps lower the temperature,' she says.

Because the planters are on castors, you can move them to wherever they're needed most throughout the day, whether it's beside your seating area, around a dining table, or to shield a particularly hot corner of your patio.

Shop planters on wheels

Lucie says that unlike heavy pots that stay in one place, wheeled planters offer flexibility. If one part of your patio becomes a sun trap in the afternoon, you can roll a lush planter into position to provide cooling shade, then move it again later.

They're also ideal for smaller, compact gardens where every inch counts. Rather than filling valuable space with permanent raised beds, moveable planters can be rearranged depending on how you use your patio. They can even be wheeled into a more sheltered position during extreme weather or colder months, making them useful year-round too.

Which plants will help keep a patio cool?

To get the biggest cooling effect, choose plants with dense foliage, broad leaves or an airy canopy that creates some dappled shade, says Lucie.

Richard recommends bay trees (pick up a 9cm pot from £9.99 at Thompson & Morgan) as one of the best options for containers. Their evergreen foliage creates natural shade throughout the year. Hostas (this hosta collection, £19.95 from Crocus, has a good selection) and ferns are equally effective, thanks to their large, leafy growth (I like this 'ostrich fern' variety for height, available at Crocus from £ 5.99). Ornamental grasses, like Pennisetum Alopecuroides 'hameln', £14.99 from Thompson & Morgan, are another great addition, reflecting more sunlight than dark paving, while their soft foliage sways in the breeze, helping air circulate around your seating area.

Lucie also recommends crepe myrtles (Rhapsody in pink, £89.99 from Thompson & Morgan is a beauty), whose airy canopy provides pockets of shade. Canna lilies, like this pretty peach variety, Canna x gereralis 'Cannova Bronze Peach'. £9.99 at Thompson & Morgan, are another standout choice, with their dramatic tropical foliage creating lots of shade. However, they do need plenty of watering during prolonged hot weather, especially when grown in containers.

Shop expert-approved plants

So there you have it! With temperatures climbing, creating a cooler outdoor space doesn't always require large or expensive shade structures.

Alan Titchmarsh's moveable planter trick is a flexible, space-saving way to bring lush planting exactly where you need it most, helping to make your patio look more expensive on a budget, as well as making it feel cooler and a much more comfortable place to spend time in during even the hottest days of the summer.

Peony season is almost over (sigh), but if you want the fluffy blooms to flower again next year, you’ll need to know what to do with peonies after flowering.

Most peony varieties will be putting out their last flowers of the year right now, and many already have. If you’ve learned how to grow peonies before, you’ll know that the plants are perennial, so they flower year after year – but how well they bloom again depends on the care you give them after their flowering period ends.

Luckily, aftercare is pretty simple. I spoke to the experts, and they told me that these are the two things you should do with peonies after flowering to conserve the plants’ strength for next year.

What you'll need

1. Deadhead correctly

Deadheading peonies is a fine art because you can’t remove too much of the plant – but once you know where to make the cuts, it’s dead easy.

‘Once your peony has finished flowering, nip the faded blooms off at the first leaf node below the flower to leave the foliage to feed the crown for next year's flowers,’ says The Peony Farmer, Elonor Tivey.

I use a pair of garden snips like these Niwaki Garden Snips from Amazon (they're so satisfying to use!) to deadhead my plants. It’s crucial that you leave the foliage alone, because that’s what powers next year’s blooms.

‘Leaving those glossy green leaves intact is the trick to having gorgeous blooms next year, so be careful when trimming back the foliage and remove only the diseased or damaged leaves for now,’ advises flower expert Shelley Davis from Flying Flowers.

‘When the foliage naturally turns yellow, that signals the plant is winding down for the season. After this point, stems can be cut back to just above ground level to help keep the plant healthy over winter.’

2. Feed the plants (and the soil!)

For a bonus boost, it’s also worth feeding your peonies after they’ve finished flowering.

‘Flowering takes a lot out of plants, so a little extra care after blooming goes a long way,’ says Shelley. ‘A balanced feed and some extra water during dry spells will help peonies replenish their reserves.’

Balanced is the buzzword here, and you'll want to avoid fertilisers with a high ratio of nitrogen. This Levington Bone Meal Multi-Purpose Plant Food from Argos is slow-release and high in phosphorus, which is exactly what peonies need at this time of the year.

Shelley also recommends mulching around the base of the plant with compost to feed the roots and retain soil moisture in hot weather. RocketGro Peat-Free Magic Mulch, which you can order from B&Q with next-day delivery, is a gardener's favourite (it suppresses weeds, too!).

Caring for peonies after flowering is simple: just deadhead them, leave the foliage alone and feed them!

Given that the sun hasn’t seemed to stop shining this summer, it would be foolish not to indulge in hosting a few get-togethers in the garden. But if your outdoor space needs a few finishing touches, don’t fear, as I’ve found nine stylish and savvy outdoor hosting essentials at Argos for under £100.

It was the Serenity 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set, priced at £90, that caught my eye at Argos initially when plotting a budget garden revamp. But, when hosting outdoors, you really need to consider all bases beyond having the best outdoor furniture for guests to sit on.

This summer, you'll need the best parasol to offer some respite from the heat. I'd also recommend adding some garden lighting ideas, which will also come in handy to keep the party going into the warm evenings.

I'm happy to report that I've uncovered some budget gems still in stock at Argos that will help you be the hostess with the mostess without the expense. It pays to be a bargain hunter, and luckily, I’m willing to share all I’ve found. So, if you have any summer soirees lined up, these are the summer buys under £100 that will elevate your hosting game.

It's the attention to detail that guests remember, which is why it always pays to anticipate their needs and provide garden furniture and accessories that make a difference to the hosting experience.

Relaxing outdoors and dining alfresco are what summer is all about, but it’s no fun at all if you find yourself besieged by flies and bugs when you’re trying to take it easy or spend time with family outdoors.

For a natural solution that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, choosing fly-repellent plants for patio containers is a brilliant way of making outdoor seating areas less attractive to pests, while at the same time making the space look more colourful too.

‘When it comes to fly-repellent plants, there isn’t one plant that will deter flies completely; it’s more a combination of different fragrant plants for containers that will work best,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist. ‘But the good news is that by choosing a variety of herbs and flowering plants for patio pots, they will make the space look beautiful while releasing strong fragrances that flies find unpleasant, meaning your patio and seating areas will be far less attractive for them to linger in over summer.’

1. Lavender

‘Whilst the gorgeous aroma of lavender is pleasant to us, flies are put off by the smell, making lavender the perfect choice to place in patio containers. Plus, lavender thrives in direct sunlight and copes well with dry spells and heatwaves like the ones we’ve been experiencing this summer,’ says David.

‘In addition, bees and pollinators are naturally drawn to lavender too, helping to deter unwanted flies and insects further.’

When it comes to growing lavender in containers, choose a roomy pot with good drainage and free-draining compost, like this Westland Multi Purpose Compost, £7.98 from Amazon, as lavender does best in fairly dry conditions. Terracotta pots are ideal due to their porous nature which allows the soil to breathe.

Where to buy lavender plants:

• Gardening Express: Enjoy fragrance and colour with these compact Munstead English Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia plants, £4.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or go for the nectar-rich Lavender 'Hidcote', from £7.99.

2. Basil

‘The best plants for deterring flies are those with strong scents that flies find unpleasant,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express. ‘Growing herbs is an excellent choice, with varieties such as basil, mint and rosemary all giving off pungent aromas that flies dislike.’

‘Place basil in pots around your patio, particularly near seating areas, which will help keep flies at bay while you enjoy the sunshine. Gently agitating the leaves will help to release their scent.'

Basil can be grown easily from a shop-bought plant. It's a warmth-craving herb, so position containers in sunny, sheltered spots on the patio. And keep basil consistently watered, but don’t overwater, as it doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil. Check by pushing a finger into the soil to see how damp it is.

Where to buy basil plants:

• Gardeners Dream: Enjoy colour and fragrance with the unusual Purple Basil, £7.99.
• Amazon: Or add to your herb garden with these Basil Sweet Plants - 3 x 10cm Pot Herb Plants, £12.99.

Shop these patio planters

3. Rosemary

‘Rosemary is another easy-to-grow herb, releasing aromatic oils that deter flies, especially when disturbed or brushed against,’ suggests David. ‘As rosemary is a Mediterranean herb, it will flourish in sun-filled gardens and only requires minimal watering once established.’

When growing your own rosemary in containers, go for terracotta or clay pots, which allow the soil to breathe and prevent waterlogging. Fill containers with free-draining soil - adding grit or perlite, like this premium perlite for plants, £5.49 from Amazon, that will aid drainage - then position the container in full sun to ensure that your rosemary will thrive.

Where to buy rosemary plants:

• Gardeners Dream: Enjoy the intense aroma of this Rosemary 'Sissinghurst Blue', £13.99.
• B&Q: Or go for the upright ready-to-plant Rosemary Herb Plant, £11.99.

4. Mint

‘We all know the strong, fragrant smell of mint, but for many insects, including flies, that strong smell is too overpowering to go anywhere near it,’ says David.

‘When growing mint in pots, make sure to put it in its own pot to avoid it spreading into the borders of your garden, as it is a vigorous grower. Mint will die back over winter, but then regrows every spring, so it can live for many years. Nectar-rich purple, pink or white flowers appear in summer and are loved by pollinators.’

‘And let’s not forget the bonus of growing mint in your garden - being able to trim the leaves to use in your culinary dishes or as a garnish in your summer cocktails,’ adds David.

Where to buy mint plants:

• Amazon: Aromatic and flavourful, try this 'Moroccan Mint' herb plug plants, £9 for six.
• Suttons: Try these easy-grow mini plants - Mint 'Garden' Mentha spicata, from £14.99.

5. Citronella geraniums

‘Flowering plants such as citronella geraniums have a strong aroma that can help keep flies at bay,’ suggests Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.

‘Citronella geraniums, along with other citronella plants, like lemongrass and citronella grass, are particularly effective at deterring pesky flying insects and help by masking the scents of food and people that attract flies.’

A pretty and colourful plant that is ideal for patio containers, citronella geraniums have strongly aromatic lemon-scented foliage with small, single or double flowers in shades of pink, purple or white. Foliage can be given a light trim if required over summer to help plants keep their shape and size, with flowers deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms.

Where to buy citronella geranium plants:

• Amazon: Enjoy these zesty Lemon Scented Geranium - Pelargonium Citronella Geranium in a 12cm Pot, £13.99.
• Carbeth Plants: Or swap lemon for orange with these Orange Fizz Scented Geranium Plants, £10.99.

6. Marigolds

‘Marigolds add a unique splash of colour to patio areas, and their distinctive smell will deter a range of garden pests and flying insects,’ suggests David. ‘If you pair marigolds with lavender and rosemary, you can create a patio display that’ll look stunning as well as be highly effective at deterring unwanted visitors.’

When it comes to growing marigolds in containers, opt for smaller varieties such as French marigolds, like these marigold French durango mixed bedding plants, £16.99 from Gardeners Dream, which are available in a range of dazzling yellows, oranges and reds, or try bushy Signet marigolds, like these Signet marigold 'lemon gem' seeds, £2.99 for 450, from Amazon.

Marigolds don't require a huge amount of growing space as their roots aren’t particularly deep or wide-spreading, so pots can be fairly compact unless several plants are grown together. And container material isn’t too important, as marigolds are happy growing in terracotta, clay, plastic or wood.

Where to buy marigold plants:

• B&Q: Add colour and fragrance with the striking Marigold African Orange Bedding Plants, £19.99 for 12.
• Gardeners Dream: Or go for a mix of sunny colours with these Marigold French Durango Mixed Bedding Plants, £16.99.

Are you bothered by pests outdoors? Are there any tricks and tips you have for deterring flies? Let us know.

Fast-growing flower seeds are one of the easiest ways to bring a fresh burst of colour to your garden before summer comes to an end. While spring is traditionally the busiest growing season, there are still plenty of flower seeds you can sow in July for blooms in a few short weeks.

As the name suggests, fast-growing flower seeds are those that you can plant in July to go from sowing to flowering in as little as six to eight weeks. This makes them ideal for filling gaps left by fading early summer or giving tired containers a late-season lift.

'It’s all about choosing flowers that grow quickly enough to bloom before the weather turns,' explains garden design expert, Jo McGarry from Caragh Nurseries. Luckily, there are several fast-growing varieties that are quick to germinate, easy to grow and capable of producing colourful blooms before autumn arrives.

1. Nasturtiums

'Nasturtiums are a strong choice for fast colour and foliage as they grow quickly in warm soil, cope with poorer ground, and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, borders or as ground cover,' says Jo.

She says shorter or dwarf types are the best for July sowing. 'They don’t need to put on as much growth before blooming.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, also recommends nasturtiums for a quick colour display. 'They usually germinate within seven to fourteen days, with some potentially sprouting in as little as five days,' he explains. 'After they have sprouted, plants will mature quickly and produce flowers after eight to ten weeks.'

Nasturtiums can be sown directly where you want them to flower, and a later sowing can ensure that you have flowers up until the first frosts. They also make great companion plants paired with vegetables for pest-control.

Where to buy nasturtiums:

• Thompson & Morgan: Sow these Nasturtium 'Alaska Mix' seeds, £1.69 to produce vibrant, multi-coloured blooms.
• Suttons: For a single pop of colour, try these Nasturtium 'Orange Troika' seeds, £2.49.

2. Calendula

Calendula - widely known as pot marigolds - is a reliable choice if you want to bring a splash of colour to a tired garden border.

'Calendula can germinate within a week or two after sowing, and should flower within six to eight weeks,' says Richard. 'The seeds can be sown direct where plants are to flower and need little attention aside from keeping the soil moist.'

As well as flowering quickly, calendula is a resilient choice for summer sowing. Morris Hankinson, managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, notes it's particularly useful in warmer weather. 'It's notably drought-tolerant once established, and will self-seed for next year too,' he says.

Where to buy calendula:

• Dobies: These Calendula 'Playtime Mixed' F1 offer a mix of single, semi-double and double blooms for just 89p.
• Thompson & Morgan: These Calendula officinalis 'Neon' seeds, £1.69 reward glowing orange, double flowers edged in burgundy.

3. Sweet alyssum

'Sweet alyssum is one of the quickest flowers to sow in July, with blooms appearing in as little as 45 days,' says Jo.

It works well at the front of borders, in pots and as soft ground cover where summer planting is starting to fade.

'Sweet alyssum is great for filling gaps in quickly; they spread to around 10 inches and bring a honeyed scent to the garden, making it useful for refreshing patio pots and softening the edges of beds,' adds Jo.

Where to buy sweet alyssum:

• Dobies: Alyssum 'Carpet Of Snow', £1.29 are great for borders and containers, and can flower in as little as six weeks from sowing.
• Mr Fothergills: Or try these RHS Alyssum Violet Queen, £3.49 for 1500 seeds for a vibrant pop of colour.

4. French marigolds

Often hailed as a superhero flower, few flowers deliver as much cheerful colour for so little effort as marigolds.

They germinate quickly, with some seeds sprouting within five days of planting, making them a great choice if you're looking for a quick burst of colour before the end of summer. Just be sure to stay on top of deadheading as the blooms fade, which will keep them flowering for longer.

'They usually take around six to eight weeks to produce flowers if growing from seed, with French marigolds growing faster,' says Richard. 'Planting in full sun can help to encourage the plant to produce plenty of flowers.'

Where to buy French marigolds:

• Amazon: Marigold French ‘Summer Loving Mix’, £1.99 create large, bold blooms that remain vibrant for an extended period.
• Dobies: Or try these deep orange- coloured French Marigold Seeds - Tiger Eyes, £1.19

5. Zinnias

If you're willing to wait a little longer for your reward, zinnias are one of the most impressive fast-growing flower seeds to sow in July. While they typically take around eight to ten weeks to flower, they make up for it with their bold, jewel-like blooms and long flowering season.

'Expect a slightly longer wait than some other quick growers, but zinnias reward it with some of the most vivid, long-lasting colour of any July sowing,' says Morris.

Particularly suited to borders and raised garden beds, zinnias continue producing flowers over long periods. 'They can be sown outdoors directly into the soil where you want them to grow, and picking flowers regularly keeps more coming,' adds Richard.

Where to buy zinnias:

• Thompson & Morgan: These Zinnia forecast seeds, £3.99 will flower into an eye-catching array of purple, pink, orange, salmon, yellow and cream shades.
• Suttons: For a softer look, try these Zinnia 'Peaches and Cream', £3.49.

6. Cosmos

If you're looking for maximum impact from a late-summer sowing, growing cosmos is hard to beat. They might not be the fastest flower on this list, but they're prized for producing masses of delicate blooms over a long season.

'Cosmos are exceptional value for a July sowing because they flower over a long period, giving the best return for a late start,' says Morris. 'They can produce their first blooms in seven to ten weeks, then keep flowering right through to the first frosts.'

They're also easy to grow from seed and will continue producing flowers well into autumn if you deadhead cosmos regularly.

Where to buy cosmos:

• Stocks & Green: Cosmos 'Double Dutch Rose' Seeds, £2.49 are easy to grow and fast-growing so ideal for late summer blooming.
• Amazon: Or try Fothergill's Cosmos Sensation Mixed Flower Seeds, £1.49

What are the most important tips for sowing flower seeds in July?

According to Morris Hankinson of Hopes Groves Nurseries, managing heat and moisture is the key challenge when sowing fast-growing flower seeds in July. 'Sow in the evening to give seeds a cool overnight period to take up moisture before the heat of the day returns,' he recommends. 'Keep the soil surface covered with a light layer of compost or fine mulch to prevent the top few centimetres from drying out and crusting over, as this can stop germination altogether.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, adds that while most fast-growing flowers need plenty of sunshine to bloom well, newly emerged seedlings can struggle during hot spells. 'You'll need to provide them with dappled shade in the hottest part of the day to prevent them from bolting or wilting,' he says. There are several easy ways to shade plants in hot weather without having to move them if they're already in the ground.

If your garden is lacking colour, there's still time to sow these fast-growing flower seeds and enjoy flowers before summer is over.

Outdoor lighting is becoming just as important as the lamps and light fixtures you put in your home. This summer, fairytale-inspired outdoor lighting has exploded in popularity. However, if light-up mushrooms and floral stakes aren't for you, I've recently spotted a more boho-inspired style emerging as a playful way to turn your outdoor space into an enchanted garden - solar-powered hanging lanterns.

Garden lighting ideas should be both practical and beautiful, and these lovely paper-lantern style garden lights are just that. Cluster a couple of these lamps together, and when the sun goes down, it will create a magic look, reminiscent of the paper lantern festival scene in Tangled.

Solar-powered hanging lanterns

These garden lanterns have a similar look to the classic IKEA paper lantern that casts a lovely diffused glow at night, except they're made from more sturdy, weather-proof fabric so that they can withstand the wind, rain, heat, and anything in between. And most of them, such as the Lights4fun tassel lanterns, available at Amazon, come equipped with solar-powered lights.

A huge driving force behind these emerging outdoor lighting trends is that so many of them are now solar-powered. This means that you don’t have to worry about batteries or recharging them. Instead, the incorporated mini solar panels collect power from the sun during the day and automatically turn on in the evening when it gets dark. They're effective, low-maintenance and magical looking.

During the day, the paper lanterns will give your garden a relaxed, boho look. But once the sun sets and the lights turn on, they will look extra magical.

The Light4fun versions are my current favourites, and while I haven't tried them yet, they come with glowing reviews from customers. ‘Beautiful when set up and easy to put together. Endured rain, thunderstorms and a heatwave and still looking great,' wrote one.

‘These lanterns are very beautiful, well-made and well worth the money. Everyone who comes to the garden admires them. Definitely recommend,’ writes another.

My top tip for styling these lanterns would be to hang them in clusters from a pergola or in a tree. If you can, I'd weave in different sizes too to create a beautiful graduated effect.

Alternatively, if you only have a small space, this lantern style of lamp is often available as mini string lights that can be hung along a fence or woven through the spokes of a parasol.

How are you lighting your garden this season – are you investing in some chandeliers like Amanda Holden? Or are you recreating Nigella Lawson's magical garden lighting set-up?

For me I'll be embracing the boho look with these lovely lanterns.

Having an outdoor space that you can escape to is wonderful, even if you’ve only the smallest of plots. A compact patio has lots to offer compared to a very big garden. Everything you need is close to hand; looking after a smaller space is easier and less time-consuming than maintaining a large garden, and small patio ideas can often feel cosier and more private than a very open or overlooked outdoor space.

If lack of space is a problem, there are lots of clever visual tricks that you can use to make a compact patio feel a bit bigger. Limiting the colour palette can be a good starting point, whether wall colour, furniture or flooring, as too many colours confuse the eye and can make a small space feel chaotic. The same goes with choice of planting too. Keeping to two or three colours that are repeated throughout containers, raised beds, and borders can create a more cohesive, natural scheme that feels less muddled than lots of clashing colours.

1. Raised structures

Using vertical space effectively can make a small patio feel bigger. A raised structure, such as a pergola or arch, draws the eye upwards so that attention is diverted from the lack of floor space. Decorate with solar lanterns and festoon strings to create extra visual interest.

2. Streamlined furniture

Try not to overcrowd a small patio with furniture. Keep to a few well-chosen pieces of small space garden furniture or a matching set, rather than a mismatched collection of chairs and tables. It will give the space a more cohesive feel.

Woven garden furniture is lightweight and easy to rearrange if needed, and looks less bulky than hefty wooden furniture.

3. Thoughtful flooring

Choice of flooring is key when it comes to a small patio. Large-format paving with fewer grout lines creates the illusion of space, while floor tiles laid diagonally can make the floor area appear wider. Use an outdoor rug as an anchor point for garden furniture – it helps draw the eye in so the items feel intentionally placed.

4. Multi-level planting

Avoid having too many pots at ground level and make use of vertical space instead. Fix trellises to fences to train climbing plants up, together with wall-hung planters and hanging baskets for growing trailing flowers. Use tiered stands to arrange pots and planters at different levels.

5. Space-saving storage

Be savvy with your set-up so you can incorporate all the essentials you require. Save room with folding or stackable pieces that can be put away when not needed and utilise wall space with hooks and hanging rails, wall-hung cubbies and trellises to hang things on.

6. Reflective surfaces

Paler colours on walls and flooring can help to bounce light around so that the space feels brighter and more open. Hanging an outdoor mirror also gives the illusion of extra garden space. (Be careful not to position it in direct sunlight or where it could affect birds.)

Get the look

A pocket-sized patio doesn't have to be a pain point, but can become a little garden jewel box, or a tiny oasis for you to relax and unwind.

No garden is complete without lavender. Instantly recognisable, its beautiful perfume and eye-catching flowers instantly elevate any garden scheme.

Lavender is a relatively low-maintenance plant, even in a heatwave. Growing lavender should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for drought-tolerant plants. However, while it is tolerant of hotter temperatures, there are a few garden jobs you should do in July to ensure your lavender thrives rather than just survives.

'With sensible watering and a little shade at the peak of the day, lavender will not just survive the heatwave – it’ll keep sending you fragrant flowers for weeks,' says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

1. Water regularly but be cautious of overwatering

The advice for what to do with lavender in July is very similar to what you should do with lavender in June, though additional steps are needed during a heatwave.

As a Mediterranean garden plant, lavender is surprisingly heat-tolerant, meaning it really comes into its own in July. 'Lavender handles heat far better than most of us, but in a July heatwave, the real danger isn’t drought – it’s overwatering,' says Julian. 'To avoid this common garden watering mistake, think like a Mediterranean gardener: give it full sun, really good drainage, and only water when the soil is genuinely dry.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture, advises checking the soil before watering. 'Mature plants only need to be deeply watered when the soil feels dry a few inches below the surface.' A moisture meter, like this from Amazon, can also prove invaluable in this (and helps keep your hands clean).

For newly planted lavenders, a more regular watering schedule is advised, but still take a cautious approach. 'If a lavender has consistently wet soil, this can cause root rot, weak growth or the plant may produce fewer flowers,' says Richard.

Heatwaves often throw off our usual watering schedule, making it harder to know how often to water your garden in hot weather. Taking a moment to check the soil, rather than just going on instinct, can be the difference between your lavender plant making it through or not. 'In a heatwave, check the soil in the morning and water early or late, so the plant can take up water before the worst of the heat hits,' advises Julian.

2. Avoid fertilising lavender in July

Once the temperature starts to climb, it's important to put down the fertiliser.

'Avoid feeding lavender in July, especially with standard nitrogen-rich fertilisers. Lavender grown in nitrogen-rich soil can produce up to 40% fewer blossoms than plants grown in poor, free-draining soil, so lean conditions are often better for blooms,' says Jo McGarry from Caragh Nurseries.

3. Deadhead for second blooms

A pair of deadheading snips – like these from Amazon – is essential when it comes to caring for a lavender in July. While there are some plants you should never deadhead, lavender isn’t one of them.

Regularly deadheading lavender blooms can prolong the flowering period by focusing the plant's energy into more flowers rather than seed production.

'Do not wait until an entire flower stem has finished blooming, and instead, cut off spent flower stems as they begin to fade,' says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. 'Cut just above the first set of leaves, but avoid the woody part of the stem. Try not to deadhead every flower spike, as it is a valuable nectar-producing plant.' After all, it is these nectar-rich blooms that make lavender one of the best plants to attract butterflies to a garden and a great plant for bees.

Deadheading is, of course, quite different from pruning and knowing the difference between deadheading and pruning is key. Deadheading is simply removing the blooms, while pruning lavender involves cutting the stems to encourage new growth. 'Lavender should not be pruned aggressively in July, as it will not respond well if you cut back into the older, woody stems,' says Richard.

4. Check pots daily

In July, especially during a heatwave, it is vital to keep your eyes on lavender plants grown in pots. Potted plants are more vulnerable to heatwaves than plants in the borders, so make sure you know how to spot the signs your plants are suffering from heat stress.

Water regularly – always checking the soil to avoid overwatering – and move the pot into a shadier spot. Adding a layer of mulch is a great way to help the soil retain moisture and mitigate the effects of the heat.

Our senior digital editor, Jenny McFarlane, swears by using RocketGro Magic Mulch, which you can pick up for £14.68 from Amazon.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you should be treated to gorgeous blooms and beautiful scent all summer long.

If you thought David Beckham was only good at football, then you should know he's a pretty good gardener as well - if his latest harvest of broad beans is anything to go by.

Anyone who’s considering growing broad beans should know that it’s one of the easiest and tastiest vegetables you can grow at home. And taking to Instagram, the former England footballer showed off his mammoth yield of broad beans - and believe us, they’re huge!

Luckily for us, gardening experts have revealed how we too can grow a bountiful harvest of broad beans just like the Beckhams. Here’s everything you need to know.

When I think of the Beckhams, I’m more inclined to think of Victoria’s interior style, from her ‘sexy’ reading nook to the green ‘red thread’ that runs through her home. However, the fashion designer and former Spice Girl regularly shows glimpses of her husband David’s garden, too, on Instagram - and it was here that I spotted the beans.

‘I think I’ve overachieved with my broad beans,’ David quipped to the camera as Victoria filmed the harvest.

‘Only David Beckham had broad beans quite like that,’ Victoria joked.

But I’m here to tell you that you also can be a broad bean overachiever just like David. Of course, you’ll need to get the foundations right, such as knowing when to plant broad beans to ensure a fruitful garden veg patch.

‘Victoria's right, David is clearly an overachiever. Most gardeners would be thrilled with a decent crop, but he's managed to grow a broad bean that looks like it belongs in a county show. The good news is that broad beans are one of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow,’ says Luke Newness, garden expert at Hillarys.

'They thrive in fertile, well drained soil that's enriched with compost, enjoy a sunny spot, and benefit from regular watering while flowers and pods are developing. Keep an eye out for blackfly on young shoots, and pinch out the growing tips if they appear to help keep pests at bay. Harvest the pods when they're plump but still bright green for the sweetest flavour. You might not produce a broad bean quite as impressive as David's, but with a little care, they're one of the most rewarding crops you can grow at home.’

Broad beans are a great choice for UK gardens because they are incredibly hardy and cope with our cold winters and unpredictable weather, and can handle a little neglect. But if you want a bumper crop, they will benefit from feeding, too.

‘My top tip is to start feeding your broad beans as soon as you plant them, then continue every seven to 14 days throughout the growing season, which runs from March through to October. It's a simple step that can reward you with healthier plants, fuller pods and a bigger harvest to enjoy - just like David Beckham’s!’ says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Maxicrop.

What you need

If you want to be a broad bean overachiever just like David Beckham, ensure your beans get plenty of sun, well-drained soil and a decent feed.

Heatwaves have become the norm for British summers, and our gardens are definitely bearing the brunt of them right now. To help my plants survive the heat, I set out to find the key things a drought-tolerant garden always has.

Climate-resilient planting is a huge garden trend for 2026, and there’s a real focus on prepping our gardens for extreme temperatures. Besides drought-tolerant planting, there are lots of ways to batten down a garden’s hatches against increasingly hot summers.

I’ve rounded up a few essentials that a drought-tolerant garden always has to help you protect your plants in heatwaves and dry weather.

1. Drought-tolerant plants

Drought-tolerant plants do exactly what they say on the tin: they can cope with dry conditions and even thrive in hot weather.

It makes sense, then, that they’re staples in a drought-tolerant garden. So many of the gardens at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show featured climate-resilient planting, marking a real shift toward drought-tolerant planting this year. There are so many drought-tolerant plants for pots and borders alike, so there’s no shortage of choice.

‘What you’ll find in all gardens which are designed to be drought-tolerant is that the plants can thrive on minimal water once established,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

Lucie recommends popular perennials like lavender, agapanthus and hardy geraniums, as well as fast-growing, drought-resistant flowers like cosmos and zinnias for bold colour. Agapanthus africanus 'Albus', which you can order from Crocus, produces beautiful white blooms.

2. Rainwater collectors

Rainwater collectors are another feature that drought-tolerant gardens always tend to have, and they’re an ultra-sustainable garden idea, too.

Whether you install a traditional water butt or hang a rain chain to decorate your space, harvesting your own rainwater means you’ll have a steady supply of water if your area is affected by a hosepipe ban. Other than that, it’s a really good way to save money on your water bill – and your plants will thank you for it, too.

‘Using rainwater is one of the best ways to keep your plants hydrated as it's free of chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which are found in tap water, as well as being naturally free of salts,’ explains Lucie.

‘Whilst traditionally you could use collected water to fill watering cans or buckets, special irrigation systems are now available which enable you to use this low-pressure water, including solar-powered systems from Gardena, Hozelock, Claber and Irrigatia.’

The Hozelock Solar Select Controller Kit, which you can buy at Amazon, is solar-powered and designed to draw water up from buckets and water butts.

3. Efficient watering systems

That brings us to another drought-tolerant garden essential: an efficient watering system.

Every garden needs water, no matter how climate-resilient it is, and an irrigation system is one of the most effective ways to provide it.

‘Many gardeners will install drip watering systems that supply water slowly directly onto the surface of the soil so your plants are deep watered rather than with traditional garden sprinklers, which not only waste water through evaporation but can also make plants more susceptible to disease as they wet their foliage,’ Lucie explains.

Lucie recommends the GARDENA Micro Drip Irrigation System (available at Amazon), which can be customised over the years, or a porous soaker hose like this one from Gardening Express, which is ideal for watering flower beds and borders.

‘A porous pipe or drip tube is so flexible and will provide water directly to the surface of the soil or mulch, or can be buried in the mulch to make it even more discreet,’ says Lucie.

You could even install a smart watering controller like the GARDENA Smart Water Control from Amazon, which allows you to schedule watering sessions from your irrigation system.

4. Mulch

Mulching has so many perks, from enriching the soil with nutrients to suppressing weeds – but the biggest benefit in hot summers? It can keep your soil moist for longer.

‘A layer of mulch helps prevent moisture from evaporating from the soil,’ says Jude Allen, head grower at Wild Farm in Hertfordshire, which supplies much of the produce for farm-to-fork restaurant WILD in Berkhamsted. ‘Grass clippings, straw or homemade compost all work well. Avoid using fresh woodchip, as it can deplete nitrogen in the soil, which plants need for healthy growth.’

Strulch, which you can buy from Amazon, is a popular straw mulch which conserves soil moisture and gives beds and borders a nutrient boost.

‘Regardless of what type of mulch you use, applying a layer between 5 and 7 cm in depth will successfully protect the soil from extreme temperatures and reduce evaporation from the surface,’ adds Lucie. ‘Once you have applied mulch to the surface of your soil, it will then only need topping up once a year – or less if you are using mulches which decompose more slowly.’

Keep these drought-tolerant garden essentials in stock to preserve your plants in hot weather.

The UK is experiencing its third (yes, third) heatwave of the year, but this doesn’t mean it’s too hot to enjoy our gardens — especially as garden experts are recommending this stylish garden furniture idea to help keep your patio cool.

It would be fairly annoying to discover that all your patio ideas have gone to waste if it is too hot to sit out and enjoy the outdoor space this summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cool a patio, including this unusual method you probably haven’t considered yet.

Experts have revealed that outdoor rugs are useful for far more than simply making your garden seating ideas look good. They can also help cool your patio.

How to use outdoor rugs to cool a patio

If you’ve been wondering whether garden rugs are worth it, from a cooling perspective, yes, they absolutely are. This is because outdoor rugs don’t tend to retain as much heat as patio stone, so they feel cooler underfoot.

‘As temperatures continue to rise, creating a cool and comfortable outdoor space becomes just as important as styling it. If your patio is paved with stone, you'll know how quickly it can heat up under the sun, making it almost impossible to walk across barefoot,’ says Kirsty Barton, Brand Storytelling Manager at Alternative Flooring.

‘A great way to avoid this is by incorporating outdoor rugs into your patio area. Not only do they help define seating and dining spaces while introducing colour, pattern and texture, they can also create a softer surface underfoot, helping to reduce the heat radiating from the sun-soaked paving stones.’

When selecting a rug for your garden, you’ll need to ensure you use the correct material. Experts recommend selecting rugs made from recycled PET or polypropylene, as it absorbs less heat than stone. Dunelm's stylish blue striped indoor/ outdoor rug (£35) is 100% propylene, and a good option.

‘Since many outdoor rugs are made from synthetic fibres (ours are made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles), they don't retain as much heat as hard surfaces, helping to create a comfier and cooler floor to walk or sit on. Your pets will thank you too as it'll prevent them from burning their paws during hot weather,’ says Reilly Gray, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle.

However, Reilly does also point out that outdoor rugs are not the only way to cool a patio, nor are they what you should rely on to cool a patio. While great for helping your floor feel cooler, you will need to provide shade, too - which you can do with a sun sail (£34.99, Amazon) or pergola (£145.99, B&Q).

‘Outdoor rugs are definitely a worthwhile investment to add comfort and reduce glare, but they would not be a cost-effective way to cool an entire patio. Instead, introduce shade with pergolas, awnings or sails to help block direct sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Pairing your shade solution with outdoor fans, strategically placed planting and lighter coloured paving will help create a much cooler and more enjoyable space, especially during the hotter weather,’ says Reilly.

Shop outdoor rugs

Here are a few of my favourite outdoor rugs for a stylish patio. Made from recycled PET for a cooler feeling underfoot.

When used alongside other cooling methods, an outdoor rug can make your patio feel cooler and more comfortable to walk on. It will earn you instant style points, too!

Who doesn’t love a rose garden? These beautifully romantic blooms have long been a staple plant in gardens across the UK, but as hotter summers are expected to become more normal, it’s time to be a little more savvy about what we plant. This is why gardening experts have revealed five types of roses that are better suited to warmer climates.

While pro gardeners are opting for drought-tolerant plants and climate-resistant planting schemes, you don’t have to say goodbye to planting roses. If this summer has left your garden looking a bit frazzled, you’d benefit from opting for drought-tolerant options for next year.

Roses are tougher than you think, and these five varieties are what the pros recommend if you’re looking for drought-tolerant options without losing the classic English cottage garden look.

1. Rambling roses

‘Whilst most types of roses like moist, well-draining soil, some types will be more resilient to drought conditions than others and some of the best ones I’ve found for drought tolerance are rambling roses such as the sweetly scented Rosa ‘Gardenia’, the thornless Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ and the glorious Rosa ‘American Pillar’ with its vibrant carmine-pink blooms,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

Rambling roses share lots of similarities with tough wild roses, which can survive in poor soils. This naturally makes them more drought-tolerant than other varieties.

‘They quickly establish extensive root systems which stretch deep into the ground to allow them to access water which shallow-rooted floribundas would not reach. You will also find that rambling roses tend to bloom only once a year, in June to July, so you don’t have to use lots of energy needed for repeat flowering,’ adds Lucie.

Where to buy rambling roses

• Rose banksiae 'Lutea' (Rambling Rose), £39.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Rosa Rambling Rector, Rambling Rose, £32.99, Crocus
• Super Fairy, £35, David Austin Roses

2. Rosa rugosa

Not only is rosa rugosa (£19.99, Thompson & Morgan) one of the best plants to attract birds to your garden, but it’s also well-suited to poor conditions.

‘Rosa rugosa is one of the toughest and most resilient roses you can grow. Native to coastal habitats, it’s well adapted to poor or sandy soils, exposed gardens and prolonged dry spells,' says Amber Tunney, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

'Its deep root system allows it to access moisture lower in the soil, while its naturally robust nature makes it highly resistant to many common rose diseases. As a bonus, it produces attractive hips in autumn, providing seasonal interest as well as a valuable food source for birds.'

Where to buy rosa rugosa

• Rose rugosa 'Rubra', £19.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Rosa rugosa Alba, £34.99, Crocus
• Rosa rugosa 'Jam-A-Licious', £34.99, Gardening Express

3. Ground cover roses

Groundcover roses will suppress weeds and make your garden borders smell fantastic. They’re also a brilliant way to increase the amount of colour in your garden, at every height level.

‘For a ground cover rose which combines minimal care with continuous blooms from June through to October, you need look no further than the resilient ‘Flower Carpet Gold’. When planted in a sunny spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, this vigorous rose will produce its brightest, buttercup-yellow blooms, which appear in dense clusters of 5 to 6 blooms,’ says Lucie.

‘This drought-tolerant rose will continue to bloom repeatedly even when subjected to drought conditions, although in prolonged dry periods it will produce less. It can tolerate drought conditions so well and has a mix of both shallow, surface roots and deep roots once established. Whilst the shallower roots enable it to capture even minimal moisture provided by morning dew, its long roots can tap into the moist.’

Where to buy carpet roses

• Rosa Flower Carpet Gold ('Noalesa') (PBR) | Ground Cover Rose (£29.99, Crocus)
• Rosa Amirose ® ('Korhulth 005') (PBR), £32.99, Crocus
• Rose 'Flower Carpet Sunset', £17.95, Gardening Express

4. Olivia Rose Austin and The Lady Gardener

Both of these roses are David Austin Roses, and the Olivia Rose Austin is a stunning pink English Shrub Rose that is perfect for achieving a cottage look. The Lady Gardener rose is a beautiful soft peach colour that feels perfect for summer.

‘Both Olivia Rose Austin and The Lady Gardener are excellent choices for gardeners looking for dependable roses that can cope well with drier conditions. They offer excellent disease resistance, tolerate dry weather well once established, and produce continuous flushes of flowers throughout the season. They also naturally shed old foliage, helping to keep plants healthy, and thrive in a sunny position, making them ideal for UK gardens during warmer, drier summers,’ says Amber.

Where to buy Olivia Rose Austin and The Lady Gardener

• Olivia Rose Austin, £24, David Austin Roses
• The Lady Gardener, £24, David Austin Roses

5. Floribuna roses

Lucie explains that floribuna roses were created by crossing Hybrid Tea roses and Polyanthas, and it is the sturdy, resilient root systems they inherit from Polyanthas that make them better suited to drought conditions.

‘If you have a fondness for red roses, then ‘Nina Weibull’ makes a great addition to a drought-tolerant garden. It produces masses of velvety, scarlet-red semi-double blooms from early summer through to the first frosts of autumn,’ says Lucie.

‘Being highly tolerant of heat due to both its dense foliage which helps to keep its root zone cooler and the clusters of blooms it produces which help to prevent scorching of individual petals in intense sunlight and combining this with its drought tolerance gained from its thicker leaves that mean it loses less moisture to transpiration and deep, far reaching root system once established makes this tough rose resilient to heatwaves.’

Where to buy floribuna roses

• Rose 'Breeder's Choice Red', £15.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Pair of LARGE Standard Rose Trees - Nina Weibull, £59.99, Gardening Express
• Rose 'Meteor', £15.99, Thompson & Morgan

Which rose is your favoruite?

The scorching temperatures we’ve seen this summer have been tough on our gardens, with even the most drought-resistant plants struggling with the extreme heat. While lavender is one of the best drought-tolerant plants you can add to your outdoor space, it’s not invincible - and garden experts have revealed two reasons why yours may have gone brown during the July heatwave.

Many gardeners will have a vested interest in growing lavender. This stunning Mediterranean-garden staple will make your patio smell gorgeous, deter pests and attract pollinators, all while withstanding hot, drought conditions.

But if you’ve noticed your lavender plant has been turning brown during the July heatwave, don’t panic. This is why it could be happening.

1. Heat stress

Even the best drought-tolerant plants can succumb to heat stress, especially when you consider that parts of the UK have reached the high thirties this summer.

‘Potted lavender plants may struggle in hot weather and turn brown due to heat stress on the roots. This happens because the plant can be too hot if potted in a dark container or left in direct sunlight all day, causing the roots to turn brown or die off,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

‘For potted lavender plants that you think are suffering from heat stress, repot them into a lighter coloured container or move them into a spot where they will have shade from the intense afternoon sun.’

2. Overwatering

On the flipside, your lavender might be turning brown because you’ve watered it too much. In a heatwave, it can be tempting to offer plenty of water to your plants to keep them hydrated. But lavender doesn't like this.

‘The reason your Lavender plants are turning brown in hot weather could be because their roots could be overly wet, due to overwatering or poor-drainage soil, which causes root rot. Established lavender plants are highly drought-tolerant and require very little watering. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons lavender fails. Other causes include the drying of spent flower spikes or the plant turning woody from a lack of post-bloom pruning,’ says Olly Peabody, CEO at Envii.

If you think your lavender is turning brown because of overwatering, Richard advises letting it dry out.

‘If you think that your lavender plants in the ground have been overwatered and have root rot, reduce how often you are watering the plant and allow the soil to dry out before watering again,’ he says.

‘It can be normal for lavender to turn brown in a heatwave, as this is the plant's way of conserving energy. However, you need to monitor your plant to check that entire sections are not turning crispy or rotting, as this can indicate a larger issue,’ adds Richard.

You don’t need to worry too much if your lavender is turning brown. By identifying the cause, you’ll be able to solve the problem.

For years, dahlias have been the undisputed stars of late-summer borders. But as UK summers become hotter, drier and more unpredictable, a new contender is quietly taking over gardens: zinnias.

Cheerful, long-flowering and remarkably unfussy, these bright blooms are winning gardeners over with their ability to keep performing when other favourites start to struggle.

And unlike some traditional bedding plants, they are proving that high impact doesn’t have to mean high maintenance, making it a perfect time to learn how to grow zinnias.

Why zinnias are the hot new flower on the block

One of the biggest shifts driving zinnias’ rise in popularity is their ability to cope with heat and dry conditions, something increasingly relevant for UK gardens.

'Tough, extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for warmer, drier gardens, zinnias are also a magnet for pollinators and bring plenty of bees and butterflies into the garden,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Once established, they settle quickly into a steady rhythm of flowering, producing vibrant, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow and lime green. Whether you plant zinnia seeds in borders, containers or cutting gardens, they deliver consistent colour right through the summer months.

Their long flowering season also makes them particularly valuable in mixed planting schemes, where gaps in colour can otherwise appear during hot spells.

Shop zinnias:

Dahlias still have undeniable appeal, but they come with demands that don’t always suit modern gardens or busy gardeners. Indeed, as Christopher O’Donoghue, director of Gardens Revived, points out, pest pressure alone can be enough to tip the balance.

'Every UK gardener knows the pain of waking up to find a prized, expensive dahlia shoot eaten down to a slimy nub overnight. Slugs and snails view dahlias as an all-you-can-eat buffet,' he says.

'While zinnias need protection when they are tiny seedlings, they quickly grow tough, rough, bristly stems that slugs generally prefer to leave alone,' Christopher explains.

That natural resistance? Well, it makes them an appealing alternative for gardeners tired of nightly slug patrols and repeated losses. And another key advantage of zinnias is their straightforward growing requirements. Where dahlias demand regular feeding, staking and careful watering, zinnias are far less demanding once established.

'Dahlias are notoriously thirsty divas,' says Christopher. 'To sustain those massive, showy flower heads, they require rich, consistently damp soil and relentless feeding.'

By contrast, zinnias are adapted to far tougher conditions, as they're native to Mexico and absolutely thrive in hot, baking sunshine,' Christopher adds.

He promises: 'As UK summers increasingly feature intense heatwaves and extended dry spells, zinnias handle the heat beautifully without wilting or driving up your water bill.'

Zinnia growing essentials

FAQs

Honestly, it's easy to see why zinnias are stealing the show in gardens. After all, that combination of toughness, colour and wildlife value is rare in a single plant, and it’s helping zinnias become something of a staple for savvy gardeners.

So, if you are looking to simplify summer planting without sacrificing impact, look no further! Zinnias offer a clear advantage: reliable colour, minimal fuss and a garden that keeps performing even when temperatures climb.

And, in a season where resilience matters as much as beauty, zinnias are proving hard to beat. Ready, set, plant...

While summer is often the perfect time to work on your garden, there are some jobs you should always avoid when the mercury soars. Garden experts have revealed five garden jobs you should never do during a heatwave, or risk damage to your garden.

While it’s true there are a few July lawn care jobs you’ll need to do this month, as well as garden jobs to do in a heatwave. But this doesn’t mean every task is suited to hot weather.

If you want your garden ideas to thrive all summer, these are the jobs you’ll need to avoid doing during the latest heatwave. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Feeding

If you want a lush lawn or flowering beds, one thing you need to avoid doing during a heatwave is feeding it. It may sound counterintuitive, but encouraging new growth can put extra stress on plants during periods of extreme heat.

‘Whilst the summer months are the peak time to be feeding your plants as they are actively growing, when temperatures start to exceed 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, then you need to temporarily stop using fertilisers,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Gardens Irrigation.

‘At these temperatures, many plants are suffering from heat stress, and they are being forced into ‘survival mode’ so what they don’t need is to reach extra nutrients, which triggers them to put on new growth. Once the heatwave passes and you see your plants starting to recover, it's time to start reintroducing feed to replenish their nutrients.

2. Aerating

While your lawn may feel hard and compacted right now, you should never aerate a lawn during a heatwave. It can mean your lawn loses water, becoming brown and patchy in the process. Instead, focus on deep watering it once a week; a sprinkler such as the Kärcher OS 5.320 S Oscillating Sprinkler (£39.99) can help you do this.

‘The aerating process consists of making thousands of small holes throughout a lawn to improve airflow. However, grass is already under significant stress during a heatwave due to a lack of moisture, and when the ground is hot and dry, these well-intentioned holes can, in fact, accelerate moisture loss and leave grass struggling. One consequence of aerating in a heatwave is that patches of your lawn that would otherwise have recovered naturally may take much longer to green up again,’ says James Higgins, a spokesperson for Grass247.

3. Pruning

While there are some pruning jobs to do in July, during a heatwave, it's worth putting them on hold or risk damaging your plant.

‘Throughout July you would normally be doing summer pruning on Wisteria, as well as Weigela and Philadelphus, which will have finished blooming and Lavender to keep it compact and prevent it becoming woody, as well as many other perennials and shrubs. However, these pruning tasks should be put on hold during a heatwave as it will simply cause problems for your plants,’ says Lucie.

‘When you prune plants, you trigger them to produce new growth, which relies on both water and energy from your plants, which they simply can’t supply during a heatwave when they are simply trying to survive. By removing foliage, stems and branches, you are also exposing previously shaded areas of your plants to direct sunlight, leaving these areas vulnerable to sunburn, scorching and sunscald.’

4. Cutting your grass too short

It’s also a good idea to leave your grass a little longer during heatwave periods. This can put unnecessary stress on your grass during hot weather.

‘One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during hot weather is cutting the lawn too short. It might seem like a sensible way to reduce how often you need to mow, but removing too much of the grass blade leaves the lawn more exposed to the sun and can put unnecessary stress on it during periods of high temperatures,’ says Alexandra Alguel, Smart Home Living and Gardening Expert at ECOVACS.

‘Another common mistake is leaving the lawn for weeks because it's hot, then giving it one dramatic cut once it starts looking untidy. Grass copes much better with regular, lighter trims than with having a large amount removed all at once, particularly during the summer months.

‘I also see people sticking with the same mowing routine regardless of the weather. The needs of your lawn change throughout the season, so continuing to mow at the same height during a heatwave isn't always the best approach. Raising the cutting height slightly can make a big difference to how well the grass copes with prolonged periods of hot weather.’

5. Use weedkillers

Lastly, you should avoid using weedkillers during a heatwave simply because it’s too hot for these products to work effectively.

‘This ideal temperature for applying weedkillers is between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, so during a heatwave you should stop using weedkillers as they will be both less effective and also potentially dangerous,’ says Lucie.

‘During a heatwave, your plants - and this includes weeds too - are simply trying to survive the intense heat and dry conditions, so don’t want to be putting energy into growing. This means that they often close the pores on their leaves to conserve moisture, so even if you spray them with weedkiller, it will not be absorbed and carried down to their roots.

‘In addition, weedkillers that contain ingredients like 2, 4-D and dicamba, when temperatures exceed 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, these chemicals can turn into vapour and damage plants which you didn’t want to spray.’

Help your garden in a heatwave

That's five jobs you can take off your to-do list!

Since there’s a focus on climate-resilient planting this year (thank you, heatwaves!), I’m taking a leaf out of my mum’s book – or, more specifically, her garden border.

That means I’ll be learning how to grow verbena this summer – it’s a drought-tolerant classic, so it has a much easier ride in heatwaves, and a visit home last weekend confirmed that it's an absolute magnet for bees and butterflies. Plus, the purple flowers are really pretty.

Here’s why I’ll be adding verbena to my garden this summer.

What you'll need

Verbena is one of the best drought-tolerant plants out there because it takes hot, dry weather with a pinch of salt. Better still, you barely have to worry about watering it.

‘Once established in your garden (growing for two years or more), it will be so resistant to dry weather that you won’t need to provide it with water for three to four weeks during the summer,’ says Lucie Bradley.

You’ll only need to be a little more proactive about watering (deep watering, specifically) during heatwaves.

‘It’s only during long periods of drought and heatwave conditions that verbena growing in garden beds or borders will need you to water it, and even then it is likely to recuperate,’ explains Lucie.

Verbena bonariensis (which you can order from Crocus) is the type of verbena my mum grows, and it's what’s known as a tender perennial. That means that although it doesn’t technically survive the winter, it self-seeds enough to give you free plants year after year. It’s tall, too, earning its well-deserved place at the back of a garden border – and the stems are so rigid, you don’t even have to stake them.

If you're short on space, though, Verbena rigida is low-growing and perfect for pots. Verbena rigida f. lilacina 'Polaris', which you can also buy from Crocus, produces fragrant clusters of pale lilac flowers.

Another thing I love about verbena is its long flowering period, which often spans from early summer to autumn, depending on the variety. Purple is my favourite colour, so maybe I’m biased – but the tiny blooms on flat flowerheads are so beautiful.

’This sun-loving perennial will remain vibrant and in full bloom throughout periods of intense sunshine and dry heat, with Verbena bonariensis still producing striking displays with its dense clusters of tiny lilac-purple flowers,’ says Lucie.

Plus, verbena is perfect if you’re looking for wildlife garden ideas.

'Verbena bonariensis' purple flowers are shrouded in a confetti of butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine,’ says garden expert Sarah Raven.

Verbena is beautiful, climate-resilient and a magnet for butterflies. It's an all-round winner in my eyes!