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.

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...

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!

Tomatoes are rewarding crops, but thanks to this year’s heatwaves (I’m defending my tomato care skills at all costs), the leaves on my tomato plants are yellowing more than they usually would.

Learning how to grow tomatoes isn’t that difficult once you know how to water, feed and support them properly, but this summer’s heatwaves have taken some of their fate out of our control in recent weeks.

If you've found yourself wondering why the leaves on your tomato plant are turning yellow, there are four likely culprits.

Tomato growing essentials

1. Heat stress

As you’d expect, heat stress is one of the leading causes of yellowing tomato plant leaves during a heatwave. Tomatoes are tender crops and love the sun, but the UK has already hit extreme temperatures this summer.

‘Tomato plants thrive in daytime temperatures of between 21-27°C during the day, and nighttime temperatures falling to between 15 - 18 °C,’ explains Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. ‘With temperatures reaching well into the mid 30s, your tomato plants will be suffering in this intense July heat.’

Lucie also explained that tomato plants enter survival mode when temperatures remain consistently high.

‘They try to conserve energy and water by getting rid of their older leaves,’ she explains. ‘It does this by actively withdrawing nutrients and chlorophyll from the older leaves. As chlorophyll is directly responsible for the green colour of the leaves, they turn yellow and eventually dry, turn brown and fall off.’

You can shade your plants using cloths like this shade netting from Amazon to take some of the heat off of your tomatoes – but there are also plenty of ways to protect potted plants in hot weather if you’re growing your tomatoes in pots. Lucie also recommends shade paint if you’re growing your tomatoes in a greenhouse (try this Vitax Summer Cloud Greenhouse Shading from Amazon).

2. Watering incorrectly

The most obvious reason behind the leaves on a tomato plant turning yellow during a heatwave might seem like heat stress alone, but it’s often the way we respond to the heat that can affect the plant. Watering is one of the most important July tomato plant tasks, but you can actually be too enthusiastic with the watering can during a heatwave.

‘Older lower leaves turning yellow can be natural ageing, but if yellowing climbs up the plant, it’s more likely stress,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘Overwatering can make leaves look yellow and dull because soggy roots can’t do their job, while underwatering in a heatwave can also cause yellowing, especially in pots.’

It’s difficult to save an overwatered plant, so prevention is better than cure. If you’re struggling to gauge how much water your tomato plant needs or when it needs it, it’s worth investing in a budget-friendly soil moisture meter like this one from Amazon.

3. Nutrient lockout

Nutrient lockout is another side effect of overwatering your tomatoes during a heatwave and a leading cause of yellowing tomato plant leaves. Feeding is a crucial tomato task if you want the plants to fruit well, but your watering habits might be cancelling your efforts.

‘Nutrient lockout is another possibility as the plant can’t access nutrients if the soil is too wet, too dry or out of balance,' says Lucie. 'If you’ve been feeding heavily but the leaves still look unhealthy, check the watering and soil before piling on more.'

Lucie recommends removing the yellow leaves to redirect the plant’s energy into its healthier stems and fruit production.

‘Removing them also helps to improve airflow around the plant and helps to prevent fungal diseases,’ she adds.

4. Fungal diseases

Sadly, there is a fourth reason that the leaves on your tomato plants are turning yellow – and it’s perhaps the least desirable.

‘If the leaves are just speckled with yellow or still show green veins, it’s more likely to be a nutrient deficiency,’ says Lucie. ‘If you see spots or fuzzy mould, then the yellow could be caused by fungal diseases.’

Fungal diseases are harder to tackle, but Julian recommends removing affected leaves, improving airflow and avoiding wetting the foliage to give your plant its best chance of survival.

‘If you rule fungal diseases out, then you can help your plants to cope and recover from heat stress by not only removing the yellow leaves, but also providing shade and keeping a close eye on the moisture in the soil,’ Lucie adds.

Yellow tomato leaves at the base of the plant can be a normal sign of ageing, but keep the above causes in mind if you notice yellowing on other parts of the plant.

As temperatures are rising every summer, we might have to consider what we're planting in our gardens. Varieties need to be drought-tolerant and potentially still offer us colour and texture.

'By choosing and planting drought-tolerant species, we can conserve water, reduce maintenance efforts, and still enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden throughout the hot summer months,' says gardening expert Sarah Raven.

Below, we look at five varieties that will get you started with expert tips from those who have drought-tolerant gardens.

1. Lavender

First up is lavender – a great, reliable option that bees and butterflies adore.

'To suit its original climate of the Mediterranean, lavandula is both heat and drought tolerant. The flowers are edible and can be used to add delicious flavour to cocktails, syrups, sorbets, and salads. Simply cut back the flower spikes in the autumn, but do not cut into the woody stem,' advises Sarah.

Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, agrees, 'You can't really go wrong with lavender. Plant it somewhere sunny with decent drainage, and it'll flower its heart out all summer while the bees do the rest of the work for you.'

For small gardens, check out the Munstead variety, currently £5.99 for one 2-3 litre pot at Gardening Express. It's compact, fully hardy and very fragrant.

Amazon sells classic English lavender from Carbeth Plants for £11.99 for a 14cm pot; it's great for beginner gardeners and perfect for pots.

2. Pelargonium or geranium

Not only are they lovely to look at, but they also have a really delicious scent and flavour and are the perfect addition to refreshing cordials and herbal tea, says Sarah.

'Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants, but growth will become stunted if they are kept too dry. You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers,' she adds.

Gardening Express have a lovely variety called Raspberry Ripple for £3.99 for a one-litre pot. It has pretty pink petals with raspberry speckles.

For a punchy red look at Amazon's Bullseye Scarlet variety, £13.99 for a pack of six.

3. Achillea or yarrow

Sometimes called yarrow, this hardy plant is a great low-maintenance perennial that comes in a beautiful array of colours.

Gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, Lucie Bradley, explains, 'Remaining green and vibrant during hot, dry summers when many other plants would struggle, yarrow achieves this by having evolved its roots, foliage and structure so that it can thrive in nutrient-poor, dry soil in strong sunlight and drying winds. Its sturdy root system is formed from deep, fibrous roots and creeping rhizomes, so it can reach deep into the soil for moisture.'

Julian loves this one too, 'This is another star for our potentially warmer client, Achillea boasts flat-topped flowers in yellow, pink or red. It's one of those plants that genuinely seems to prefer being left to its own devices, so it can thrive with little water.'

Summer Berries is a beautiful variety to choose as it has a lovely range of colours to brighten up your borders, from £9.99, Suttons.

For a pure white, classical look, opt for Crocus's achillea millefolium, from £8.99 for a 9cm pot.

4. Verbena

'Verbena bonariensis produces an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and is shrouded in a confetti of butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine,' says Sarah. 'They are drought-tolerant perennials, so they need little maintenance, but you should protect them with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.'

Lucie also recommends this lovely variety, 'Native to tropical and subtropical South America has meant this architectural perennial has evolved its roots, stems and leaves so that it positively thrives in hot temperatures and minimal moisture, so that it actually grows faster and produces prolific blooms as temperatures increase.'

If you fancy giving this a go in your garden, we like J.Parker's pack of five for £7.99. Great for pots and also as cut flowers, butterflies will be your best friend!

For a darker purple, consider the Santos Purple variety from Gardening Express, from £3.99.

5. Sea Holly or eryngium

For those who love more of an architectural look and perhaps less colour, sea holly is your go-to plant.

Sea Holly actually thrives under extreme temperatures, able to survive for months with just limited rainfall whilst requiring very little care.

'Its supreme hardiness is a result of being native to dry, rocky and coastal regions of the world in which it adapted to cope in these extreme environments,' explains Lucie. 'Its ability to thrive in bright sunlight, high temperatures and low rainfall is primarily due to the long taproots which reach deep into the ground to access moisture, whilst at the same time it has evolved stiff, prickly leaves with a thick, waxy coating which means it loses very little moisture, even in hot, dry winds.'

The more traditional-looking sea holly can be bought from B&Q – they have the Blue Hobbit variety for £13.49 for three plants. For a silvery look that might suit a coastal-style garden, look at Crocus's Magical White Lagoon, currently £7.50 for a 9cm pot.

Drought-tolerant garden essentials

With the climate changing, it's a good time to look at what plants will do well in the heat and are drought-tolerant. And choosing these resilient plants proves that creating a drought-tolerant garden doesn't mean compromising on colour or character.

Wondering what to do with hydrangeas in a heatwave? If you want them to survive the heat, you’ll need to know how to protect the thirsty plants. It’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately, too.

All four of my mum’s pink hydrangeas are looking beautiful right now, and I’m hoping they’ll survive this week’s heatwave. She’s growing her hydrangeas in pots and in her garden border, and I’m hoping the hot weather won’t get the best of them this July.

Luckily, there are a few ways to protect hydrangeas in a heatwave – so I checked in with the experts to find out how.

What you'll need

1. Keep the soil moist

As I mentioned before, hydrangeas are thirsty plants – that’s why they’re great shrubs for damp gardens with moist soil – and it's a no-brainer that hydration is especially important during a heatwave.

'Hydrangeas are water-loving plants, so in a heatwave they’re the first to show stress,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'Water deeply at the base early in the morning or late in the evening, getting moisture well down into the soil, and repeat every day or two.'

You could even order a soil moisture sensor from Amazon to keep a closer eye on things.

'Potted hydrangeas can dry out so fast, you might need to water them twice a day in a real heat spell,' Julian adds.

2. Mulch

Thankfully, there are ways to use the watering can a little bit less than you usually would at this time of the year – and mulching is one of the most popular methods.

‘Throughout summer it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist,' says Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk. 'Place mulch around the roots to help retain moisture and provide them with protection during harsh sunny periods.'

Mulching has a number of other benefits, too, from suppressing weeds to enriching the soil with nutrients (RocketGro Peat Free Magic Mulch is Amazon’s Choice).

3. Shade plants where possible

Did you know that there are ways to shade plants without moving them?

That's great news if your hydrangea is planted in a garden border – and it's even easier to protect potted plants in hot weather.

'If you can, give them a bit of shade from the strongest sun using a shade cloth, umbrella or garden structure, and move pots into dappled shade,' says Julian from British Garden Centres.

You can buy Seedzbox plant shade netting from Amazon for more of a custom setup, or go for these ultra-sweet plant umbrellas to protect smaller plants.

So, hydrangeas can survive a heatwave – you'll just need to keep them as cool and hydrated as you can.

If you love the taste of Mediterranean and homegrown food, it’s worth knowing which drought-tolerant herbs to plant in July.

Gardeners seem to be moving closer to drought-tolerant planting by the year, and with more heatwaves on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to plant herbs that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They’re low-maintenance, but they’re just as versatile in the kitchen as other herbs.

In fact, the best drought-tolerant herbs are timeless favourites in the UK. You'll just need to make sure the soil is watered and workable enough to start planting, so that the plants can easily establish themselves.

Herb planters

1. Sage

Sage always makes me think of a roast dinner, but it actually has Mediterranean roots. It’s one of the best drought-tolerant herbs you can plant in July if you’re looking for delicious harvests with minimal effort.

‘Sage is easy to grow and needs very little attention,’ says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural expert. ‘Plant it in a sunny spot with reliably free-draining soil, and it should thrive for many years.’

Alongside the regular green-leaved forms of sage, Annelise recommends ornamental varieties with colourful foliage like ‘Tricolour’ and ‘Purpurascens’ (available at Crocus), which make attractive edging plants.

Where to buy sage:

• Crocus: Buy 9cm pots of aromatic common sage.
• Suttons: Sage 'Tricolour' produces purple, white and pink foliage.

2. Rosemary

If you’re hoping to plant a drought-tolerant herb in July that’s reliable, hardy and productive, rosemary is a brilliant choice. It’s perfectly at home in a range of soils, temperatures and weathers, which might make it the most resilient herb on this list.

‘Unlike many other Mediterranean herbs, it thrives in both dry, gravelly soils and heavier clay soils,’ says Annelise. ‘Hardy enough to withstand cold, wet winters, it is also long-lived. Upright forms such as ‘Miss Jessop's Upright’ can be clipped into hedges, whilst ‘Blue Cascade’ will tumble over walls and rockeries.’

My mum had a rosemary shrub in the border for all of my childhood, and I’d often use the leaves to make ‘potions’ because they had such a nice scent. Rosemary 'Miss Jessop's Upright' is available from Thompson & Morgan in a range of sizes.

Where to buy rosemary:

• B&Q: Order a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot.
• Crocus: Grow Rosemary 'Blue Cascade' for beautiful trailing foliage and flowers.

3. Thyme

Another kitchen classic, thyme is drought-tolerant and perfectly adapted to hot, dry climates. You can buy a Carbeth Plants culinary thyme plant in a 14cm pot from Amazon, and when it flowers, it’ll attract bees to your garden, too.

‘Thyme is a tough, drought-resistant herb that grows well in poor soil and sunny conditions,' says Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk. 'It requires minimal watering and is perfect for borders, rock gardens or containers.'

Thyme grows well in containers, raised beds and borders, so it’s perfect for filling in any bare patches in your garden.

Where to buy thyme:

• Suttons: Order peat-free potted thyme plants.
• Amazon: Grow lemon thyme for a citrus twist.

Plant these drought-tolerant varieties for a climate-resilient herb garden that tastes as good as it smells.

Wondering what to plant in July when there’s another heatwave on the horizon? It’s a tough one - how do you plough your efforts into new plants when the old ones are struggling?

Although the list of things you can plant in July is long, not every plant will survive this year’s recurring heatwaves – so it’s wise to plant the flowers and crops that can tolerate hot, drought-like conditions instead.

As Ideal Home's gardening expert and the proud owner of a small garden in London, I'm all too aware of the challenge of finding plants to add to my garden this month that won't mind being hit with a sudden 30+ degree heatwave. Here are a few of the things I’m planting this July that can withstand a blast of heat this summer.

What you'll need

1. Verbena

Verbena is a staple in my mum’s garden border, and the bees and butterflies absolutely love it, so I’ve been meaning to plant some in my new garden since I moved here. It’s beautiful and drought-tolerant, so it’s safe to plant around July’s heatwaves if the soil isn’t too dry.

‘Verbena bonariensis produce an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and are shrouded in a confetti of butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine,’ says garden expert Sarah Raven. ‘They are drought tolerant perennials so need little maintenance, but you should protect with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.’

You can buy ready-made mulches like this Strulch from Amazon if you’re looking to mulch around the base of plants now as a hot-weather protective measure.

Where to buy verbena:

• Crocus: Order Verbena bonariensis in pots or as seeds.
• Gardening Express: Grow Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' for shorter stems.

2. Salad vegetables

Salad crops are brilliant vegetables to grow containers, and they’re also perfect for filling the gaps in beds and borders. It might seem counterproductive to plant the likes of lettuce and radishes during a heatwave, but some varieties fare better in the heat than others.

‘If you want to add some homegrown crops to your summer salads, then late sowings of beetroot, radishes, lettuce, and salad crops grow quickly in the warm soil,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.

Swiss chard is actually a drought-tolerant vegetable, and if you go for a rainbow variety like ‘Celebration’ (you can order the seeds from Thompson & Morgan), you’ll have yourself a pretty edible plant that looks as good as it tastes.

Where to buy salad seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Lettuce 'All The Year Round' is said to cope better in dry weather than other lettuce varieties.
• Amazon: Sow Simply Garden's Swiss Chard 'Rhubarb Red' seedsfor red stems.

3. Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are a popular tender perennial that produce stunning blooms from late spring all the way through to autumn, and they've been on my list for a while now. They’re a recommendation of Sarah’s if you’re looking for beautiful colour and fragrance in borders and pots – you’ll just need to be slightly more attentive with the watering can than other potted drought-tolerant plants.

‘Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants, but growth will become stunted if they are kept too dry,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers.’

Where to buy pelargoniums:

• Thompson & Morgan: Pelargonium 'Pinki Pinks' produces pretty pink flowers.
• Amazon: Order scented Pelargonium 'Lemon' plug plants.

4. Gaura

Gaura is also known as beeblossom, and it’s as pretty as it sounds – masses of delicate white flowers adorn slender stems, and remain for months on end. As luck would have it, it’s also drought-tolerant – so it’s ideal for planting this July.

‘Gaura is truly the perfect plant for lining paths and adding froth to flower beds,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘It’s a really versatile plant in that so it looks beautiful in an arrangement, but also lovely in a cloud on its own.

‘They need to be placed in full sunshine and tend to flower from June through to August. They are particularly drought-tolerant, so are really easy to maintain.’

Where to buy Gaura:

• Crocus: Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' is as pretty as it sounds.
• Gardening Express: Gaura 'Gaudi White' is beautiful, too.

5. Herbs

I'm also thinking about planting a few drought-tolerant herbs this month, which means Mediterranean classics like rosemary, thyme and sage. They're ideal for hot climates, so they're a safer bet for the upcoming heatwave.

'If you’re prepared to water, you can still plant herbs into the ground, or, better still, in pots where you can keep an eye on watering and nip off a few leaves now and then for the kitchen,' says Topher Martyn, head gardener at Syon Park.

'Woody Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary are pretty easy to maintain and will put up with a degree of neglect.'

Where to buy herbs:

• Crocus: Buy 9cm pots of aromatic common sage.
• B&Q: Order a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot.

If any plants are going to survive the next heatwave, these ones definitely have a better chance!

When the temperatures rise, it's tempting to reach for the watering can every evening, and if your garden is looking a little thirsty during these heatwaves, you might assume the answer is to water it every day.

But according to gardening experts, that's one of the biggest watering mistakes you can make, as it could be making your plants less resilient. Instead, they recommend deep watering, which is a simple technique that encourages stronger roots, healthier growth and helps plants cope better with long spells of dry weather.

If you're looking to protect potted plants in a heatwave or wondering how often to water plants in hot weather, changing the way you water rather than simply watering more often can make all the difference. So I asked the pros how I should be keeping my container plants well watered this summer with deep watering.

What is deep watering?

Deep watering is exactly what it sounds like. Soaking the soil slowly enough for water to reach the roots, rather than just dampening the surface.

'Deep watering is one of the easiest ways to help plants through a hot spell,' says Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert at Caragh Nurseries. 'Instead of giving them a quick splash every day, it's much better to give them a really good soak every few days. That way, the water gets right down to the roots where it's needed most, rather than just wetting the surface.'

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains that established plants should ideally be watered deeply enough for moisture to reach around 20 to 30cm below the surface. While that sounds like a lot, it's simply about watering more slowly so the soil has time to absorb every drop.

That slow approach is what makes all the difference. While it takes a little longer than giving borders a quick spray with the hose, it encourages roots to grow down into the soil where moisture lasts much longer.

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, explains that light watering from the start encourages roots to stay close to the soil surface, where moisture disappears fastest. Whereas deep watering helps plants develop a much stronger root system that's naturally better equipped to cope with drought.

Why is deep watering better than watering every day?

It may sound counterintuitive, but watering less often can actually produce healthier plants.

'When plants only get a little bit of water at a time, their roots stay close to the top of the soil, which means they dry out much faster when the weather heats up,' says Jo. 'A proper soak encourages the roots to grow deeper, helping plants stay healthier and cope much better with long periods of dry weather.'

Lucie adds that deep watering also reduces evaporation because the water has time to soak into the ground instead of sitting on the surface or evaporating in the midday sun. Better still, deeper roots are less exposed to extreme temperatures, helping plants continue to take up water and nutrients even during hot weather.

Deep watering essentials

How to deep water your plants properly

You don't need to buy any expensive equipment if you don't want to, as a watering can or garden hose works perfectly well, but the trick is to water slowly at the base of the plant.

Lucie says the key is slowing everything down, rather than moving quickly from one plant to the next. She says you should spend a little longer on each one, allowing the water to soak into the soil and adding more.

So instead of spraying lots of water quickly over the soil, reduce the flow and water directly at the base of each plant for several minutes so the moisture has time to penetrate the ground instead of running off.

She also recommends avoiding wetting the leaves wherever possible. Delivering water straight to the soil means less is lost through evaporation and helps reduce the chances of fungal diseases developing on damp foliage.

Richard adds that if you notice water pooling on the surface, stop watering for a moment and allow it to soak in before continuing. If you keep adding water too quickly, it simply runs away instead of reaching the roots.

Once you've finished watering, Jo recommends adding a layer of mulch around your plants. Bark, gravel or even leftover compost (I love RocketGro's Magic Mulch, which you can buy at Amazon) can help lock moisture into the soil, reducing how quickly it dries out during hot weather and meaning you'll need to water less frequently.

If you've got lots of borders or vegetable beds to water, however, specialist irrigation can make life much easier. 'You don't need anything too complicated,' says Jo. 'Soaker hoses like Gruntek porous soaker hose from Amazon, and drip irrigation systems, like Hozelock Easy drip irrigation system available at Amazon, are great if you've got larger beds because they release water slowly and evenly.'

When to deep water plants

Experts recommend you water plants in the morning or at night, when temperatures are cooler, and the water has time to soak deep into the soil before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate.

'If you can, water early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler,' says Jo. 'You'll lose less water to evaporation, and your plants will have much more chance to soak it up before the heat of the day kicks in.'

Lucie adds that during the hottest part of the day, more moisture is lost before it reaches the roots, making watering far less effective.

Most established plants will benefit from deep watering during prolonged hot weather, but it's particularly important for newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials that are still establishing their root systems.

Container plants and hanging baskets will also appreciate a thorough soak, although they'll usually need watering more frequently than plants growing in the ground because compost dries out much faster.

So there you have it! By swapping quick daily sprinkles for the occasional deep soak, you'll encourage stronger roots, healthier growth and plants that are much better prepared to cope with hot, dry weather.

It feels deeply ungrateful to say so, especially as I spent so many years living in a flat with zero outdoor space, but I have a very annoying garden... particularly when it comes to the permanently shady spots.

A large swathe of it sits in bright sunshine all day long, which sounds ideal until one of our increasingly hot summers rolls around and everything starts looking a little scorched. Then there's a section pressed right up against the neighbouring fence that never sees the sun at all (it is very much that type of garden shade), plus a huge magnolia tree at the back that creates a patchwork of dappled shade beneath its sprawling canopy.

It could easily be a planting nightmare, but luckily, I live with a professional gardener. While this has its downsides (our garden often feels like a busman's holiday), it does mean I have access to expert advice on exactly what will thrive where, from shade-loving perennials to slightly more... well, call them unique options. And, as a result, our shady spots have become some of my favourite parts of the garden.

1. Ferns

If there's one plant I associate with a permanently shady garden, it's lovely low-maintenance ferns. We have them dotted throughout the darkest part of the garden, where they seem perfectly happy despite receiving very little direct sunlight.

I love the texture they bring to a border. Their feathery fronds soften hard edges and create a lush, woodland feel that makes even the most awkward corner feel intentional. Better still, they require very little fuss once established.

Shop Ferns:

2. Wild garlic

My husband recently planted wild garlic in the permanently shady spots of our garden (with two small children, we have to be mindful of the fact that they can and often absolutely will try to eat most of the things we've planted). While many gardeners know it as a woodland plant, I'd never realised quite how well it would perform in a shady garden until we planted it ourselves.

In spring, it produces a carpet of fresh green leaves and delicate white flowers that brighten up an otherwise gloomy area. It's also edible, which feels like a bonus when space in the garden is limited. You can buy chives 'garlic' from Crocus.

Warning: take care not to mistake the invasive three-cornered garlic for the real deal.

3. Spring bulbs

As mentioned already, the area beneath our magnolia sits in dappled shade for much of the year, making it the perfect home for spring bulbs.

Before the magnolia fully leafs out, bulbs such as snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils can take advantage of the extra light available. They provide a welcome burst of colour at the end of winter and make excellent use of a space that would otherwise feel rather empty.

Personally, I love the deep jewel-like tones of the crocuses best (don't tell the others), so I recommend buying something like this bumper bag of crocus bulbs from Amazon.

4. Ivy

Perhaps the most controversial planting choice in our permanently shady garden spots is ivy. At the very back of the garden, where enormous trees beyond our fence cast deep shade, we've allowed this useful evergreen to scramble across some of the less attractive areas.

Now, I know it isn't universally loved, but I think it's unfairly maligned; not only is it great for wildlife, but it covers ugly spots beautifully, provides year-round greenery and creates the sort of romantic, secret-garden atmosphere that would be difficult to achieve with many other plants. In the right place, I think ivy can be a real asset.

Try something like Hedera helix 'Glacier' from Crocus if you're keen to give it a go for yourself.

More plants that thrive in shade

If you're looking for additional ideas, Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, says there are plenty of plants that will happily grow in shady conditions.

'A shady area in the garden can feel like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be a problem because there are so many plants that will thrive in shade,' he says. 'With the right plants, a shady border can become one of the most beautiful parts of your garden.'

'For foliage with textures, colours and various shades of green, consider planting hostas and ferns. These are shade-loving and reliable and will provide interest throughout much of the year,' continues Morris (personally, I tend to stick to ferns as slugs come in force for hostas whenever I dare plant them).

'For plants with colourful flowers, try planting foxgloves which you can pick up one litre of Excelsior Hybrids at Gardening Express, astilbes, like this deep rose pink variety 'Astary Rose' from Thompson & Morgan, and hardy geraniums, like the strikingly violet-blue 'Rozanne' variety, from £9.99 at Thompson & Morgan, which all grow well in partial to full shade and will provide plenty of colour. And year-round structure can be achieved by planting shade-loving evergreen shrubs such as skimmia and sarcococca. Sarcococca, often called sweet box, is particularly valued for its highly fragrant winter flowers, which are joyful at a time of year when there is little else in the garden.'

Morris adds that you should 'not forget to add plenty of organic matter to the soil to help plants establish successfully'.

FAQs

For all my complaints about our awkward garden, the permanently shady areas have ended up being some of my favourites. The ferns look lush for months, the ivy keeps songbirds flocking, and the bulbs beneath the magnolia never fail to lift my spirits after winter.

Throw in the promise of wild garlic still to come, and it just goes to show that a lack of sunshine doesn't have to mean a lack of interest!

It’s officially July, and according to the weather forecast, it’s going to be a hot one.

This year’s July garden jobs are centred around keeping plants, grass and wildlife hydrated, with other supportive measures that ensure healthy, productive growth. There’s a focus on keeping our gardens cool in heatwaves, too – and thankfully, there are more than a few ways to do that.

Here are the top jobs to do in the garden in July to ensure your plants thrive in hot, dry weather.

What you'll need

1. Keep on top of watering

One of the most important July garden jobs is the most obvious one: watering, watering, and more watering. You’ll need to be extra attentive when it comes to watering container plants in July.

‘Water new and young plants heavily and regularly throughout July to encourage the formation of deep and strong roots,’ says garden expert Sarah Raven. ‘If plants are showing signs of mildew (especially calendulas, courgettes, and roses), water well during dry spells.’

Sarah also recommends mulching when the soil is wet to conserve moisture. RocketGro Peat-Free Magic Mulch is highly rated on Amazon, and it works to suppress weeds and enrich the soil with nutrients, too.

For established, hardier plants and lawns, there isn’t quite so much urgency – and if your area is affected by a hosepipe ban this July, you’ll need to be extra careful about how you use water.

‘Containers, greenhouses and some vegetables can’t be allowed to dry out, but established plants and lawns rarely suffer lasting damage from drought, and they have their own mechanisms to cope with water shortages,’ says Topher Martyn, head gardener at Syon Park.

2. Support tall perennials

Watering isn’t the only way you can support plants in July – you’ll also need to keep an eye on tall or heavy flowering perennials like dahlias and chrysanthemums and find the best plant supports for them.

‘Ensure your perennials are propped up with stakes as by the time dahlias and chrysanthemums are at their peak height, autumn wind and rain will be on the way,’ says Sarah. ‘Dahlias are best supported in a triangle of canes, while chrysanthemums perform best when tied in and supported.’

I'm ordering these bamboo canes for my tomato plants, but they're perfect for the likes of dahlias and other tall flowering perennials, too.

3. Look out for wildlife

Wildlife needs a helping hand in hot weather, too, and simple additions like a bird bath (I’ve got my eye on this Home Bird Bath from Argos) can make a huge difference to visiting birds, mammals and insects.

‘If you have a bird bath in your garden, keep it topped up with fresh water and make sure to clean it whenever it starts looking grubby,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.

It’s also worth knowing what to feed birds in the summer, since they’ll still be feeding their young this month.

‘While food sources are less scarce for birds in summer, supplementary feeding is always necessary,’ says gardening and wildlife expert James Ewens from Green Feathers.

‘It’s one of the busiest and most demanding stages of their lifecycle, so responsible feeding is essential. Just keep away from foods that spoil quickly in heat, ensure you regularly clean your bird feeders, and use hanging feeders rather than flat ones.’

James recommends nutrient-rich foods that birds can easily digest, like mealworms (these Pet Ting premium dried mealworms are Amazon's Choice). There are certain foods you should never feed birds, though, like bread and kitchen scrap.

4. Plant drought-tolerant plants

There’s a long list of things you can plant in July, but with more heatwaves on the way this month, it’s worth looking at drought-tolerant plants as a starting point. They’re more likely to survive the heat and continue on as normal in dry weather.

‘There are many ways that we can all ensure we are being considerate of the environment whilst also maintaining the beauty, colour, and joy of our outside havens.,’ says Sarah. ‘One of the simplest things you can do is to introduce drought-tolerant plants to keep your garden looking lively and vibrant without the need for excessive watering.’

Sarah recommends the likes of lavender, pelargoniums and verbena for a beautiful, climate-resilient garden. I've got my eye on purple top verbena, which you can buy from Crocus. If you’re a vegetable grower, there are even drought-tolerant vegetables that thrive in hot weather.

5. Deadhead plants

Deadheading is a simple skill that’ll grant you longer flowering displays and healthier plants – and July is the prime time to do it.

‘Regularly deadhead your bedding, container, and basket plants, and any other repeat-flowering perennials to enjoy a longer display of blooms in your garden,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centres. ‘This is also a great way to keep your garden looking great during the summer months, as it gets rid of any wilted or dying flower heads to make way for new ones.’

A simple pair of garden snips like these Spear & Jackson Garden Snips from Amazon is ideal for this July garden job.

6. Cut back long-flowering perennials

Besides deadheading, many long-flowering perennials benefit from being cut right back in July. It might sound counterproductive, but it’ll actually encourage the plants to produce a second round of blooms.

‘Most long-flowering perennials such as Geranium pyrenaicum 'Bill Wallis' and Geranium x johnsonii 'Johnson's Blue' finish blooming in summer,’ explains Sarah Raven. ‘With that in mind, cut them right to the ground and water generously to encourage a second flush of flowers and foliage.’

7. Feed fruiting and flowering plants

July is a productive month in the garden, since flowering plants are often at their peak and fruits and vegetables are busy developing harvests. To get the most out of them, though, it’s worth feeding your plants.

‘Your flowers may benefit from a liquid feed, particularly your container plants, roses, and our outdoor Plant of the Month, dahlias,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centre.

Roses are the ideal candidate for July feeding, actually, and Sarah Raven advises us to ‘Feed roses after the first flush of flowers to encourage more. Use a rose food or straightforward, well-rotted manure. Intersperse rose beds with other plants such as nepetas and salvias to help reduce the spread of disease like black spot.’

Companion planting ideas are a staple in my garden – they really can keep pests at bay during the hotter months of the year, and if this year's heatwaves are anything to go by, it's better to get defences in place now.

8. Weed beds, borders and lawns

If your lawn, beds or borders are rampant with weeds right now, you can thank the warmer weather.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get rid of weeds fast, or even recover a lawn from weeds if they’ve already taken hold of your garden. My lawn was covered in dandelions, but GARDENA's weed puller, which you can order from B&Q, has been helping me keep on top of things (at speed!).

‘Weeds thrive in dry, warm weather, so continue hoeing any weeds around your beds or vegetable patches in dry weather, as this gives you the best chance of not allowing them to re-root,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centres.

Add these July garden jobs to your list to keep your garden healthy and productive in whatever heatwave the weather next throws at us!

It's really important to prune certain plants at the right time of year, and July is one of those key months.

Pruning early-flowering shrubs helps to keep them healthy and growing well. It prevents disease, encourages good growth and more flowering – depending on what your plant is – and helps to keep the plant in the right shape.

Our experts give us the lowdown on the top five varieties to prune this month and why.

1. Weigela

Weigela is a favourite amongst those who want to attract as many pollinators as possible – bees and butterflies love it!

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains, 'Weigela is an easy-to-grow deciduous shrub whose prolific tubular, bell-shaped flowers appear from late spring to early summer and are rich in nectar.'

'In order to produce a dense, colourful display of flowers in the following year, it’s important that you prune Weigela as soon as it finishes flowering. Pruning later in the year means you risk getting fewer blooms or none at all as it sets its flower buds for the following year on the previous season's growth.'

Cut back the stems as soon as the flowers start to fade. 'Use a sharp pair of bypass secateurs to cut them back to a healthy node or side stem further down the stem. At the same time, remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing stems to improve airflow through the plant,' advises Lucie.

If you like the idea of weigela, then have a look at this lovely All Summer Peach variety with its apricot coloured flowers, £25.99 for a two-litre pot, Crocus. For a richer colour scheme, we like Thompson & Morgan's Tower of Flowers Cherry, currently £12.99 for a 9cm pot.

2. Sweet peas

A variety you might not think of 'pruning' is sweet peas. It's more of a picking and deadheading activity, but one that's essential at this time of year.

'The secret to sweet peas is simple: the more you pick, the more they grow! Keep harvesting the flowers for your indoor vases and snip off any spent heads before they go to seed to keep the blooms coming,' says Noah Mabey, senior gardener at Thornbridge Hall and horticultural advisor to Platinum Spas.

You can still buy sweet peas now, and we recommend plug plants – Suttons has this lovely Barbie Mix, which has outstanding fragrance, £9.99 for a 9cm pot.

These dwarf sweet peas are perfect for troughs and come in lilacs, white and shades of pink, £15.99 for a 6 pack, B&Q.

3. Rambling roses

Rambling roses usually only flower yearly, so to encourage growth and good health, they need pruning during the summer.

'Rambling roses usually flower in June, and can flower well in their early years without pruning,' says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

'However, once established, the rose will need annual pruning. After flowering, cut side shoots back to a few healthy shoots. Remove dead, diseased and damaged growth right down to the base. Avoid pruning the current year's growth, as this will carry flowers in the following year.'

The key with rambling roses is to deadhead diligently, says Noah, 'When a rose flower fades, don't just snip the head off, cut the spent stem back to a healthy set of five leaves. This tricks the plant into pushing out another flush of gorgeous blooms.'

Siluetta Romantic is a great rambling rose variety for small gardens and containers. It has pretty pastel pink petals and is happy in full sun or partial shade, £19.95 for a 5-litre pot, Gardening Express.

For a country cottage style rambling rose, have a look at the yellow Banksiae 'Lutea' variety, which is a very vigorous climber and comes in a 3-litre pot, £39.99, Suttons.

4. Apple and pear trees

According to Richard, there are some rules of thumb when it comes to pruning fruit trees.

'Standard fruit trees, or those that have little to no formal shaping, are best pruned when they are dormant, between November and March. However, fan-trained and espalier trees do have a formal shape and should be pruned again in summer.'

So if the lower third of your tree feels woody and firm, that's the sign to prune the current year's shoots. 'Begin with removing dead, diseased and damaged stems, or any vigorous upright shoots that are growing above the top branches. The shoots that need to be pruned are those that were produced this year, usually lateral shoots from the main branches. These should be cut back to within a few leaves of last year's growth. Pruning cuts should be made just above a leaf joint, and shorten all side shoots, only leaving unpruned shoots if they are needed to extend the main framework of the tree.'

Noah has a top tip for growing apples and pears: 'They often over-produce, so if you see large, congested clusters of fruit, thin them down to just two or three healthy fruits per cluster. This ensures the tree channels its energy into growing larger, healthier fruit rather than a crowd of tiny ones.'

If you fancy growing apples, then the 'Cox's Orange Pippin' is a highly popular variety and can cope with the UK's climate. You can currently buy two 12-litre pots for £69.99 or one for £99.90 from Dobies.

Gardening Express have a pear tree duo of Conference and Williams for £79.99, the tree won't grow taller than 10ft, so you can always reach the fruit.

5. Climbing honeysuckle

If your honeysuckle flowers early in the summer, it should be pruned after flowering.

Richard explains, 'Cut back the plant by about a third to maintain a neat shape, but do not remove dying flowerheads as these will become berries. Those that flower later in the summer should be pruned lightly in spring instead. As these flower on the current season's growth, they should not be cut back too hard, or you risk losing flowers.'

Honeysuckle has a lovely sweet fragrance and is a firm favourite with bees, butterflies and birds. For the more classic variety, check out the Serotina variety that has that wonderful country cottage look, currently £11 for three 9cm pots from Thompson & Morgan.

If you'd like something a little different, then consider Suttons Scentsation with its yellow and ivory blossom, £29.99 for a 3-litre pot.

Pruning essentials

Giving the right plants a thorough prune at the right time of year will ensure they remain healthy, disease-free, and maintain the right shape.

My tomato plants are beginning to fruit, so I’m dedicating this month to support and care tasks that will encourage a bumper crop.

Knowing what to do with tomato plants in July is crucial if you want them to produce as many harvests as possible – especially in light of recent (and upcoming!) heatwaves. If you've grown your own tomatoes before, you'll know that hydration is key, but there are a few other tasks that I’ll be ticking off over the course of this month to nurture them into strong, healthy plants.

Add these jobs to your July to-do list, and you might just grow your best crop of tomatoes yet.

What you'll need

1. Provide support

One of my tomato plants in particular has shot up at speed over the last month. It’s become very top-heavy, especially now that tomatoes are starting to form – so I had to put a plant support in place, fast.

Staking is crucial for cordon tomatoes (the ones that grow tall). So far, I've used some jute string and a simple stick from an old bunch of peonies, but I’ll be ordering these bamboo canes from Amazon when it’s time to support my other tomato plants.

You can even buy tomato support frames like these Halatool tomato cages from Amazon.

2. Keep them hydrated

Tomatoes are thirsty plants, which is why watering remains paramount in July. If you’re growing tomatoes in pots, they’ll need extra hydration because they’ll dry out faster – and the same applies if you’re growing tomatoes in hanging baskets.

'Inconsistent watering can cause flowers to drop and lead to problems such as blossom end rot and split skins,' says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan's horticultural expert. 'Water deeply, then allow the top two inches (5cm) of soil to dry out before watering again.'

3. Feed the plants

Fertiliser is no joke when it comes to tomato plants – it really can make a world of difference to their fruiting potential, and July is the perfect time to feed it to them.

'Tomatoes are also hungry plants and benefit from regular feeding,' says Annelise. 'Add a liquid fertiliser to the watering can once a week, using a high-potash tomato feed to encourage strong flowering and abundant fruit production.'

Levington Tomorite, which you can order from Amazon for just £4, is one of the most popular choices, and it’s a fertiliser that’s earned me tons of tomatoes in the past.

This year, though, I planted my young tomato plants in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes (available at Crocus), which is said to feed plants for the entire season. So far, that’s proving to be more than accurate – I’ve never seen a tomato plant grow so fast, and the stems are already piling on the fruit!

4. Pinch out side shoots

Don’t overlook this July tomato job if you’re growing a cordon tomato variety. Pinching out a tomato plant's side shoots (those little pairs of leaves that sprout in the junction of the main stem and adjacent stems) is absolutely key to conserving the plant’s energy for the fruiting stems.

'Remove side shoots as they appear so the plant's energy is directed into developing fruit,' says Annelise.

This tomato pruning technique takes seconds, but it can make a huge difference to your plant’s overall yield. Plus, it allows you to enjoy that signature tomato leaf scent!

5. Tidy dead growth

My main cordon tomato plant is thriving right now, but one of my other tomato plants isn't enjoying the same success yet (I think that's owing to a lack of pot drainage, so my bad!). I've noticed a fair amount of yellowing leaves at the base of the plant – and according to Annelise, it's best to get rid of it as soon as you can.

'Remove any dead or yellowing leaves from around the base to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease,' she advises.

You can usually remove dead tomato plant material by hand, but if you're using a pair of snips, make sure you clean your garden tools with something like this Agralan Citrox Ready To Use Natural Citrus Disinfectant Spray from Amazon before and after.

Keeping these five tomato care tasks on your list for July, and you'll set yourself up for a summer of delicious harvests.

There’s a new Mediterranean garden star on the horizon, and it’s a surprising one for the UK: lemon trees.

They’re far easier to grow here than you’d think – I recently talked about citrus trees as one of the best Mediterranean plants for pots, and many lemon tree varieties do unexpectedly well in containers on a patio. According to TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon tree sales have increased by 613% this year – which means they’re definitely becoming more mainstream in UK gardens.

Here's why you should consider growing a lemon tree in your garden, no matter its size.

What you'll need

For TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon trees have been a standout garden trend for 2026. The business has noticed a pattern of more and more gardeners embracing Mediterranean-inspired planting, and lemons are among the most popular choices.

‘We're seeing customers inspired by holidays abroad, Mediterranean planting and alfresco living, while warmer summers are giving people more confidence to try varieties that might once have felt a little ambitious for UK gardens,’ says Peter McDermott, founder of YouGarden.

‘In fact, this has been our strongest-ever year for citrus tree sales since launching in 2011, with lemon trees proving the standout favourite. We've seen lemon tree sales increase by 613% year-on-year on TikTok Shop, which suggests more people are looking to recreate that Mediterranean feel at home.’

They don’t have to be expensive, either. You can buy a Sicilian lemon tree from YouGarden for just £24.99.

Plus, lemon trees are much lower maintenance than I ever thought they were. You’ll just need to find the right spot for them.

‘A sunny, sheltered spot and regular water through summer are all a lemon tree asks for,’ Says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘Bring it inside over winter, and it'll keep going year after year. The fruit is genuinely excellent in a gin and tonic, by the way.'

So, if you’re looking for fruits to grow in pots and want to nail the Mediterranean garden look, lemon trees are the ideal candidates.

Better yet? Plant one up in a terracotta pot, like these whitewashed classic Italian terracotta pots from Crocus. They come in a range of sizes, so make sure you check the measurements of your lemon tree before you buy one.

‘Container-grown citrus trees, figs and bay trees are brilliant for adding fragrance, texture and a real Mediterranean atmosphere,’ adds Peter from YouGarden. ‘They work particularly well on terraces and patios where people can enjoy them up close.’

Lemon trees are a staple Mediterranean garden idea now, so they're definitely worth adding to your list if you want to feel like you're on holiday at home.

June has seen record-breaking temperatures, and with more very hot weather like this expected over the summer, our gardens are taking a punishing. While my garden border plants are coping ok as they’re able to draw on moisture deeper underground, it’s the thirsty potted plants that are suffering most in the heat, which has got me thinking about low-maintenance container plant options that might do better in these very hot and dry spells.

‘It’s all about gardeners thinking differently about what they plant and choosing drought-tolerant plants that won’t wilt the moment the sun comes out,’ according to Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

‘Gardeners don't need to dread these hotter summers,' says Julian, 'they just need to plant a bit smarter. Pick the right plants, get the timing right, and a garden can sail through a heatwave without anyone having to stand out there with a hosepipe every evening to protect plants.’

1. Lavender

‘If you want containers that look beautiful without needing constant attention, lavender is one of the best picks,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist. ‘Lavender is more prone to over-watering than under-watering and actually prefers drier soil, perfect for the summer months. It brings fragrance, soft colour and plenty of pollinator appeal, so it is a lovely choice for a patio, doorstep or cottage-style container display.’

‘You can't really go wrong with lavender,’ agrees Julian. ‘Plant it somewhere sunny with decent drainage, and it'll flower its heart out all summer while the bees do the rest of the work for you.’

Where to buy lavender plants:

• Crocus: Pop this Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote', from £4.79, in pots or borders.
• Gardening Express: Or go for the super fragrant Lavender stoechas Purple Flag - French Lavender, £5.99.

2. Geraniums

‘My next pick would be geraniums,’ says David. ‘Geraniums are a UK summer staple for good reason, because, similar to lavender, they love a sunny spot, prefer not to be constantly wet, and will flower for months with very little fuss.’

‘Deadheading geraniums will give them a helping hand, but even with the most minimal intervention they’ll still do you proud and look great during the summer,' adds David.

Chris Bonnett, owner of Gardening Express, agrees: ‘Geraniums come in a variety of shades and require very little maintenance. They tend to bloom annually and will fade once summer ends. With plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering, geraniums will thrive with minimal effort.’

Where to buy geranium plants:

• Suttons: Buy these garden-ready Geranium 'Best Red' F1, from £4.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Enjoy a blaze of bright colour with these Geranium 'Jackpot Candyfloss' Mix, from £12.99.

Shop these planters

3. Verbena

‘Verbenas will keep a neat and colourful appearance and are great for really sunny spots, producing clusters of colourful flowers from late spring all the way into autumn,’ says David.

Summer bedding verbenas tend to be quite compact (about 30cm tall) and are great for containers and tubs. Trailing varieties of verbena will cascade over the sides of containers, so they are brilliant for hanging baskets and window boxes.

‘Alternatively, a perennial like this verbena bonariensis purple top, from £6.39 at Crocus, is a great drought-tolerant plant that makes a statement with its height in flower beds and borders,’ adds Julian. ‘Thin stems shoot up tall with clouds of purple flowers on top, so it looks like it's floating above everything else in the border.’

Where to buy verbena bedding plants:

• Gardeners Dream: In a pretty pale pink colour, try the delightful Verbena Light Pink Basket Plants, £12.73.
• Primrose: Or go for the vibrant tones of these Verbena Homestead Purple, £3.99.

4. Erigeron karvinskianus

‘Erigeron karvinskianus (also known as Mexican fleabane) is a wonderfully tough, low-maintenance plant, tolerating dry conditions well once established,’ suggests David. ‘They produce soft clouds of small white and pink daisy-like flowers that are more than happy in well-drained pots, cracks and walls.’

To grow erigeron karvinskianus, start seeds off, like these erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion ' seeds, £2.49 from Suttons, popping them in trays or small pots (or buy plug plants) and then plant them up in your container, with well-drained soil and in a sunny spot on the patio. Once established, it requires very little looking after and being a self-seeder, it will often spread of its own accord.

Where to buy erigeron karvinskianus plants:

• Crocus: Ready to plant, try these potted Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican fleabane, from £6.99.
• Marshalls Garden: Or try these in pots or as ground cover - Erigeron Karvinskianus 'Stallone', from £14.99.

5. Bidens

‘Bidens are more drought-tolerant than many bedding plants and will cope well with the odd missed watering,’ suggests David. ‘Through most of the season, you'll be treated to a lovely yellow or white daisy-like flower which can work really well when spilling over container edges.’

Plant bidens in rich compost, like this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Enriched Compost, £8.54 from Amazon, with good drainage and position pots in full sun. They need little root space, so are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes and planters. As well as requiring very little watering, they don’t need to be deadheaded and will continue producing new blooms.

Where to buy biden plants:

• Suttons: Enjoy these sunny yellow Bidens ferulifolia 'Taka Tuka Double Yellow Red Centre', £29.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or enjoy these bold orange Bidens ferulifolia 'Taka Tuka Red Yellow Brush', £29.99.

6. Shasta daisies

‘Shasta daisies are another great choice for summer containers,’ suggests Chris. ‘They usually appear in white with yellow centres, and these hardy flowers tolerate a variety of conditions, whether full sun, partial shade, or differing soil types.’

‘They only require light watering and can withstand periods of drought, making them an ideal low-maintenance planting choice - you can expect to see shasta daisies blooming throughout the summer months.’

When planting Shasta daisies in window boxes or pots, ensure that the container has adequate drainage and use an all-purpose potting compost, like this Westland Multi Purpose Compost with John Innes Peat Free, £6.28 from Amazon. And opt for a ceramic or plastic container if you can, which will retain moisture better than terracotta pots.

Where to buy Shasta daisy plants:

• Gardening Express: Go for the double-bloomed Leucanthemum x Superbum Coconut - Shasta Daisy, £7.99.
• Suttons: Or try Shasta Daisy 'Madonna', from £11.99, with its abundant blooms.

7. Echinacea

‘Echinacea (or coneflowers) can handle dry and sunny conditions perfectly and will continue to produce their bold, daisy-like blooms through summer into early autumn,’ says Chris. ‘Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also provide food for birds later in the season, thanks to their seed heads.’

When growing coneflowers in pots, opt for a compact variety, like this Echinacea Little Magnus, £10.99 at B&Q. Shorter varieties like this are more manageable and less prone to toppling over in strong winds. Just ensure that you choose a deep, sturdy pot.

Where to buy echinacea plants:

• Crocus: Try these stunning pink Echinacea Delicious Candy, from £14.99.
• J. Parker's: Or enjoy a variety of colours with these Echinacea purpurea Primadonna Mix, from £8.99.

8. Sedum

‘Look closely at the leaves, and you'll see why sedums cope so well with hot and dry heat,’ says Julian. ‘Sedums are thick and fleshy, so they are basically little water tanks. Leave sedum alone in a dry spell, and it won't even flinch; then it turns a rich rusty red as autumn comes in.’

‘Sedum foliage actually stores water, which makes it far more forgiving during dry spells than many traditional bedding plants, and they even look attractive when not in bloom,’ adds David.

Where to buy sedum plants:

• Gardening Express: Go for a mix of colours and shapes with this Hardy Succulent Sedum Collection, £19.99.
• Crocus: Try the striking Hylotelephium 'Lime Zinger', £12.99.

Adapt watering during hot spells

‘Make sure you water deeply but less often,’ advises Julian. ‘A good soak encourages roots to grow down into the soil rather than staying near the surface, which makes plants far more resilient when a dry spell hits.’

‘A layer of mulch around the base of plants also makes a big difference, helping to lock moisture into the soil so it doesn't evaporate as quickly in the heat.’

‘Timing matters too. Planting in autumn or early spring, rather than the height of summer, gives roots time to properly settle in before the heat arrives, so your plants are far better prepared when the next hot spell comes around.’

Plant pot watering essentials

Are your garden containers flagging in the heat? Share your summer watering tips with us.

If you're in the middle of landscaping your garden or have just moved in and are dealing with a wild garden that needs reconfiguring, you may have an excess of paving slabs and gravel.

Once you've got your pavers and gravel up from where they were, it's time to figure out what you can do with them. Do you pay for removal or try to reuse them in the garden? We prefer the latter as a genius sustainable garden idea.

We've spoken to our gardening experts to see what they can suggest, and they have some easy, practical ideas.

1. Make an insect habitat

Have you always wanted to create a bug hotel for your wildlife garden but haven't got round to it – here's the moment!

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation explains, 'To help turn your garden into a haven for these helpful bugs and create a self-sustaining ecosystem you can recycle leftover pavers and gravel in order to create areas in your garden where they can bask in the sun, shelter and hibernate over winter'
Pick a quiet, sheltered, shady corner of your garden says Lucie, 'Place a random, off-centre short stack of pavers to create a structure full of gaps and spaces for ground beetles, woodlice etc to shelter.'

If you want to use a wooden bug hotel, then you can use the pavers and gravel. 'They are used to form a firm ‘foundation’ which will prevent wood from rotting as well as leaving some shady spots for some insects to hibernate in.'

We love Amazon's large wooden bug hotel, currently £21.20. It's the ideal size to be mounted on pavers.

2. Use rubble to fill large planters

'You can use rubble when filling large planters, but it can take up space that plant roots need, and it can affect the soil moisture,' advises Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

Care is required to make this work properly; the planter needs to be large so there's enough space, and you need to check a couple of things first. Richard explains, 'Check that any rubble you are using does not contain lime, as this can sometimes leach into the soil and alter the pH, which can be very damaging if you are growing acid-loving plants. Ensure that the rubble is not blocking any of the planter's drainage holes, as this can cause waterlogging.'

Another great tip from Richard is to place a layer of permeable landscaping fabric between the rubble and the soil if using rubble in a planter. 'This will prevent soil from falling into the gaps between the pieces of rubble, stopping it from potentially clogging drainage holes.'

Check out the GroundMaster 1m x 10m heavy-duty weed control membrane to pop in your pot if you try this method, £9.99, Amazon.

3. Create a path

This is a great way to use up pavers and gravel. We spoke to Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, for his advice.

'Old pavers and gravel don’t have to go straight to the skip. If the slabs are in good shape, they can be reused for creating DIY paths, edging or small hardstanding areas, and broken pieces or surplus gravel can often be taken to a local recycling centre or used as hardcore where appropriate.'

Lucie agrees, 'If you only want to create a narrow edging, then you can tip the pavers on their sides – this works well when recycling broken pavers – sinking them into the ground around the edge of your lawn to create a definitive border around flower beds.'

Amazon's Neilsen steel scutch hammer is ideal for this, £10.99, and made from alloy steel.

4. Garden zones

Similar to designing zones within your home, you can also design similar spaces in your garden. These can be achieved by the materials you use, and this is where your leftover pavers and gravel can be put to work.

'Excess or recycled gravel can be used to create a simple band around curved flower beds, with the gravel both defining the growing space as well as practically helping to prevent weeds from transitioning from lawns into borders or vice versa, as well as providing great drainage,' says Lucie.

Create curves with B&Q's Hardys grass lawn edge border edging tool, now £10.63. It will give a sharp, straight edge.

5. Place them around a pond

We love this genius idea that will work better with broken pavers close to the edge and some of the gravel, too.

Lucie explains how to achieve this great reuse: 'Pavers are great for overhanging the edge of the pond by a couple of centimetres, creating natural shadows around the edge and helping to hide the liner – just be careful that you don’t have sharp edges to the pavers. If you are using paver pieces, then you can fill in gaps with gravel, and the immediate space between paver and lawn/soil can be divided by a space of gravel to help prevent the spread of weeds or runoff.'

Use good quality building sand and cement to keep them in place – a ratio of 5 or 6 parts sand to 1 part cement will create the right mix. Amazon's mortar, cement and sand ready-to-use mix is ideal, £8.99 for a 5kg bag.

Shopping essentials for getting rid of pavers and gravel

These expert garden ideas will hopefully give you some inspiration to use your pavers and gravel again and again, instead of throwing them out.

Wondering how to fill small pots in the garden? It isn’t as simple as gathering soil from the border – but there is a right way to top them up.

There are plenty of ways to fill the bottom of a large planter, but small pots don’t have as much room for trial and error. They’re far more susceptible to drying out, and because space is limited, it isn't unusual for heavier soils to suffocate the plants growing in them.

I’ve got a few small pots to fill in my own garden, so I set out to find out the best ways to fill them (and ensure I don’t accidentally kill my plants!). Here's what the experts recommend.

What you'll need

If your container garden ideas revolve around small pots, knowing the best way to fill them is more crucial than ever.

You’ll need to make sure you’re giving your plants the breathing space and nutrients they need to thrive. That's why it’s wise to distinguish between garden soil and potting mixes.

‘For small pots, skip the heavy garden soil and go for a light peat-free potting mix,’ advises Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘Small containers can compact quickly, and thick soil or straight compost can end up choking roots.’

Jamieson Brothers Professional Preat Free Compost, which you can order from Amazon, includes John Innes and feeds plants for six months.

Chris Bonnett, horticulturist and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, agrees that using garden soil instead of potting mix is one of the most common container garden mistakes.

‘In containers, garden soil can compact and suffocate roots,’ he says. ‘Proper container mix will remain airy, stay dry, drain well and hold moisture more evenly, supporting plants in their growth.’

Julian already told us that a peat-free potting mix is the best option – it's generally lighter (and a lot more sustainable) than peat-based composts – but it’s a good idea to improve drainage in other ways, too. Pot feet are brilliant in heavy rain, but comfortable conditions for small potted plants start with the potting mix itself.

‘A good all-purpose peat-free mix works best, and if you're growing herbs or plants that hate sitting wet, add a bit of perlite or horticultural grit,’ says Julian. ‘It helps water drain properly and keeps the root zone airy, crucial when you're working with such limited space.’

You can order a 20kg bag of Westland Potting Grit from Amazon, or buy a large 50-litre bag of Hardys Perlite from Amazon.

'Fill your small pot and leave a gap at the top so water doesn't wash compost over the edge,' Julian adds. 'Water slowly at first to let the mix settle. It keeps things tidy, avoids waterlogging and makes maintenance much easier.'

So, garden soil is out when it comes to filling small pots in the garden, but a peat-free, multi-purpose potting mix (ideally, mixed with horticultural grit or perlite) gets the green light from the experts.

Just make sure you keep them well-watered – especially during hot weather!

For years, edible gardens and ornamental borders were treated as entirely separate things. Vegetables belonged in neat rows in the kitchen garden, while flowers took pride of place in beds and borders. But increasingly, gardeners are beginning to realise that the two can happily coexist, so long as you pick the prettiest edible plants going.

Happily, this is no difficult task; in fact, some of the most beautiful plants you can grow are also edible. From jewel-bright stems to delicate flowers and attractive foliage, many fruits, herbs and even the very easiest vegetables earn their place in the garden long before they make it to the kitchen.

This approach has become increasingly popular in recent years. Rather than keeping fruit and vegetables confined to raised beds, gardeners are weaving them through borders, tucking them into pots and containers, and allowing edible plants to mingle with ornamentals in ways that feel natural and beautifully designed. (Just see The Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, if you don't believe us; they had parsnips in the mix!).

The prettiest edible plants to grow

'Many edible plants are pretty enough to take centre stage in the garden and can be grown in containers and even hanging baskets," ays Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'They add colour, texture and seasonal interest, as well as being edible is both fun, interesting and tasty.'

Morris recommends treating edible plants much like you would flowers. 'Combine vegetables, herbs and flowers together, allowing colours, textures and shapes to work as they would in a natural planting scheme,' he says.

So, whether you're looking to maximise a small space, create a more productive garden, or simply add another layer of interest to your borders, look no further! These edible plants wholeheartedly prove that beauty and practicality can go hand in hand...

1. Rainbow chard

Rainbow chard is universally considered one of the prettiest edible plants to grow, and little wonder. With stems in vivid shades of pink, orange, yellow and red, it looks almost too pretty to eat.

'Rainbow chard is one of the easiest ways to add edible colour into the garden,' says Morris. 'Its brightly coloured stems in shades of pink, orange, yellow and red look almost ornamental, especially planted amongst flowers. The young leaves can be mixed into salads and as the leaves mature, they can be cooked the same as spinach.'

Try weaving something like Crocus's rainbow chard through cottage-style planting schemes, where its jewel-bright stems pop against softer flowers and grasses.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are one of those wonderfully generous plants that seem to do it all. They flower prolifically, spill beautifully from containers and hanging baskets, and every single part of the plant is edible. One more time, for the people at the back? Every single part of the plant is edible.

'Nasturtiums have trailing stems and bright orange, red or yellow flowers, which bring lovely bright colour to borders, containers or baskets,' says Morris. 'The leaves are peppery, the vibrant petals are edible, and they are perfect for filling spaces between plants.'

Their relaxed growth habit makes them ideal for softening the edges of raised beds or tumbling from pots, while the peppery leaves and flowers bring a burst of flavour to salads.

Shop nasturtiums below:

3. Alpine strawberries

Tiny but mighty, alpine strawberries might just be one of the garden's best-kept secrets. Their delicate white flowers, neat green foliage and jewel-like fruits make them a charming addition to beds and borders.

One professional gardener says he first fell for alpine strawberries after seeing them used at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 'I've grown them in my own flower beds ever since,' says Chris O’Donoghue, Director of Gardens Revived. 'They create a beautiful living ground cover, and finding tiny strawberries hidden amongst other plants always feels like a little reward.'

Unlike larger strawberries, alpine varieties don't send out vigorous runners, making them easier to weave into ornamental planting schemes. And, tucked beneath roses or between perennials, they add a playful little layer to the garden... one you can either leave as a treat for songbirds or nibble on yourself as you set to work on your borders.

No wonder people call them one of the best ground cover plants for a wildlife garden, eh? You can pick up a 9cm pot on Crocus.

4. Broad beans

Broad beans don't immediately spring to mind when you think of ornamental plants, but the 'Crimson-Flowered' (available at Mr Fothergill's) variety might just change that.

At RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, this striking variety drew admiring glances for its whorls of deep burgundy blooms weaving through roses and catmint. In fact, designer Frances Tophill reported that visitors kept asking, 'What is that flower?', only to be surprised that it was a broad bean.

As well as looking beautiful, broad beans help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them as hardworking as they are pretty. Plant them among ornamentals, and you'll be rewarded with flowers first and a harvest later.

5. Garlic mustard

If you're feeling adventurous, garlic mustard (available at Nature Seeds) offers a reminder that beauty can sometimes be hiding in plain sight.

Often dismissed as a weed, its dainty white flowers have recently appeared in Chelsea planting schemes, proving that the prettiest edible plants don't always need to be cultivated to earn a place in the garden.

6. Purple kale and ornamental brassicas

Many gardens begin to lose momentum as summer fades, but purple vegetables like kale and ornamental brassicas come into their own later in the year.

'Purple kale and other ornamental brassica plants bring structure for a long time after summer flowers fade,' says Morris. 'The ruffled leaves and deep colours add contrast to borders and make a striking winter display, plus they are packed with flavour and nutrients.'

Their rich purple tones look especially beautiful planted alongside silvery foliage or late-season grasses, bringing drama and structure to borders long after many flowers have finished. Have a go with the Broccoli 'Claret' F1 (purple sprouting) seeds from Crocus, or Thompson & Morgan's Broccoli 'Purple Rain' F1 Hybrid (Purple Sprouting) seeds.

7. Herbs

Herbs may be hardworking kitchen staples, but many are heralded as being some of the prettiest edible plants around, too.

'Flowers on rosemary, delicate flowers on chives, and soft silver foliage from sage make a border look beautifully designed while providing ingredients for the kitchen,' promises Morris.

Personally, this writer loves growing flowering herbs; pollinators love it (especially my oregano 'country cream'). Or this bumper kit of grow-your-own herb seeds from Amazon boasts mint, chives, parsley, thyme, and basil!

8. Calendula

Calendula, often known as pot marigold, earns its place in both ornamental and edible gardens. Its cheerful orange and yellow blooms flower for months on end, bringing a warm, sunny feel to borders and containers, and the 'Candyman Orange' variety from Thompson & Morgan will flower the longest.

The petals are edible and can be scattered over salads, baked into cakes, or even used to colour butter. Better still, calendula is loved by pollinators and readily self-seeds, creating that slightly wild, abundant look many gardeners crave.

It's one of those rare plants that works hard while looking effortlessly beautiful. What could be better, eh?

9. Bronze fennel

If you love easy breezy and super natural-looking planting schemes, bronze fennel is hard to beat. Its feathery purple-bronze foliage brings movement and texture to borders, while its umbels of yellow flowers attract a host of beneficial insects.

Despite its ornamental appearance, every part of the plant is useful. The leaves have a delicate aniseed flavour, while the seeds can be harvested for cooking.

Planted among grasses and perennials, it looks every bit the designer plant, albeit with the bonus of being delicious, and you can pick up seeds easily from Thompson & Morgan.

FAQs

Now you know the prettiest edible plants to grow, which will you be planting? Whatever you choose, it's guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and the tummies, so enjoy...

Here’s something I didn’t expect to see on my TikTok feed this week: an electric toothbrush being used on a tomato plant.

That's right – gardeners are now using electric toothbrushes to vibrate the flowers on their tomato plants. I first saw the trick on @farmhouseinthefield's TikTok video. It’s said to encourage the plants to produce more tomatoes – so if, like me, you’re growing your own tomatoes, you’re probably wondering whether this trick can actually produce a bumper crop.

I asked the experts whether an electric toothbrush can really make a tomato plant produce more tomatoes. There's more credit to the idea than you'd think!

I asked pro gardeners to share some of the lessons they learned about growing tomatoes recently, and ‘vibrate the plants with an electric toothbrush’ wasn’t on the list.

It’s curious, then, that gardeners are now shouting about the trick on social media. In a nutshell, they’re holding an electric toothbrush (sometimes wrapped in a plastic bag) against the stems of their tomato plants so that the plants vibrate, too.

‘I believe the toothbrush trick is designed to mimic what's known as buzz pollination – the vibration that bumblebees create when they land on flowers,’ says horticulture expert and The Plant Pod host Ross Dyke.

‘Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but they still need their pollen to be shaken loose and transferred within the flower. Outdoors, wind and insects usually take care of this, but in greenhouses or more sheltered conditions, an electric toothbrush can provide the gentle vibration needed to improve pollination. It won't encourage the plant to produce more flowers, but it can help more of those flowers develop into tomatoes.’

So, it isn’t a case of making the plant flower more – it’s more about making the most of the flowers that are already there and, crucially, encouraging them to turn into tomatoes.

‘To do this effectively, turn the toothbrush to its highest setting, and gently press the non-bristle side of the head or the base of the brush against the stem behind a flower,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. ‘You should see a small cloud of pollen puff out from the flower. Do this every few days as new flowers open on the plant.’

There are more reliable ways you can encourage a tomato plant to produce more flowers and tomatoes, though. Pinching out tomato side shoots is one of them, but it’s also a good idea to feed them this month.

‘Focusing on plant health and nutrition is likely to deliver far greater results than reaching for an electric toothbrush,’ Ross says. ‘My go-to product is Maximato from Envii, which has been specifically developed for tomatoes and provides the nutrients and beneficial microbes needed to support strong growth, abundant flowering and healthy fruit development.'

Ross also cites plenty of sunshine and consistent watering as key stepping stones to plenty of harvests (especially if you're growing tomatoes in hanging baskets or pots).

Tomato growing essentials

If you're growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, the electric toothbrush trick is a brilliant way to keep them pollinated (and more tomatoes!).

Here’s a question I didn’t expect to be asking during this week’s heatwave: can a pond cool a garden down?

I was browsing for simple ways to keep a patio cool during a heatwave in light of this week’s very real red weather warning, and water features were among the expert suggestions. I’d actually been considering adding a pond to my garden, so I had to know if they really can cool a garden down.

I checked in with a few other experts to find out just how much truth is in the claim.

What you'll need

You don’t usually read about garden pond ideas that cool a garden down, but this week’s heatwave has seen them emerge as a brand-new hot weather solution. Can a pond really cool a garden down, though?

‘Keeping gardens cool during a heatwave isn’t just about shade and materials, as airflow and water can also make a big difference in helping outdoor spaces feel fresher and more comfortable during periods of hot weather,’ says Tom Douglas, senior gardening buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

Shop ready-made ponds

‘Water features such as small fountains and birdbaths can help naturally cool the surrounding area through evaporative cooling.’

Ponds are fantastic wildlife garden ideas anyway, so it’s never a bad idea to consider building one. You can either dig a hole in the ground for one (a preformed pond like this one from B&Q is ideal), or build a mini bucket pond using an old galvanised bucket or container.

To maximise a pond’s cooling effects, you’ll need to know where to position it.

‘If you want to use a pond to cool down part of your garden, it is best to position it in partial shade in an open and slightly elevated area,’ advises Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. ‘The area should also have some kind of air circulation, as this aids water evaporation to cool the surrounding areas.’

To boost the rate of evaporation from the pond with moving water, Richard recommends adding a fountain like this best-selling solar-powered fountain pump from Amazon.

‘If you have garden seating, placing the pond in proximity to this can allow you to take advantage of its cooling effects,’ Richard adds.

So, a pond really can cool a garden down! Duly noted...

As anyone who has spent a summer nurturing a container display will know, potted plants are often the first casualties when a heatwave hits. Unlike plants growing in borders, they have a limited amount of soil around their roots, meaning they dry out much faster and their roots can quickly overheat. I've definitely noticed that in my own garden anyway.

If you're wondering how to keep your garden or patio cool in a heatwave, protecting your container garden is probably high on your list, especially if you're dealing with wilted foliage, scorched leaf edges and drooping blooms. So I've asked the experts how to spot the signs your plants are suffering from heat stress and the tricks they have up their sleeves to stop them reaching that stage.

From creating shade to mulching and keeping roots cool, these are the expert-approved tips to help your containers cope with soaring temperatures and keep your garden looking its best throughout the summer.

'Heatwaves can be tough on potted plants because they dry out so much faster than anything planted in the ground,' says Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert at Caragh Nurseries.

1. Move pots outside of the strongest sun

One of the first things I do when a heatwave is forecast is move smaller containers into a more sheltered position. Even shifting them a few metres can reduce the amount of intense afternoon sunshine they receive.

Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, recommends relocating pots to a north or east-facing wall or placing them beneath trees or larger shrubs where they'll benefit from natural shade.

Jo agrees that reducing exposure to the hottest part of the day can have a dramatic effect.

'If delicate plants are starting to look a little frazzled, creating some temporary shade can make a huge difference,' explains Jo. 'A small parasol, a shade sail like an IOAOI garden shade sail from Amazon, or simply moving pots somewhere that gets a break from the afternoon sun can help take the edge off during the hottest hours.'

Plant shade picks

2. Mulch your pots to lock in moisture

Of all the ways to protect potted plants in a heatwave, adding mulch is probably one of the simplest. I've been using RocketGro Magic Mulch, which you can pick up for £14.68 from Amazon, in my own pots recently, and I've found the compost stays noticeably moist for longer between waterings.

Jo is also a strong advocate of mulching containers during hot weather.

'One of the easiest ways to help is by adding a layer of mulch to the top of the compost,' says Jo. 'Bark, gravel or even leftover compost will help hold onto moisture for longer and stop the soil from baking in the sun.'

Lucie recommends applying a generous 5-7 cm layer of the type of mulch of your choice, such as coco coir like Coco&Coir's from Amazon, mini bark chippings or minierlised straw mulch, to shade the soil and slow evaporation.

Shop for top-rated mulch

3. Water plants deeply and at the right time

When it comes to watering plants in hot weather, timing matters just as much as quantity. Rather than giving containers frequent light drinks, I try to water thoroughly first thing in the morning before temperatures rise.

'It's worth giving plants a really deep drink first thing in the morning or later in the evening, rather than a quick splash during the hottest part of the day,' says Jo.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow lower into the compost where moisture remains available for longer.

Plant pot watering essentials

4. Group pots together

I've always grouped containers, not just because I think it looks good, but also because it makes watering easier, but it turns out it can also help protect plants during a heatwave.

According to Lucie, clustering pots creates a microclimate, with larger plants shading smaller ones while the moisture released from the foliage helps increase humidity around the display.

Jo says grouping containers can also reduce moisture loss. 'Grouping pots together can help create a slightly cooler, more sheltered environment and reduce moisture loss,' she explains.

5. Protect pots and roots from overheating

One tip I hadn't even considered until the experts mentioned it is just how hot the actual container can become. Dark-coloured pots, metal planters and unsealed terracotta can absorb huge amounts of heat during a heatwave, explains Jo.

'Moving them to a cooler spot or shielding the sides of the container can help prevent roots from overheating,' she adds.

Lucie recommends wrapping containers with hessian, reflective materials like plant reflective film from Amazon or placing smaller pots inside larger, light-coloured planters to provide a little extra insulation.

6. Lift pots using pot feet

Pot feet might seem like a small addition, but they can make a surprising difference during hot weather.

Lucie explains that elevating containers improves airflow beneath the pot, helping keep roots cooler while also improving drainage after watering.

You don't necessarily need specialist pot feet either. Bricks, stones, wine corks, or bottle caps can all work for smaller containers.

Pot feet picks

7. Use watering spikes for extra support

If you're worried about your containers drying out while you're at work or away for a few days, watering spikes are well worth considering.

'Watering spikes are another handy solution during hot spells, particularly for anyone spending long days away from home or heading off for a few days,' says Jo. 'They release water slowly and steadily, helping compost stay moist for longer.'

Lucie recommends terracotta irrigation spikes, like these from Amazon, or watering cones that slowly deliver water directly to the root zone while reducing evaporation.

Shop these watering spikes

So, there you have it! Heatwaves are always a challenge for container gardeners, but a few preventative measures can make a huge difference.

As Jo puts it: 'The key is keeping a close eye on potted plants during the very hot weather. Conditions can change surprisingly quickly in a container, but a few simple adjustments can go a long way towards keeping plants healthy until temperatures return to normal.'

Stay cool!

I don't know about your patio, but when temperatures soar, mine can quickly become one of the hottest spots in the garden. The paving radiates heat, my potted plants dry out constantly, and even sitting in it can feel a bit *much*.

If you're wondering how to keep a garden cool in a heatwave, I've found the secret lies in what people with cool gardens always have during a heatwave. Think garden shade ideas, leafy plants, a gentle trickling water feature and a way to encourage some sort of breeze.

The good news is that none of these patio ideas requires a complete garden overhaul, and a few of these simple tweaks can make your patio feel noticeably fresher and more comfortable, even on the hottest days of summer.

1. Create as much shade as possible

Whenever a heatwave is forecast, creating shade is the very first thing to get right. Not only does it make sitting outside infinitely more comfortable, but it also gives nearby pots and plants some much-needed relief from the harsh afternoon sun.

If you're searching for some budget garden shade ideas or wondering how to shade your garden without installing a permanent structure, I'd start with a parasol or shade sail. I'm seeing shade sails everywhere this year because they feel more design-led than a traditional umbrella while taking up very little floor space. I really like this IOAOI waterproof triangle shade sail, £39.99 from Amazon, which has UV protection too.

According to Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, shade sails are becoming increasingly popular because they're both an affordable and space-saving way to protect both people and plants. 'By anchoring a shade sail to walls or poles, you can cover an area of your garden in an attractive way, which effectively provides shade but is easy to remove and store during the cooler months of the year,' she explains.

Tom Douglas, Senior gardening buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres, also recommends creating as much natural shade as possible. 'Tall plants, pergolas and shade sails can all help block harsh sunlight, keeping outdoor spaces cooler and more comfortable even on the hottest days,' he says.

Patio shade picks

2. Mulch your pots and borders

One of the best things I've done recently is add mulch to my containers and flower beds, specifically RocketGro's MagicMulch, £14.68 from Amazon, which is excellent at keeping my plants happy. A layer of mulch helps lock in moisture in the soil, keeps plant roots cooler and stops pots from drying out quite so quickly.

Tom says mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture during hot weather. 'Applying bark chips, grass clippings or compost around the base of plants helps reduce evaporation, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature,' he explains.

I've certainly noticed my plants need watering far less and stay looking much fresher, even during summer's prolonged hot spells.

Shop for top-rated mulch

3. Water plants strategically

I avoid watering during the middle of the day because so much moisture simply evaporates in the heat, so I give them a good drink first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Lucie says deep watering becomes even more important during a heatwave because it encourages plants to develop stronger root systems. ' To make the most of watering during a heatwave, you are best watering your plants before 9 am in the monring ot between 4 pm and 5 pm,' she explains.

Tom also recommends watering when temperatures are lower and focusing moisture at the base of plants so the roots receive the most benefit.

Plant pot watering essentials

4. Add a water feature

A water feature isn't just aesthetically pleasing. It can also help make a patio feel cooler. The movement and evaporation of water can create a fresher atmosphere, while the gentle trickling sound instantly makes your patio feel calmer and more relaxing.

Lucie explains that 'evaporative cooling makes the air around a water feature naturally cooler during a heatwave,' because the evaporating water absorbs heat from the surrounding air. She also points out that the sound of running water can psychologically make us feel cooler and more comfortable.

Tom agrees, saying that small fountains and birdbaths can naturally cool the surrounding area, and adds that even a small tabletop fountain can help create the illusion of a cooler, more tranquil outdoor space. This solar fountain, £8.49 from Amazon can be added to a pretty bowl or pot of water for a budget-friendly, effective water feature.

Patio water features

5. Surround yourself with greenery

Large leafy plants do more than just make a patio look beautiful because a container garden can also help cool your space. Through a process called transpiration, plants release moisture into the air, helping to create a slightly cooler microclimate around your seating area.

Tom says plants act like a 'natural air conditioner' because the moisture they release helps reduce the surrounding temperature. He also suggests using trees for pots, climbers on obelisks (this support will add a nice height, £10.99 at Amazon) and tall grasses to cast shade over patios and seating areas.

I'd recommend grouping larger containers around your seating area and choose drought tolerant plants such as lavender, tall olive trees, £39.99 at Thompson & Morgan and ornamental grasses like Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten', £19.99 from Crocus, for a Mediterranean-style garden.

Plant up these patio favourites

6. Invest in an outdoor fan

One of the easiest ways to make a patio more comfortable during a heatwave is with an outdoor fan. A good one keeps air moving, preventing the still stuffy feeling that can make sitting outside unbearable on particularly hot days.

Tom says encouraging airflow is one of the simplest ways to reduce heat build-up in the garden. While he recommends guiding natural breezes through the space where possible, an outdoor fan is an easy way to create that cooling air movement around a seating area when the weather is particularly still.

Many new designs are surprisingly sleek, like Shark's FlexBreeze HydroGo misting fan, £129 at Amazon, which has a refreshing misting function, is rechargeable and can be easily moved around.

Even a gentle breeze can make a garden feel significantly cooler when the air is heavy and still.

Shop these outdoor fans

So, there you have it! Heatwaves don't have to mean abandoning your outdoor space altogether. With a little extra shade, clever watering habits and a gentle breeze from a fan, it's possible to create a patio that's comfortable for you, kinder to your plants and much cooler, even during the hottest days.

With their gorgeous creamy-white blooms, lush evergreen foliage and sweet, heady fragrance, gardenias are the ultimate summer plant. But while there’s a lot to love about gardenias, they do have a reputation as being tricky plants to grow, so ensuring they have the right growing conditions and a little extra TLC is a must.

A flowering fragrant shrub, gardenias were traditionally grown indoors in conservatories and summer houses as they require plenty of warmth, humidity and bright, indirect light to thrive. But in recent years, hardier outdoor varieties of gardenia have been developed that can be grown in sheltered spots or milder areas outdoors.

Whether growing a gardenia in a garden border or as a flowering container idea on a small patio, positioning it where you can take it in and enjoy the intense fragrance is a must, so always try to place your gardenia near an outdoor seating area, beside an entranceway or close to a window if you can.

1. Choose the right spot

While indoor gardenias can be tricky to master, growing outdoor gardenias is much more straightforward. Gardenias like warmth and bright light, but they don’t like strong sun which can scorch the leaves and make flowers wilt. So choose a spot that gets plenty of light but is out of direct sunlight, such as an area of dappled shade cast by larger plants in a flower bed or border, which will also help provide shelter from wind.

‘Keep gardenias out of strong mid-day sun and try not to position in a very exposed area as both can stress the plant and affect flowering,’ advises Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

Growing gardenias in containers outside is also worth considering, as they can be moved somewhere sheltered over winter, such as inside a porch, conservatory or greenhouse which will protect them from frost and harsh weather.

Shop for gardenias online

2. Ensure soil conditions are right

‘Gardenias do best in acidic soil, so choosing an ericaceous compost is the best option,’ advises Julian. ‘Ericaceous compost, like this Verve Ericaceous Peat-free Compost, £7 at B&Q, is specially formulated for acid‑loving plants such as gardenias, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, as these plants require a lower soil pH to absorb nutrients effectively.’

‘Ericaceous compost contains materials such as pine bark and peat substitutes that help maintain acidity while providing iron and micronutrients essential for healthy growth. Its airy, moisture‑retentive structure also supports strong root development and vibrant flowering.’

Check your soil’s PH levels by using a kit, like this PH soil test kit, £7.89 at Amazon. To change soil PH and make it more acidic, in addition to adding organic matter or an ericaceous compost, you can also try adding ferrous sulfate to the water once a month, which adds soluble iron and can help prevent gardenia’s leaves from yellowing.

3. Ensure gardenias are well-hydrated

‘Gardenias prefer light, steady moisture, so keep the soil moist but not waterlogged,’ advises Julian. ‘Rainwater is best if you can manage it from a water butt, especially in hard water areas, as gardenias don’t like alkaline conditions.’

If your gardenia starts to drop flower buds or the leaves dry out, it’s a sign that it needs more water. Check how moist the soil is by digging your finger in - the soil should feel damp and hold together, but not feel muddy or wet.

Water gardenias at the base of the plant around the trunk. If your gardenia is in a container, empty any excess water in the saucer about 20 minutes after watering so the gardenia isn’t left sitting in water.

Shop for watering essentials

4. Fertilise regularly

Gardenias are hungry plants, so to keep them thriving, feed every two weeks over the spring and summer months. Use an ericaceous liquid feed, such as this Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Liquid Plant Food, £8.99 from Amazon, which can be diluted in a watering can and applied directly to the soil around the plant.

Alternatively, go for a slow release specialist feed, like Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Plant Food Granules, £9.45, from B&Q, which should be sprinkled evenly over the soil around the plant and gently forked in and watered to activate. This will only need to be applied once at the start of the season.

5. Keep gardenias in shape

To keep gardenia bushes in shape over the summer months, make sure to deadhead them regularly, which will redirect energy from seed production into creating more blooms.

Look for flowers that are wilting and turning brown and gently pinch or snip off any faded blooms, using clean, sharp secateurs, like these Burgon & Ball ergo deadheader snips, £12.99, Crocus. Cut off the entire spent bloom just above a leaf set. Collect in a trug or let them drop onto the soil and naturally compost down into mulch.

So there you have it, give your gardenia plants some TLC and they'll thrive. Let us know if you have your own gardenia and how it is faring.

I don't use the word 'magic' that often when it comes to things I use in the garden, but RocketGro's Magic Mulch, £14.84 from Amazon, has genuinely lived up to its name in my garden this year.

I've been using it everywhere from my plant pots to flower beds, largely because our weather has been so unpredictable of late. One week it's pouring with rain, and the next I'm rushing around with a watering can trying to keep everything alive.

Since I've started using Magic Mulch, though, I've noticed a big difference. The plants that would normally start looking wilted and sorry for themselves are looking much happier, and I'm worrying less about watering my plants in hot weather because the compost and soil are staying moist for longer.

And this is just one of the many benefits of using this magical stuff. Here's all it can do for your plants this summer.

I've actually tried plenty of different types of mulch in the past, and the biggest benefit I've found is its ability to regulate moisture levels, and that's where Magic Mulch really comes into its own.

It forms a protective layer over the soil and compost, slowing down evaporation and helping the ground stay cool and damp during warm spells. At the same time, it's also brilliant during rainy spells. I've found it helps protect my plants in pots from very heavy rain by preventing compost from being saturated and waterlogged, while also improving soil structure in my borders. Hence, excess water drains away more effectively, and that's what Holly Reaney, content editor at Period Living, found in her new-build garden.

I've been happily spreading it around my flower beds to help protect my plants from slugs and snails, where slugs are a constant battle. While no product can promise a completely pest-free garden, this mulch says slugs don't particularly like it, and I've found some of my vulnerable plants seem to be faring much better this year, bar the slug-loving plants like my hostas, which are an uphill battle at the best of times.

Another big plus is weed suppression. A generous layer blocks light from reaching weed seeds and suffocates any roots, so far fewer seem to pop up, which means I'm spending way less time weeding! It's now officially on the list of my go-tos for a weed-free garden.

Then there's the added bonus that it's feeding my plants at the same time. Its Peat-free, organic formula slowly releases nutrients back into the soil for up to three months, according to RocketGro. This helps to improve soil health while supporting plant growth.

I can't really fault this mulch. It feeds my plants, helps keep weeds in check, and seems to deter slugs, but what I love most is how it helps my garden cope with the extremes.

Whether it's a heatwave or days of torrential rain, my pots and borders seem to stay at that sweet spot between neither too dry nor too wet, and that's pretty darn magical!

My Magic Mulch toolkit

After seeing how much happier my plants look, RocketGro's Magic Mulch has firmly earned a permanent spot in my gardening arsenal.

Ever considered parasol trees as a garden shade solution?

I hadn’t either, but after spotting Nigella Lawson’s beautiful setup in her recent Instagram post, I’m convinced it’s one of the best natural garden shade ideas. Nigella's magical garden setup includes a fizz of pretty fairy lights, and together, they create the most whimsical garden seating area.

It’s had me wondering just how achievable parasol trees are to grow at home, and how long they actually take to reach the point that Nigella’s have – so I spoke to the experts to find out how we can achieve a similar look at home.

Get the look

Nigella’s outdoor seating setup takes garden lighting ideas to the next level, boasting a ceiling of twinkling fairylights. What really stands out for me, though, is the fact that the lights are hanging from a real-life tree canopy – not a parasol in the traditional, man-made sense.

You can spot three tree trunks in Nigella’s Instagram post, and the garden furniture set is positioned in the centre of the triangle. The branches have been trained in a canopy-like fashion, providing a dense cover above the table and chairs.

So, just how achievable are parasol trees?

‘For a longer-term solution, planting a small tree or multi-stem shrub is worth considering,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘While it takes a little patience, it will provide reliable natural shade and structure over time, and there are plenty of compact options available in garden centres suited to smaller spaces.’

It looks like Nigella’s have been part of her garden for a while, then, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start a parasol tree project now if you’ve got the patience for it. It’s all about knowing how and when to prune trees (typically, late winter), and dealing with the right branches.

‘To train trees to create canopy cover in your garden, you will need to form a durable framework that can take several years,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

Richard says you’ll need to establish a vertical leading stem, remove competitors, and gently tie young, flexible branches so that they’re facing outwards. That way, you’ll create a wider, flatter canopy. Plane trees, pear trees and crab apple trees are among the most popular species suited to training as parasol trees, and you can often find them pre-trained at garden centres – but if you want to buy a larger specimen for instant shade, this Indian bean tree from Gardening Express is ideal.

You’ll also need to select scaffold branches, which Richard advises leaving on the tree permanently to form the main canopy.

‘The lowest branches should offer enough clearance for someone to walk comfortably underneath,’ he says.

Nigella Lawson's tree parasols might seem unachievable, but with some time, patience and pruning skills, you can get the look at home. Or, buy a mature tree as a standalone parasol!

Whenever I plan my vegetable garden for the year ahead, I always make sure I factor in two flowering annuals that keep pests at bay.

I’ve celebrated companion planting ideas for a long time now, and now that the growing season is here in full swing, it isn't too late to plant up your own garden with a few beneficial flowering plants. For me, those are marigolds and nasturtiums – both are brilliant at luring and warding away pests in their own way.

Here's a breakdown of why marigolds and nasturtiums are some of my favourite gardening sidekicks.

What you'll need

1. Marigolds

I praise marigolds as superhero flowers every single year, because they have tons of benefits in a vegetable garden (besides looking really pretty when they're in bloom).

For one, they produce a strong scent that keeps a range of pests at bay – so if you're looking for ways to get rid of aphids, for example, they're a brilliant flowering annual to have on-side. They're also attract ladybirds, which naturally prey on aphids and other unwanted pests, which is why I always plant marigolds next to the peas in my vegetable garden.

'They thrive alongside a range of vegetables but are particularly effective when planted with tomatoes, potatoes, and beans, as well as brassicas like cabbage and broccoli,' adds Lechuza's horticultural expert, Ross Dyke. 'Their interaction with these crops can enhance growth and yield.'

Ross recommends compact French marigolds if you're planting in small areas or containers, like Fothergill's Marigold (French) Double Dwarf Mixed' from Amazon.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a type of sacrificial plant, which means they're good at luring pests to a designated spot in your garden. That might sound like a terrible idea, but if they can actually save your vulnerable crops from annihilation.

'Nasturtiums act as a sacrificial trap crop, luring aphids away from your precious veg!' says Lucy Hutchings, co-founder of heirloom seed company She Grows Veg.

I also find that nasturtiums grow at speed, so you'll quickly find there's plenty of foliage for the likes of cabbage white caterpillars to feed on (in favour of your hard-earned vegetable crops!). Nasturtiums are another plant that attracts ladybirds, too, which means you'll have a larger arsenal of predatory insects on your team.

Fothergill's Oh Sow Simple Nasturtium 'Red' seeds, which you can order from Amazon, produce striking red blooms.

Marigolds and nasturtiums are staples in my vegetable garden, and I don't think I'd ever be without them now. There are plenty of other pest-repellent plants that work brilliantly alongside fruiting and vegetable crops, too.

Love your house but have a north-facing garden that's tricky to deal with? North-facing gardens aren't a reason not to buy a house, but they do come with their issues – we're here to help you solve them with our experts' help.

Of course, there are some advantages too – no direct sunlight, which means you can fill the space with plants that love a little shade.

'A north-facing garden doesn’t have to feel dark or uninspiring,' agrees Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'In fact, with a few smart tweaks, it can become one of the most atmospheric and usable spaces in your home.'

1. Lighten up your surfaces

'Start by using light-coloured surfaces, think pale paving, and use white or pastel-toned containers to bounce the limited sunlight around and make the garden feel more open,' suggests Julian.

Gravel is also good for this; choose white for a completely bright look. B&Q sell white 10- 20 mm chippings for a large bag that will cover 0.3m2 for £10.

Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture, agrees, 'Change dark coloured decking or muddy lawns for paving in lighter shades to naturally brighten the space. Any darker coloured areas will absorb the little light that your garden receives.'

For paler paving, check out B&Q's Bradstone fossil buff sandstone paving slabs, £7 each for 30 x 60cm. They are warm in colour and will lighten up your dark patio.

2. Add shade loving plants

If you've always wanted a variety like foxgloves but haven't been able to in the past, then now is the time.

'Plants such as ferns, hostas and hellebores can thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for including in a north-facing garden,' says Richard. 'They can be strategically placed in areas that receive little to no sunlight, brightening the garden more naturally.'

'These shade-loving plants are your best friends and will thrive in these conditions, giving you lush foliage and reliable colour without needing full sun,' adds Julian.

Foxgloves are such a striking plant to grow. Go bold with your colour choices like this Firecracker variety in a bright orange, £15.99 for a 2-litre pot, Gardening Express. For a resilient option, consider hellebores, this Double Ellen Pink Spotted is a lovely variety with double petaled flowers, currently £9.74 for a 9cm pot, Crocus.

3. Cover your walls and fences

There are two options when it comes to walls and fences: you can either paint them or train climbers up them – or do both, of course – both are great ways to brighten up these areas.

There are so many great paint colours that will brighten up a shady garden. We love Cuprinol's Country Cream, which is a definite win when it comes to lightening up your garden, £4.75 for a tester pot from B&Q.

'A great way of introducing colour and texture is to select some climbers which thrive in shady spots. These will also provide shelter for wild birds or insects, as well as pollen or berries for food,' advises Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert, Easy Garden Irrigation.

Lucie recommends climbing hydrangeas: 'They have lush, bright green, heart-shaped leaves in the spring, large, fragrant white flower heads throughout the summer, followed by the foliage turning bright yellow in autumn, and once these fall, it leaves reddish-brown stems throughout winter.' 


You can buy 'hydrangea petiolaris', a reliable self-clinging climber, for a reduced rate presently of £17.21 for a 2-litre pot from Crocus.

4. Check out low maintenance perennials

'Perennials are a great addition to any garden as they provide you with a cost-effective, reliable and low-maintenance backbone to your garden,' advises Lucie. 'With herbaceous perennials such as hardy geraniums, astilbe and lily of the valley dying back in winter and then reemerging the following year, bringing with them fresh lush foliage and colourful blooms – they are definitely worth considering.'

Crocus have a lovely hardy geranium variety called 'geranium sanguineum var. striatum or striped bloody cranesbill, currently on offer for £7.49 for a 9cm pot. It has lovely pale pink flowers and loves partial shade.

Lucie also suggests evergreen perennials, which will add structure all year round. 'A good option is heuchera 'Midnight Rose' with its glossy dark maroon foliage with bold pink speckles.' You can buy a 1-litre potted plant of this variety from Dobies for £19.99. It's an excellent filler for containers, too.

5. Add splashes of colour with annuals

Annuals are a really good option, but you need to plan your seasons, Lucie explains, 'You can use annuals to add a splash of colour to a north-facing garden through the year as long as you are careful with which plants you select as they need to be able to cope with shade, cooler temperatures and damper environments.'

For example, in spring, pansies and violas will add light and colour. Then in the summer, you will have lots of choices. 'Begonias which will still provide nonstop blooms of bright colours when in permanent shadow and cool soil, impatiens, fuchsias and even lobelia which can cope in partial shade,' advises Lucie.

'When the autumn months arrive, you could then introduce chrysanthemums, which will provide bright bursts of colour in low light as well as hardy cyclamen, which are perfect for shaded areas or underplanted by trees or shrubs.'

At this time of year, you can buy begonias; they like bright indirect light and are great for beds, borders and hanging baskets. We like the 'begonia x tuberhybrida' variety, which is shades of apricot, from £8.99, Dobies.

Early summer is a good time to buy established chrysanthemum plants as they can be planted straight into your borders. Check out B&Q's Garden Bloom chrysanthemum plug plants, 12 for £17.09.

6. Choose brighter greenery

'In areas where you do not get natural light, include plants that have bright or variegated foliage,' suggests Richard. 'This can add colour and interest in shaded areas instead of hiding dark plants in the already dark areas of your garden.'

You can pick plants and shrubs that have brighter green foliage, like low-maintenance ferns, for example. The shuttlecock/ostrich fern variety is the most common and will work beautifully, £9.95 for a 2-litre pot from Gardening Express.

Or opt for varieties that have colourful leaves like Coprosma 'Eclipse', £11.99 from B&Q, which has striking, almost neon pink and black foliage and loves partial shade.

7. Pop in some reflective surfaces

'To lift the mood, add a few reflective touches: a mirror on a wall or fence, or a small water feature, can catch and throw light deeper into the garden,' says Julian.

We love Dobies Serenity Laurel Green large mirror, it's currently £129.99 and will definitely help to bounce the light around your north-facing garden.

Water features bring a calmness to a garden as well as lift it up visually. Take a look at Amazon's Primrose 60cm stainless steel waterfall blade cascade, £87.98. It's easy to install and will enhance your garden instantly.

North-facing garden essential buys

Having a north-facing garden isn't the end of the world. In fact, some fabulous plants and accessories will instantly lift the space. It's about layering your planting and thinking ahead so you can have texture and colour all year round.

June is the peak of rose season, the month when roses are in full bloom and looking their most fabulous. And while it’s tempting to sit back and just enjoy them, knowing what to do with roses in June and you can help extend their flowering season and keep those blooms in abundance for longer.

While learning how to grow roses is all about putting in the effort at planting time in autumn or knowing when to hard prune roses in winter or early spring, in June it’s more about general maintenance to ensure your roses' longevity and set them up for the following year’s performance… and putting in the effort this month can really pay off.

So if you’re unsure what you should be doing with your roses in June to get the best out of your blooms, follow this checklist of the key tasks needed.

1. Deadhead consistently

The June task that is essential for roses, according to Monty Don, is disciplined deadheading. ‘Do this, and you’ll extend the flowering season by stimulating fresh side shoots which will bear new flower buds,’ says Monty.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, agrees: ‘June is really about keeping roses in good shape to encourage more flowers. And by deadheading repeat-flowering types regularly, it will help keep them producing.’

‘You don’t need any special tools or training to deadhead roses,’ adds Julian. ‘The key is to remove the whole flower head, not just the petals - as leaving the base behind still allows seed development to begin, which is exactly what you’re trying to prevent.’

‘For plants with tougher or woodier stems, like roses and dahlias, it’s always worth using a clean pair of secateurs. Cut at a slight angle just above a leaf joint or an outward-facing bud. This encourages the plant to grow outwards rather than inwards, which is better for air circulation and overall shape.’

‘Deadheading works best when you do it regularly during peak growing season rather than an occasional blitz. The more consistently you do it, the longer and more generously your plants will flower.’

Shop for deadheading essentials

2. Keep roses well hydrated

‘In June, roses should be in full bloom, so apart from removing any spent flowers, there’s usually no need for pruning unless you spot signs of disease,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express. ‘But with the rising temperatures, roses will benefit from good hydration, so regular watering during dry spells is a must to help keep blooms vibrant and healthy.’

Don't make the watering mistake of watering during the hottest part of the day. Instead, water early on in the day if you can, to allow the plant’s roots to absorb moisture before the heat evaporates it. Aim the water directly onto the soil around the base of the plant so that it reaches the roots. And avoid the foliage and flowers as water droplets can magnify the heat from the sun and dry out leaves.

3. Apply mulch to conserve moisture

‘June is one of those months where a little bit of regular care makes a big difference when it comes to roses,’ says Julian. ‘Giving roses a good watering in dry spells will help them keep producing, and applying a layer of mulch, like this Strulch Organic Garden Straw Mulch, £17.50 at Amazon, around the base of your rose plants will help to hold moisture, which is especially useful once the weather warms up.’

Aside from aiding moisture retention, mulching also helps to suppress weeds, which will be in competition for water and nutrients.

‘A layer of compost or mulch spread around the base of the plant, but not touching the stem, helps the soil stay moist and cool during dry spells,’ adds Julian. ‘It takes five minutes, whether it's a rose in a flower bed or a container rose, and makes a noticeable difference through a hot summer, protecting your rose but still allowing it to do its thing in your garden.’

4. Give roses a summer feed

‘If you haven’t fed your roses since their spring blooms, now is also a great time to apply rose fertiliser,’ advises Chris. ‘Feeding roses in June will help to encourage more flowering throughout the summer and keep your plants looking lush and full of colour.’

‘Roses are hungry plants, and they’ll reward you for feeding them well throughout the season,’ advises Julian. ‘Slow-release granules like these Miracle-Gro Feed Granules, £6.50 at B&Q, work well and should be applied at planting, in June and again in August to keep them going. Top that up with a liquid rose feed every couple of weeks through the flowering season and you’ll notice the difference and get abundant blooms.’

‘Always water your plants before you feed them,’ advises Julian. ‘Dry soil is poor at absorbing nutrients, and there’s a risk of scorching roots if you apply feed to parched ground. Once the soil is moist, apply liquid feed directly around the base of the plant, not over the leaves, which can cause brown patches, and dilute according to the instructions on the bottle.’

5. Monitor for pests and diseases

‘June is also a good time to keep an eye out for pests like aphids, as well as diseases like black spot,’ says Julian. ‘Roses can go downhill pretty quickly if you leave problems alone.’

Black spot is one of the most common rose problems and is caused by a fungus. Round purple or black spots form on lower or older leaves, and the leaf then starts to yellow around the spots before falling off. To combat, remove any infected leaves and prune the plant to keep the centres open, making sure to clean away any fallen debris underneath. Using a remedy like this, Sulphur rose and fungicide spray, £12.99, Thompson & Morgan, can help to prevent and stop the spread.

‘During June, roses can also fall victim to pests like aphids and sawfly larvae, so it’s worth keeping an eye on them to make sure they don’t spoil your display,’ adds Chris. ‘Aphids tend to cluster around new shoots, while sawfly larvae look a bit like caterpillars and can quickly munch through leaves.’

‘To keep pests under control, try using natural sprays and regularly check plants for larvae. To get rid of aphids, they can often be removed by spraying them off with a jet of water or simply picking them off by hand,’ adds Chris.

Are your roses looking fabulous right now? Share your favourite rose care tips and tricks with us.

What often strikes me about UK summers is that they can really feel like you’re on holiday when the weather’s hot and the sun is shining. To really nail the holiday-from-home aesthetic, though, it’s worth adding a few of the best Mediterranean plants for pots to your garden.

There’s a broad selection of plants that best create a Mediterranean garden scheme, but some are better suited to container-growing than others. In fact, pots provide even more drainage than garden borders, which is ideal for Mediterranean plants that prefer free-draining soils.

Whether you’re looking for a fruit tree, an evergreen shrub or vibrant flowers, there really is something for everyone – and they’ll all thrive in heatwaves and dry summers. Here’s a roundup of my favourite potted Mediterranean plants for pots.

Pots for a Mediterranean garden

1. Olive trees

Olive trees are Mediterranean garden staples, and when the sun is shining, the one in my garden makes me feel like I’m on holiday. You’ll often spot olive trees in garden borders, but they’ll also feel right at home in a pot.

‘When choosing Mediterranean plants for pots, it's usually the classics that work best," says Jo McGarry, luxury garden design expert at Caragh Nurseries.

‘Olive trees are always a great option because they add so much character and don't need a huge amount of space. They have that lovely, relaxed look that instantly makes an outdoor area feel more Mediterranean.’

If you’re lucky, the trees will produce olives in hot summers, too. This terracotta olive pot from Crocus is perfect for olive trees.

Where to buy olive trees:

• B&Q: Order a large olive tree in a 4-litre pot.
• Amazon: Or, go for a much tinier Gardeners Dream olive tree.

2. Lavender

Lavender is popular for a reason – not only does it produce a soothing fragrance when it’s in flower, but it’s also one of the best drought-tolerant plants you can add to your garden, which means it can cope better in heatwaves and dry weather than other container plants.

‘Lavender is another plant that's perfectly suited to life in a container,’ says Jo. ‘It loves sunshine, smells amazing and brings lots of colour through the warmer months.’

Where to buy lavender plants:

• Gardening Express: English lavender 'Hidcote Blue' is one of the most popular varieties.
• M&S: Buy a lavender plant in a pretty terracotta pot.

3. Bay trees

When it comes to the best Mediterranean plants for pots, bay trees are another go-to for me. I grew up with a bay tree in my mum’s garden border, but they’re perfectly suited to container life, too.

‘Bay trees work really well in pots and are one of those plants that look good whatever the season,’ agrees Jo.

To really nail the Mediterranean oasis look, it’s wise to think about the type of pot you choose, too.

‘Plants can be paired with classic terracotta pots for a natural look, or with ceramic and recycled polyrattan options for a more contemporary feel,’ says Rachel Horton, retail lead at Patch Plants.

These classic Italian terracotta pots from Crocus are available in a range of different sizes.

Where to buy bay trees:

• YouGarden: Order a pair of standard bay trees.
• Thompson & Morgan: Bay 'Pyramid' thrives in pots, too.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the best drought-tolerant plants that’s safe for dogs, so it’s a win-win for small garden pots. It’s an incredibly climate-resilient herb, and ideal if you enjoy taking fresh harvests into the kitchen.

‘Rosemary is a brilliant option,’ agrees Jo. ‘It's tough, easy to grow, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, adding a bit of extra life to the garden.’

Where to buy rosemary:

• B&Q: Order a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot.
• Crocus: Order rosemary in a range of sizes.

5. Citrus trees

You might overlook citrus trees as Mediterranean plants that are suitable for pots here in the UK, but both Jo and Rachel think that they’re ideal for gardens with milder microclimates.

‘For something a little more eye-catching, a citrus tree is hard to beat,’ says Jo. ‘Give it a warm, sheltered spot, and it will reward you with scented flowers, fruit and that unmistakable Mediterranean feel.’

Where to buy citrus trees:

• Bloom & Wild: The Orange Tree comes in a seagrass basket.
• YouGarden: Or, go for a Sicilian Lemon Tree.

Which Mediterranean plants will you be planting in pots this summer?

At RHS Chelsea this year, it wasn’t a rare exotic plant or high-tech garden design that captured attention, but something far more familiar. Monty Don has been championing the return of biennials for years – and at Chelsea 2026, they were everywhere in the show gardens.

Among them, one plant in particular kept catching the eye in multiple medal-winning gardens, with white foxgloves appearing throughout several of the medal-winning gardens and proving that this classic cottage garden favourite is having a major moment.

Varieties such as Digitalis purpurea 'Alba' and Digitalis 'Dalmatian White' helped create the soft, romantic planting style that dominated this year's RHS Chelsea show gardens. And we have good news for anyone feeling inspired to recreate the look at home, as Monty Don says now is exactly the right time to get started on these pretty biennials.

Why Monty Don says now is the time to sow biennials

Writing on his blog, Monty explains that summer is the ideal time to sow biennials, including foxgloves. 'Now is the time to sow wallflowers, honesty, foxgloves, forget-me-nots or sweet rocket for a lovely display next spring and summer,' he says.

Unlike annual flowers, which grow, flower and die within a single season, biennials take a little longer to reach their full potential.

'Biennials differ from annuals, which grow, flower and set seed all in one growing season, in that they grow fast from seed and develop strong roots and foliage in one season and then flower in the next,' Monty explains.

Shop my favourite biennials

For gardeners, this patience pays off, as 'biennials operate on a patient but highly rewarding two-year cycle,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, gardening expert at Gardens Revived.

'Unlike standard annuals that rush to flower and die in a single season, biennials pace themselves to give you a massive payoff,' he continues.

'Because they already have an established root system waiting out the winter, you get a spectacular, mature flower show much earlier in the year than you would with spring-sown annuals.'

Of course, it's easy to see why foxgloves became one of the defining flowers of RHS Chelsea this year; their tall, elegant spires add instant vertical interest to planting schemes while their tubular flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. The white varieties in particular bring a softness and luminosity that works beautifully in both sunny and partially shaded gardens.

'I love foxgloves as they provide unmatched height and structure – and bees love them,' says Christopher. 'But I think what made white foxgloves so effective in this year's Chelsea gardens was their ability to lift darker planting schemes. White flowers catch the light beautifully, especially in shady areas, while the tall flower spikes create a natural focal point without feeling formal.'

How to sow foxgloves and other biennials

According to Monty Don, foxgloves and other biennials are straightforward to grow from seed; all you have to do is sow their seeds thinly in a seed tray and cover them lightly with vermiculite (like Westland's Gro-Sure vermiculite, £10 at Amazon) before leaving them to germinate.

'When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into pots or plugs and grow them on so the young plants are ready to plant out in early autumn where you want them to flower next May,' he advises.

Christopher recommends choosing a spot that mimics the naturalistic planting seen at Chelsea, suggesting you 'plant in drifts through borders rather than as isolated specimens'.

'Foxgloves in particular look most effective weaving through grasses, like the striking pink muhly grass, from £7.49 at Crocus, ferns such as the sculptural Japanese lace fern, from £7.49 at Crocus, and cottage garden perennials like Delphiniums ('Highlander Sweet sensation', from £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan, make great cut flowers), where their flower spikes can emerge naturally from the surrounding planting,' he says.

Shop the prettiest foxglove varieties

Whichever you opt for, just be sure to bear in mind that foxgloves are toxic if eaten, so gardeners with young children or pets should take care when deciding where to plant them.

FAQs

Honestly, if this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show proved anything, it's that biennials like foxgloves are far more than a traditional cottage garden plant. Follow Monty Don's advice, then, and sow them now; if you do, you could be enjoying one of the most stylish flowers of the season in your own garden next spring.

In June, fertiliser can give our flowering and fruiting plants the boost they need to produce even more blooms and harvests – but according to experts, overfeeding your plants could invite one troublesome pest into your garden.

The pest in question? The infamous aphid – and while there are plenty of ways to get rid of aphids, prevention is usually better than cure. They’re common antagonists of peas, roses and a range of other plants, and they can wreak havoc on an otherwise productive garden.

Here’s why overfeeding your plants can attract aphids – and what to do if you’ve already given them too much fertiliser.

Aphids are among the most active garden plant pests at this time of the year, and that activity multiplies rapidly when you overfeed your plants. Not just any type of fertiliser, though; it’s feeds that are high in nitrogen, specifically, that you’ll need to watch out for.

‘Don’t overfeed with nitrogen,’ warns heirloom seed company She Grows Veg. ‘Aphids love new growth, and too much nitrogen encourages exactly that.’

It’s actually the smell of overfed plants that attracts aphids in the first place.

‘When plants are overfed with nitrogen, they produce a stronger scent which aphids can detect,’ explains Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘They know that following the scent to its source will lead to a plant which will be easy for them to feed on and provide them with high-quality sap, packed full of amino acids and proteins which enable them to reproduce even faster.’

So, striking the right balance is key when it comes to feeding your plants in June. You could even make your own balanced feed.

‘Balance feeding with a mix of compost, seaweed feed and slow-release organic fertiliser to create healthy plants,’ says She Grows Veg.

For example, you could mix this The Shropshire Seaweed Company Organic Seaweed, available at Amazon, with this Envii Allgrow, which you can also buy from Amazon.

If you think you’ve already overfed your plants, don’t panic. The first thing you’ll need to do, of course, is stop feeding your plants – but Lucie says that if your plants are part of your container garden, you can also flush the soil of excess nutrients.

‘With plants in containers, this is a simple process of using lukewarm clean water to pour over the soil until it drains out of the base of the pot, which will flush out the buildup of nutrients,’ she explains.

‘You need to give yourself a couple of hours in order to completely clean out the soil, pouring the water onto the surface of the soil until it starts to drain from the base, leaving for about 15 minutes to completely drain and then repeating the process again and again – ideally, flushing water through the soil three times.’

June plant feeding kit

Even though feeding your plants is one of the most important June garden jobs, going to heavy with nitrogen fertilisers can do them more harm than good!

We like these kinds of plants – those that love bad soil, shade and neglect! If you're new to gardening and the three above are all you have, it's a matter of finding out what works. We can't all be blessed with gardens that all plants love, and improving your soil can take time.

'If you’ve got a shady spot with poor soil and not much time to spare, the secret is to choose plants that are already happy in those conditions,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants, British Garden Centres.

Below, with the help of experts like Julian, we list our top five low-maintenance plants to try in your space this year.

1. Hellebores

'Woodland plants and tough evergreens are the best performers here, as they’re used to less light and less-than-perfect ground – we recommend hellebores as one option,' suggests Julian.

Hellebores are hardy and give you that first flush of colour from mid-winter to mid-spring. They're plants that love shady spots and provide an early boost of nectar for pollinators.

They come in a wider range of colours than you may think, from whites and creams, to pinks, reds and yellows and bicolours.

The most seen is the dusky pink – we like the Helleborus x hybrides 'Maid of Honour', currently £9.74 for a 9cm pot from Crocus.

If you'd like something a little different, then opt for the hellebore 'Breeder's Mix', £22.99 for five jumbo plug plants from Dobies. You get a mix of yellows, greens, apricots and reds.

2. Yarrow

Yarrow, or as it's sometimes known, Achillea millefolium, is a hardy perennial with clusters of small flat-topped flowers that come in different colours.

It's rather dainty-looking, but very resilient. Richard Baker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture says, 'Yarrow is capable of growing in poor soil, and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as it is not waterlogged. It is also good for growing in gravel gardens. Once established, yarrow does not need a lot of care and is drought-tolerant.'

It does need a little care, though. Richard advises cutting back old foliage in spring and deadheading the plant in summer to encourage more flowers. 'You do not need to fertilise yarrow, as this can actually do more harm than good by making the stems weak and the plant produce fewer flowers,' he adds.

For punchy colour, we love the Summer Berries collection that includes 12 garden-ready plants, currently £11.99 from Suttons. For a more classical, elegant look, opt for the pure white achillea millefolium from Crocus, presently £6.74 for a 9cm pot.

3. Lady's mantle

Also known as alchemilla mollie, Lady's Mantle is a very hardy perennial that thrives in most soil types and is rarely affected by pests and disease.

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains, 'It's the perfect low-maintenance ground cover, forming healthy velvety green, scalloped leaves which suppress weeds. Whilst making the perfect addition to informal borders and cottage gardens, its water-trapping leaves shimmer after a shower, and during the summer months it produces gorgeous sprays of chartreuse/ lime green flowers which form the perfect backdrop to other bright blooms within your summer garden.'

You can buy it from Gardening Express for £7.99 for a 1-litre pot. Add it to your garden borders and pathways for a lush-looking display.

4. Hardy geranium

'A hardy geranium is a low-maintenance, resilient perennial that returns year after year – cranesbill – its other name – is a great addition to any garden,' says Lucie. 'Not only do they produce an abundance of blooms continuously from late spring through to the first frost, but their dense foliage is also excellent for covering bare soil, with their attractive leaves suppressing weeds.'

There are over 700 varieties to choose from; Lucie recommends selecting the ideal ones for your garden based on size, colour and habitat.

'For example, geranium ‘Rozanne’ is great for a nearly continuous display of large, saucer-shaped violet-blue blooms with white centres,' suggests Lucie. You can buy this variety from Thompson & Morgan, £11.99 for a 9cm pot.

'In contrast, if you prefer a vibrant splash of colour, choose geranium ‘Elke’ which produces masses of small, bright pink flowers with white trim and veining from July to September,' adds Lucie. This is available from J.Parkers, you can buy a single litre pot for £9.99, or three for £21.97.

5. Lavender

'Once established, lavender can thrive on neglect and prefers being in dry soil instead of rich soil,' advises Richard.

The beauty of growing lavender varieties is that they can survive outside in temperatures as low as -15°C, meaning that they can be left outside all year. '

Richard adds, 'Although newly planted lavender will need watering well in its first year, established lavender is drought-tolerant and will rarely need watering unless there is a severe drought. As it likes soil that is low in nutrients, it will not need fertilising. However, the plant will need trimming annually after it has finished flowering so that it does not grow to be too woody.'

If you want to plant a lavender hedge, then this lavendula English dwarf variety is a good choice, £15 for a pack of six, Amazon. For extra fragrance and a more magenta-purple colour, the Purple Flag French lavender produces bushy plants that are full of buds and blooms in season, currently £5.99 for a 2-3 litre pot, Gardening Express.

Shopping essentials for low maintenance planting

Follow our guide above on what low-maintenance plants will thrive. 'The key is to give them a decent start: add a little organic matter when you plant and top with a mulch to help them settle in, hold moisture and keep weeds down. Once they’re established, they’ll look after themselves far better than anything that wants rich soil and full sun,' shares Julian.

A north-facing balcony can be a challenging position for plants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a thriving garden on one. It’s just about choosing the best plants for a north-facing balcony.

More apartment owners and renters are getting into gardening than ever, which is why balcony garden ideas are so popular right now. Not all of us are blessed with an east-, west- or south-facing outdoor space, though, which is why north-facing garden ideas are perhaps the most crucial to creating a productive space in shadier conditions.

I’ve rounded up a list of the best plants for a north-facing balcony garden, handpicked by the experts, to help you infuse your outdoor space with flowers, foliage and harvests.

Balcony growing essentials

1. Ferns

Low-maintenance ferns thrive in shadier conditions, which means they’re perfect for north-facing balconies. They’ll add lush greenery to pots, planters and hanging baskets, and if you choose evergreen varieties (try this Evergreen Hardy Fern Collection from YouGarden), they’ll stay green all year round.

‘For shadier balconies, it’s just about picking plants that are happy without full sun,’ says Jo McGarry, a leading expert in luxury garden design from Caragh Nurseries. ‘Ferns are solid choices and still look really good in containers.

‘If you’re short on space, I’d go for a few bigger pots rather than loads of small ones. It looks better, and it’s way easier to keep everything watered.’

Where to buy ferns:

• Crocus: Dryopteris erythrosora is a deciduous fern that starts out coppery-red before maturing to dark green.
• Gardening Express: Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola produces leathery evergreen fronds.

2. Begonias

Begonias are popular for their bold, colourful blooms, which have brilliant staying power from late spring to autumn, depending on the variety. I always assumed that flowers like that needed plenty of sunshine – but I was wrong!

‘For shadier spots such as north-facing balconies, begonias provide long-lasting colour without needing direct sun,’ says Lance Russell, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan.

I can actually vouch for begonias being a brilliant north-facing garden plant, because my mum’s potted begonias flower beautifully in her north-west-facing front garden. They're a similar colour to Begonia 'Funky Pink', which you can order from Thompson & Morgan.

Where to buy begonias:

• Thompson & Morgan: Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Apricot Shades Improved' F1 produces fiery blooms.
• Marshalls Garden: Begonia 'Nonstop Mocca Light Pink Shades' is on my list to grow.

3. Fuchsias

Learning how to grow fuchsias is an absolute joy, because they produce masses of pretty flowers in shades from mid-summer all the way through to the autumn. As luck would have it, they’re one of the very best plants for a north-facing balcony.

‘When it comes to summer colour on a shady north-facing balcony, fuchsias are one of my top picks,’ says Pim Dickson, senior horticultural manager at Fothergill's. ‘Their exquisite blooms are a delight, and, paired with the hot, jewel-like colours of begonias, they lend a wonderfully exotic feel to what might otherwise be a challenging spot.’

Where to buy fuchsias:

• Gardening Express: Buy a pair of 'Purple-Red Angela' standard fuchsia trees, already in bloom.
• Crocus: Fuchsia 'Heidi Ann' produces delicate pink blooms.

4. Hostas

Hostas are a popular classic in UK gardens for a reason: they’re low-maintenance, produce stunning, bold foliage, and thrive in shady spaces. They’re another recommendation of Pim’s for north-facing balcony plants.

‘Hostas are a favourite of mine for creating a lush, leafy backdrop to flowering plants, and with such a wide variety available, you can craft a stunning leaf-scape,’ he says. ‘A top tip here: always double-check any incoming pots and plants for slugs, snails and their eggs. Do that, and your balcony hostas will look pristine right up to the first frosts.’

Some copper slug tape, like this from Amazon, will create a barrier that keeps slugs away from pots.

Where to buy hostas:

• B&Q: Pick up Hosta 'Purple Heart' in a 9cm pot for two-tone leaves.
• Crocus: Hosta 'Francee' has white margins on its leaves.

5. Evergreen bittersweet

Another evergreen plant you can grow in pots on a north-facing balcony is evergreen bittersweet, sometimes known as fortune’s spindle. It’s a tough shrub that sits perfectly happy in a shadier spot.

‘For year-round structure and privacy, leafy evergreens like Euonymus fortunei are a brilliant choice,’ says Pim. ‘They tolerate shade beautifully and, because they're evergreen, will help provide both privacy and a little screening from colder northerly winds throughout the year. Like hostas, they come in a fantastic range of interesting leaf colours, so there's plenty of room to get creative.’

Where to buy evergreen bittersweet:

• Crocus: Order 2-litre pots of variegated Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen'.
• Debenhams: Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' is a little more unusual.

There are plenty of other shade-loving plants for pots that will feel right at home on a north-facing balcony.

We know from Nigella's TV shows that she's always adored fairy lights, and we noticed on her Instagram over the weekend that she's adorned her garden too.

Her magical fairy light display proves that more really is more when it comes to garden lighting. The post shows a beautiful tree canopy with a stunning array of fairy lights hanging below.

'Nigella's courtyard is proof that you never need to hold back on fairy lights,' shares Thalia Shaw, founder of Sparkle Lighting. 'Greenery and fairy lights are the perfect mix, and the warm glow layered through the foliage turns an ordinary courtyard into a magical oasis.'

The big question is, 'Can you have too many fairy lights?' And of course what types work best...

'Like in any part of the home, lights can make or break the atmosphere in a garden setting,' explains Claire Bassett, head of product at Lights4Fun. 'You ideally want gentle lighting that ensures the space feels elevated and lit enough, without overpowering the space or detracting from the atmosphere.'

Claire recommends a combination of outdoor string and fairy lights to create an impactful look. 'Swagging string lights or festoon lighting also adds a nice touch, forming a canopy overhead and adding a true cinema-feel.'

For a subtle look, choose fairy lights that have a clear cable. We like the Essential Connect 10m 100 warm white connectable fairy lights, £11.99 from Lights4Fun.

How many fairy lights does it take to create Nigella's look? We asked Thalia for a prediction – 'It's hard to say for sure, but approximately 120 metres in length and 1,500 LEDs!'

'What makes it work so beautifully is the structure,' adds Thalia. 'The lights are all the same style and colour temperature, with a clear start and end point that guides the eye through the space. It's that sense of cohesion and purpose that makes the display feel magical rather than messy.'

Recreate Nigella's fairy lights look

What's also noticeable is the lovely walkway towards the fairy light canopy area. Nigella has used containers along each side filled full with stunning mid-pink foxgloves and garden-style roses.

Underneath the fairy light-lit area is a pink table and chairs set, which really adds to the beautiful summer scene that Nigella has created – for similar, have a look at B&Q's MOF 3-piece folding bistro set in pink, £69.99.

How to style it

Now is the perfect time of year to create your own dreamy fairy garden, ready for those barmy summer evenings spent chilling with friends and family.

Ever heard of the Chelsea chop? It’s a pruning technique that’s typically carried out between late May and early June – and since June is whizzing by at speed, there are a fair few plants you should give the Chelsea chop before the window closes.

The Chelsea chop is as simple as cutting herbaceous perennials back by a third, and it can work magic on their performance. It’ll delay flowering for a couple of weeks, but then you’ll enjoy a fuller, stabler round of blooms later in the season.

As long as they haven’t already started flowering yet, you can give these plants the Chelsea chop now. This list is by no means extensive – a broad range of herbaceous perennials benefit from the Chelsea chop – but I’ve rounded up a few of the most popular types.

What you'll need

1. Summer phlox

Summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) generally begins flowering from mid-summer, so now is the time to give your plant the Chelsea chop.

‘Also known as the ‘Chelsea Chop’, this is the best time to give plants like phlox a hard prune, removing up to half the foliage and stems,’ says Tim Clapp, head of range and qualified botanist at Verve. ‘This helps to delay flowering and create an overall sturdier plant, preventing them from becoming too floppy and leggy.’

Make sure you use a sharp pair of high-quality secateurs, like these Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage Bypass Secateurs, which you can buy from Amazon.

2. Verbena

If you want to encourage bees and butterflies to your garden, verbena is one of the best herbaceous perennials you can grow. Flowering usually begins in June, so if your plant hasn't quite burst into bloom, it’s worth squeezing in the Chelsea chop this weekend.

‘I give my Verbena bonariensis a modest ‘Chelsea chop’ in May, cutting them down by about a third,’ says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural expert. ‘This results in stockier, shorter plants with more flowering side shoots.’

Although Annelise gives her verbena the Chelsea chop in May, you can still perform the pruning technique if your plants haven’t started flowering yet.

3. Asters

Asters offer vibrant pops of colour in garden pots and borders, and their potential as an autumn-flowering perennial only gets bigger if you give them the Chelsea chop.

‘The Chelsea chop works best on a wide range of late-flowering perennials,’ says Julian from British Garden Centres. 'June is the best time to prune plants like asters. 'Make your cuts just above a set of leaves or buds, which encourages new growth from that point.'

It's wise to clean your garden tools before and after pruning, and you can buy eco-friendly solutions like Agralan Citrox Ready to Use Natural Disinfectant Spray (available at Amazon).

4. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are another plant you should give the Chelsea chop now. They typically begin flowering from mid-summer, so they're excellent examples of perennials to cut back in June.

'After pruning, give your plants a good watering and consider applying a liquid plant feed to help them recover and encourage strong, healthy growth,' advises Julian.

This Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Concentrated Liquid Plant Food from Amazon is budget-friendly and highly rated.

5. Penstemons

Penstemons are another recommendation of Julian's for plants you should give the Chelsea chop, but you'll have to act fast before they start flowering.

'Early June is the sweet spot to prune some of the plants in your garden, and the Chelsea chop is a simple way to make sure your outdoor space is thriving throughout summer,' says Julian. 'This simple pruning method can dramatically improve the appearance and health of your gardens, so get chopping now!'

This list of plants you should give the Chelsea chop covers some of the most popular herbaceous perennials, but you can also give varieties like campanula, hardy geraniums and upright sedums a prune this week, too. Just make sure they haven't started flowering already!

If you've ever wondered whether roses like coffee grounds, the answer is yes, but only when they're used in moderation.

Coffee grounds have long been recommended as a free, eco-friendly way to feed plants, and while roses are included on lists of plants that love coffee grounds, experts say there's a right and wrong way to use them. Adding too much can actually create problems for your roses, even though this is a really popular gardening hack.

While you might want to throw it straight from your coffee machine's grounds container, it's worth noting that there are places you should never put coffee grounds in your garden, as some plants and soil conditions simply won't respond well to them.

'Coffee grounds can be used on roses, but only in the right way,' explains Jo McGarry, a leading expert in garden design from Caragh Nurseries. They're not a magic fix, but they can be useful in small amounts.' And here's why and how to use them correctly to benefit your roses.

Why coffee grounds can help roses

One of the main reasons gardeners use coffee grounds on roses is that they can improve soil health.

As Jo explains, you'll often notice more worms where coffee grounds have been used, which is a positive sign for soil quality. 'You'll also often notice more worms, which is always a good sign, and roses do tend to like that kind of healthy soil.'

Gardening expert Lucie Bradley from Easy Garden Irrigation says used coffee grounds can benefit a wide range of garden plants, from acid-loving favourites such as azaleas, lilies and lupins to hungry plants like begonias and roses.

If you're learning how to grow roses successfully, feeding is one of the most important things to get right. Roses are particularly demanding plants that need a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Lucie explains that nitrogen is especially important because it helps produce strong stems and healthy foliage, which ultimately fuels flower production.

'Being able to recycle your coffee grounds to boost nitrogen for your roses is a simple, free way to help them without having to rely solely on chemical fertilisers,' she says.

She adds that coffee grounds provide not only nitrogen but also smaller amounts of potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients, including calcium, copper and magnesium. Added to the soil, they act as a slow-release fertiliser, gradually releasing nutrients over time.

Richard Barker, Horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, also highlights that they help feed beneficial soil microbes, improving overall soil health and making nutrients more available to plants.

The coffee ground mistake gardeners make

The biggest misconception is that more coffee grounds equal healthier roses.

In reality, adding too much can cause problems. Richard warns that coffee grounds left sitting on the soil surface can lock together and form a water-resistant layer, making it harder to penetrate the soil.

To avoid this, he recommends using coffee grounds sparingly and working them into the soil rather than leaving them on the surface.

Jo agrees with this advice. 'If you're going to use them, I'd go easy. A light sprinkle around the base now and then is fine, or even better, pop them in the compost first so they've had a chance to break down properly.'

How to use coffee grounds on roses

Lucie recommends allowing used coffee grounds to dry completely before applying them.

'The best way to add used coffee grounds into the soil to help your roses is to first let them dry completely so that you are able to sprinkle them over the soil rather than using them as soggy clumps,' she explains.

Once dry, she recommends applying up to two tablespoons per plant around the base of the rose, taking care to avoid the main stem.

After sprinkling the grounds around the plants, gently work them into the top 10cm of soil with a hand rake and water thoroughly. This helps speed up decomposition, so the nutrients become available more quickly.

Lucie also says you can create a liquid feed by steeping used coffee grounds in water overnight and using the resulting 'coffee tea' around the base of your roses.

Is it better to compost coffee grounds first?

According to the experts I spoke to, composting coffee grounds is often the safest option. Adding them to your compost heap allows them to break down fully before they're applied to your borders, while also helping you make use of kitchen waste that would otherwise be thrown away.

Once composted, coffee grounds can be used around roses as part of a nutrient-rich homemade compost.

What else should you feed roses?

While coffee grounds can provide a small boost, the experts don't necessarily recommend relying on them as your main rose fertiliser.

'But if you want really good roses, coffee grounds are just a small part of it,' explains Jo. 'A proper rose feed in spring will always do more for growth and flowering.'

Richard recommends using a slow-release granular rose fertiliser, like Miracle-Gro's Rose & Shrub continuous release plant food, £8.49 at Amazon, in spring before new growth begins. Throughout the growing season, liquid seaweed feed, like Envii's SeaFeed Xtra, £13.95 at Amazon, can strengthen roots and improve plant resilience, while tomato feed can encourage stronger flowering thanks to its potassium content.

Jo is also a fan of organic soil improvers. 'Well rotted manure, like Westland's farmyard manure, which you can pick up at Amazon for £13.99, is also a really good option because it feeds the plant slowly while improving the soil at the same time. Seaweed feed is another useful choice if you want something a bit gentler through the growing season.

Lucie adds that banana peels can also be repurposed as a natural source of potassium for flowering plants, such as roses.

Shop rose-feeding essentials

So there you have it. Coffee grounds can certainly benefit roses, but they aren't the miracle ingredient they're sometimes made out to be.

Used occasionally, they can improve soil health, support beneficial microbes and add organic matter to your borders, but they're best used alongside a proper rose-feeding routine.

As Jo puts it: ' Once your soil is in good shape, roses are actually pretty straightforward to grow. Coffee grounds are a nice extra, but they're definitely not the main thing.'

Lavender is a Mediterranean staple, but it’s also one of the most common perennials in the UK. Right now, they’re bursting into bloom all over the country – and if you know what to do with lavender in June, those flowers will last all summer.

Learning how to grow lavender is actually really easy because it’s low-maintenance and really drought-tolerant. In June, it’s more about maintaining the plant’s health than giving it any extravagant care. In fact, less is more this month.

Here’s what you should be doing with lavender in June to get the best out of the scented perennials.

What you'll need

1. Keep watering to a minimum

Temperatures are set to rise again next week, but climate-resilient plants like lavender don't need as much water as you might think.

Since lavender is one of the best drought-tolerant plants out there, it actually doesn’t need too much hydration to survive.

'Water sparingly, only when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out, and always at the base rather than over the foliage,' says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan's horticultural expert. 'Established plants in the ground rarely need watering unless there is a prolonged dry spell.'

You’ll just need to be a little more attentive during heatwaves, especially if you’re growing lavender in pots.

2. Make sure it’s receiving plenty of sun

Lavender is a classic Mediterranean garden plant, which means it loves the sunshine. It’ll actually flower best in full sun, so if you’re growing container lavender in a shady spot, it’s wise to move it into a sunnier part of the garden.

‘In most cases, if your lavender is in a sunny spot and looks healthy, the best thing you can do is let it get on with it,’ says Jo McGarry, a leading expert in luxury garden design from Caragh Nurseries.

If you're looking to expand your lavender collection, Lavandula angustifolia 'Arctic Snow', which you can order from Crocus, produces stunning white flowers.

3. Remove weeds

It’s true that lavender is really low-maintenance, but few plants out there enjoy keeping weeds as company.

‘At this time of year, it's more about making sure it's getting plenty of sunshine and isn't being crowded by weeds or other plants,’ says Jo.

A weeder like this Draper Carbon Steel Heavy Duty Hand Weeder from Amazon is ideal for keeping on top of any competition, but there are plenty of other natural ways to get rid of weeds in the garden.

4. Prune lightly (if you have to!)

If you’re thinking about learning how to prune lavender, June might not be the month for it. According to Jo, it’s best to leave the plants to their own devices this month, since they’re already coming into bloom.

‘If there are a few dead bits or stray stems sticking out, feel free to tidy those up, but I'd leave any proper pruning until after flowering,’ advises Jo. ‘Cutting it back too early can mean missing out on some of the best parts of the display.’

So, ultra-light tidying is acceptable, but any hard pruning is a total no-no.

'Never cut into old, woody stems, as lavender rarely regrows from old wood and hard pruning can permanently damage the plant,' adds Annelise.

Add these pointers to your list of June garden jobs for lavender plants that thrive all summer.

If there’s one person who’s famed for having a good garden, it’s Monty Don. His garden at Longmeadow is sprawling, abundant, and overflowing with colour and life, and in June in particular, the roses are looking especially spectacular.

Right now, one variety in particular is standing out – a soft, romantic climber that’s as productive as it is pretty, prompting many to herald it as one of the best roses around. While the plant itself is certainly worthy of attention, it’s Monty’s approach to caring for it that really makes the difference.

That's right, folks. As ever, his advice strips things back to something simple, practical, and easy to apply in any garden, making it easier than ever for anyone (regardless of their gardening knowledge!) to learn how to grow roses like a pro.

Monty Don's roses

If you’re looking for a Monty Don-approved rose that delivers romance, scent, and repeat blooms through early summer, there’s one variety currently getting attention in the gardening world.

On his Instagram, Monty recently shared that he grows The Pilgrim, £35 from Burford Garden Co., an English climbing rose bred by David Austin Roses – a soft, buttery yellow climber known for its rich fragrance and generous flowering habit.

Check it out:

The rose itself is an undeniable star. Still, Monty’s advice for keeping it performing through June is refreshingly simple. In fact, it comes down to just one consistent task: deadhead properly, and do it often.

Yes, in a post on his blog, Monty Don explains that the secret to extending a rose’s flowering season isn’t complicated feeding regimes or specialist treatments – it’s disciplined deadheading.

'Do not just pull off the spent petals, but use secateurs (I recommend Spear & Jackson's Razorsharp Advantage Bypass Secateurs, £12.81 at Amazon) and cut the spent stem right back to the next leaf or bud below it – however far down that is,' he writes. 'This will provoke a side shoot, which in turn will carry more flowers.'

Shop pruning essentials

In other words, every spent bloom is an opportunity to reset the plant. Rather than simply tidying the flower head, you’re actively shaping the next flush of growth. Or, as Monty Don puts it, 'when gardeners deadhead, they are effectively pruning and thus stimulating fresh side shoots which will bear new flower buds and therefore extend the flowering season'.

The key detail here is precision. Monty recommends cutting back to the first leaf below the faded flower, rather than snipping casually at the top. That small difference encourages stronger, more productive regrowth.

June is peak climbing rose season in the UK, when plants like Monty Don's The Pilgrim are putting on vigorous growth. At this stage, energy is constantly cycling between flowering and new shoot production. Deadheading with secateurs interrupts the seed-setting process and redirects that energy into fresh flowering stems instead. The result is a longer, more continuous display rather than a single heavy flush.

Still, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for every rose. 'Some roses, especially the species bushes, have glorious hips in autumn, and these will only develop if the flowers are allowed to set seed and fruit, so enjoy the flowers as long as they last and then wait for the autumnal display that they will produce from their fruit,' explains Monty.

So while repeat-flowering climbers like The Pilgrim benefit from regular deadheading, other roses may be better left to develop their autumn hips.

Shop alternative climbing roses

FAQs

If you do only one thing for your roses this June, make it the Monty Don habit: go out with a pair of secateurs and deadhead properly, cutting back to the first healthy leaf or bud beneath each faded bloom.

It’s simple, quick, and, as Monty's own practice shows, it’s one of the most effective ways to keep beautiful blooms like The Pilgrim® flowering well into the season.

June is here, so naturally it’s got me thinking about hanging baskets for my garden and what plants to put in them.

Creating structure is a must, so I always follow the thriller, filler, spiller rule for foolproof results when choosing plants. But to make baskets look fuller, quicker, choosing the right ‘spiller’ plants is the key.

‘When choosing fast-growing trailing flowering plants for hanging baskets (the spiller element), it’s all about picking varieties that will quickly fill out the space and create plenty of movement and colour throughout the season,’ says Duncan McLean, Horticulture Buyer at B&Q.

‘Plants like calibrachoa, bacopa and trailing verbena are great options for hanging basket plants because they establish quickly and spill beautifully over the sides of baskets, helping you achieve that full, overflowing look faster,’ adds Duncan. ‘And many trailing varieties are also well suited to baskets, window boxes and containers, making them ideal for smaller outdoor spaces too.’

1. Calibrachoa

‘When it comes to how to plant up a hanging basket, to get the best results, think about creating layers by combining trailing plants with upright varieties (or thrillers) in the centre for height and impact and bushier plants to fill out your basket,’ advises Duncan. ‘Calibrachoa is especially useful if you want lots of colour and comes in a spectrum of shades.’

Known as ‘million bells’, Calibrachoa is also a prolific bloomer and produces dozens of trumpet-like blooms that resemble mini petunia flowers cascading over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. Buy Calibrachoa as plug plants (I love these Calibrachoa Million Bells Super MixMillion Bells, from £9.99 at J.Parker's) and position around the rim of your hanging basket so that they can trail easily over the edges. And deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.

Where to buy calibrachoa:

• J. Parker's: Enjoy a cascade of rainbow colour with these Calibrachoa Million Bells Super MixMillion Bells, from £9.99.
• Primrose: Or keep it simple with the all-white Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Double White', from £7.99.

2. Bacopa

One of my favourite low-maintenance plants for pots and hanging baskets, bacopa looks super-pretty with its tiny white, pink or purple daisy-like blooms and lush green foliage. The Bacopa 'Baristo® Snowflake'Sutera diffusus, from £10.99 at Thompson & Morgan, is already in my basket.

No deadheading is needed with bacopa, just a light trim if it gets too long, and bacopa will stay in flower from late spring through to autumn, making it a great value-for-money plant.

‘It’s worth remembering that hanging baskets dry out much quicker than pots on the ground, especially during warmer weather, so regular watering to keep hanging baskets hydrated is key,’ adds Duncan. ‘On hot days, that could mean watering once in the morning and again in the evening.’

Where to buy bacopa:

• Thompson & Morgan: Enjoy pretty flowers throughout the summer with this Bacopa 'Baristo® Snowflake'Sutera diffusus, from £10.99.
• YouGarden: Or go for masses of multicoloured flowers with this Bacopa 'Topia' Mix, from £12.99.

3. Trailing verbena

‘Trailing verbena is another great pick for hanging baskets, creating long-lasting displays that work brilliantly in sunny spots,’ says Duncan.

Trailing verbena flowers abundantly in a vibrant choice of rich reds, purples, pinks and white and will provide non-stop colour for months in hanging baskets and containers. But like many summer bedding plants, trailing verbena isn’t hardy, so it won't survive a frost.

‘When it comes to looking after hanging baskets, in addition to frequent watering, use a peat-free compost with added water retention, like this Verve multi-purpose compost, £12 at B&Q, and feed little and often through the growing season - this will all help encourage stronger growth, more flowers and healthier plants,’ advises Duncan. ‘With the right mix and a bit of regular care, you can create a fabulous display that looks full and established in just a few weeks.’

Where to buy trailing verbena:

• J. Parker's: Fill hanging baskets with multicoloured blooms with this Verbena Trailing Mixed, from £9.99.
• Gardeners Dream: Or go for these striking purple-blue toned Verbena Blue Basket Plants, from £11.99.

Shop these hanging baskets

4. Petunias

‘If you want hanging baskets to look full quickly, I’d go for trailing petunias, calibrachoa, verbena or bacopa,’ says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres. ‘They’re all brilliant because they grow fast, flower well and give you that lovely spilling-over effect without much fuss.’

Petunias are one of the most popular summer flowers for hanging baskets and containers, with vigorous growth and vibrant, long-lasting blooms that trail beautifully. The frilly blue Petunia 'Frills & Spills Belinda', from £9.99 at Thompson & Morgan, is particularly beautiful. Petunias like a sunny spot and frequent watering and will flower continuously through the summer months. Just remember to deadhead petunias, pinching out the spent flowers regularly.

Where to buy petunias:

• Primrose: These striking purple and white blooms will add wow to hanging baskets - Petunia Designer Royal Lace, from £7.99.
• Suttons: With extra-large flowers, try these Petunia 'Superbissima Triumph Mix', from £6.99.

5. Lobelia

‘Lobelia is another good trailing plant pick for hanging baskets and containers if you want something a bit softer and more relaxed,’ suggests Julian.

With masses of tiny purple, blue or white blooms that spill over the edges of hanging baskets, tubs and troughs, lobelia works well on its own in a container, or can be partnered with an upright ‘thriller’ plant like a geranium (I love the Geranium Jackpot, £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan for its mix of striking colours) or fuchsia for a more structured display.

‘The main thing with baskets is not letting them dry out,’ adds Julian. ‘Plant them fairly generously, use a moisture-retentive compost, and start feeding once they’re established - this Feed for Hanging Baskets and Tubs, £4.99, at Amazon is ideal. Baskets definitely need a bit of attention once summer kicks in and during warm weather spells, they may need watering every day.’

Where to buy lobelia:

• B&Q: Enjoy a variety of colours with this Lobelia Trailing Mixed Bedding Plants 3 x 10 Pack, £24.99.
• Marshalls Garden: Or go for the stunning all-white Lobelia 'Waterfall White Sparkle', from £12.99.

6. Trailing geraniums

As an alternative to growing upright geraniums that make a good ‘thriller’ element in containers and hanging baskets, you can achieve the 'spiller' effect by choosing trailing geraniums (also known as ivy-leaf pelargoniums) that will spill over the sides and add fullness. The Geranium 'Balcon Mix', from £19.99 from Thompson & Morgan, is a stunner.

Easy to grow and often still blooming long after summer baskets have finished, trailing geraniums have stiff, fleshy leaves that tumble down the sides of containers, teamed with cheery single or double-formed flowers that come in vibrant shades of pink, red and white.

Trailing geraniums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Between waterings, let the soil dry out partially, as they are drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if they get soggy.

Where to buy trailing geraniums:

• Suttons: Enjoy a variety of cheery colours with this Geranium Trailing Collection, from £19.99.
• Dobies: Or go for these vibrant Geranium peltatum 'Red', from £14.99.

7. Busy Lizzies

Busy lizzies (or impatiens) are a much-loved container flower with their cheery long-lasting blooms that flower right through summer and into early autumn. With single or double-flowered varieties and in shades of red, orange, purple and pink (Beacon Raspberry Sundae Mixed, from £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan is a favourite), they flower best in full sun or part shade.

In hanging baskets, colourful busy lizzies contrast well against darker-coloured foliage or alongside tinier flowers like lobelia and aubretia to add visual variety.

When thinking about flower pairings for containers, make it easier by choosing plants that have the same requirements, such as all sun-loving plants together or all shade-loving plants in the same container. This ensures your plants are kept happy when they’re planted together in the same spot.

Where to buy Busy Lizzies:

• Gardeners Dream: Add wow with these stunning purple-pink Impatiens Purple Basket Plants, £16.99.
• Amazon: Enjoy multicoloured blooms with these Impatiens Beacon Mix - 12 x Garden Ready Plants, £14.99.

Do you have hanging baskets in your summer planting plan? Let us know what trailing plants you'll be using.

There are key times of the year to prune, and when your spring plants have flowered and gone over, now's the time to give them a spruce-up.

'June is the perfect time to give spring-flowering shrubs a tidy; it helps them stay in shape and flower well again next year,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

So, which are the key varieties to prune? We take a look below, with the help of our gardening experts.

1. Clematis

Clematis is a great variety to grow and is a firm favourite with its beautiful flowers that are in bloom right now.

It can depend on what type it is, as to whether you prune your clematis now or not. Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains, 'If you grow clematis, you will find that they fall into three main pruning groups, and it’s only those in groups 1 or 2 which you should prune in June.

Group 1 clematis are the early flowering varieties and include 'Amandii' and 'Montana'. These types of clematis flower on old wood (so the growth produced in the previous summer), which means you should prune them immediately after they finish flowering. Group 2 clematis are later flowering than group 1, with them usually producing their most blooms in May and June. Varieties which fall into this group include ‘Nelly Moser’. ‘The President’ and ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’.'

What's great about the second group is that you can encourage further flowering if you prune after they've bloomed now.

If you like the idea of trying some of these varieties, then have a look at the Montana variety – it's quick-growing, and you can buy 'Mayleen' from Thompson & Morgan for £12.99 for 1 x 7cm pot. From the second group, we love Nelly Moser, £14.97 for a 2-litre pot, Gardening Express.

2. Wisteria

Everyone's favourite – wisteria is the pinnacle of spring-blooming varieties that we adore. Its short flowering period of two to three weeks means we have to enjoy it while we can.

'Wisteria, in particular, benefits from a summer prune,' says Julian. 'Look for the long, green shoots that have grown this year and cut them back to around five or six leaves from the main woody framework.'

If you're looking to buy a wisteria, we love the Blue Sapphire variety, £42.99 for a three-litre pot, Crocus. It will flower around May with lilac-blue flowers. If you prefer pink flowers, then consider Rosea, £29.99 for a 1.7-litre pot from Thompson & Morgan.

3. Lilac

Lilac is a beautifully scented variety that heralds spring, and it's definitely worth considering if you don't have it already.

'Whether you are growing a lilac in your garden as a shrub or a small tree, it’s important that you prune this woody, deciduous plant immediately after it finishes flowering, which usually is between May and June,' advises Lucie. 'If you wait and prune your lilac later in the year, then you will likely be cutting away any new growth and lilac flowers on new growth the following year.'

If you wait, then you risk the plant expending energy into producing seeds instead of new shoots.

There are quite a few colours of lilac available – the classic violet that we all know and love, white, pink, magenta and blue.

Palibin has a mauve pink colour, from £21.99 at Thompson & Morgan. It has a lovely fragrance and is perfect for a cottage garden. B&Q have the classic lilac shade in its President Grevy variety, from £16.99 for two.

4. Mock orange

If you love a citrusy orange scent, then a mock orange is for you. It blooms in early summer and is a highly prized variety to have growing in your garden.

Once the cup-shaped white flowers have bloomed, it's time to give it a once-over.

Julian agrees, 'Cut back the stems that have just flowered to a strong pair of buds lower down, then, if needed, remove one or two of the oldest stems at the base to keep the plant open and healthy.'

If you'd love to have one of these beauties in your garden, then we like the Philadelphus 'Virginal' variety from Crocus, £24.99 for a two-litre pot. Plant in your border for a lovely display. Gardening Express have Philadelphus Lemoinei, which has a more yellow centre, £17.99 for a three-litre pot.

5. Viburnum

'June is the perfect time to prune spring-flowering viburnums – a flowering shrub – such as Viburnum burkwoodii, as these varieties set their buds on the previous season's growth,' advises Lucie.

You can buy the Burkwoodii variety from Crocus, £29.99 for a two-litre pot. It flowers in April and May, so it is an early bloomer.

'By pruning them just after they finish flowering, you are stimulating new growth, which then has time to mature, and the shrub can set healthy buds ready for next year's display. If you were to wait and prune later in the year, you run the risk of pruning away next year's blooms,' shares Lucie.

Another early variety is Viburnum tinus; J. Parkers sells a one-litre pot for £5.99. It has white flowers and loves sunny and partially shaded spots.

Shopping essentials for a good prune

Pruning gives you a chance to check over your plants for disease, so it's an important part of their care. You can also check that there aren't any damaged branches or those crossing over. It's all about preventative nurturing to help them grow the best they can.

Our dahlia plants are set to burst into bloom from next month, which is why this month is such a crucial one in the calendar. If you want them to flower right through to the autumn, you’ll need to know what to do with dahlias in June.

Whether you’re growing dahlias in pots or garden borders, they’ll need some extra TLC in the lead-up to their flowering period. That means planting them out before the window closes, offering them plenty of support, and a few other crucial tasks that will have them putting on their best displays.

Here’s a list of things to do with dahlias in June to get you started.

What you'll need

1. Plant them outside

If you potted up your dahlias (kudos if you did – it’s one of gardening expert and author Sarah Raven’s golden rules for growing dahlias) and haven’t planted them out yet, June is your last chance to move them outside.

‘If you haven't already done so, now is the time to plant out any remaining tubers or potted plants,’ says Jane Westoby, creative director at The Hampshire Seed Company. ‘At planting time, enrich the soil with organic matter and a slow-release fertiliser such as fish, blood and bone and a sprinkle of chicken manure pellets.’

You can order an 8kg bucket of Westland Organic Chicken Manure Pellets from Amazon.

'Plant them in fertile, well-drained soil, making sure the tubers are completely covered, along with the lower part of the stem,' adds Sarah Raven. 'This adds stability as the dahlia grows and stops the tubers from drying out in hotter summers. Mulch with compost and space them around 75cm apart.'

2. Know when to water them

If you’re wondering what to do with dahlias in June, your watering schedule could make all the difference to their health. Young dahlias are thirsty plants, so you’ll need to be extra attentive with the watering can at this time of the year.

‘Newly planted dahlias will need more frequent watering while they establish, particularly during hot or dry weather,’ explains Jane.

After the plants are settled in your garden, it’s quality over quantity.

‘Once established, I prefer to water deeply rather than little and often, encouraging roots to grow down into the soil,’ says Jane. ‘The exact frequency depends on your soil type and weather conditions, but a thorough soak once a week is usually better than a daily sprinkle.’

Jane also notes that container-grown dahlias will need more regular watering, even every day during warm spells. Just don't overdo it on cooler days – overwatering can cause dahlia leaves to turn yellow.

3. Offer them support

Many dahlia varieties grow tall, and when you pair that height with the huge blooms on some of the dinnerplate types, they can quickly become too big for their boots after flowering begins. That’s why you’ll need some of the best plant supports to hand before they burst into bloom.

‘In June, tall-growing plants like dahlias put on vigorous growth and can become top-heavy once they bloom,’ explains Paul Parker from perennials and annuals specialists J. Parker's.

‘This is why staking these plants now will help keep stems neat and protect them from sudden summer storms.’

This double ring dahlia plant support from Crocus is made from uncoated steel and can develop a rust effect.

4. Feed them

It's also a good idea to start feeding your dahlias in June to encourage strong plants and plenty of flowers.

'I suggest using a slow-release fertiliser or feeding dahlias in pots every fortnight with a liquid comfrey or seaweed fertiliser,' says Sarah. 'If you’ve used a slow-release fertiliser, there is no need to feed.'

The Shropshire Seaweed Company Organic Seaweed, which you can order from Amazon, is a certified organic plant food which promotes growth and enhances soil health. Just make sure you don't overfeed your dahlias, since that's one of the leading causes of dahlias not blooming.

If you're growing dahlias, add these tasks to your list of June garden jobs to encourage showstopping blooms.

Peonies are among my favourite flowers in the vase and the garden. If you want to get the best out of the blooms outdoors, it’s worth knowing what to do with peonies in June.

Learning how to grow peonies is so rewarding for the fleeting time they’re in bloom, and by June, most varieties will be at their peak. To enjoy the flowers for as long as possible, though, you’ll need to know what to do with peonies in June.

Here are a few key peony tasks to add to your list of June garden jobs.

What you'll need

1. Support the blooms

One of the most important things to do with peonies in June is support them, because by now, many will be laden with heavy flowers. According to Elonor Tivey (The Peony Farmer), support is especially important when rain is forecast (like it is this week!).

‘Peonies have huge showy blooms, but if they fill up with rain in a shower, then the stems cannot support them,’ Elonor explains. ‘A peony cage or canes and string help them to stay upright!’

There are plenty of brilliant plant supports out there that will offer your peonies the assistance they need until they finish flowering. You can buy simple peony cages like this Garden Gear peony and herbaceous plant frame from Thompson & Morgan, or go for something more ornate, like this rust ball top plant support from Crocus.

2. Water consistently

Watering seems like an obvious June peony care task, but it's more about how you water the plants.

'In warm or dry weather, it’s best to water deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often,' explains Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'This encourages stronger root growth and helps the plant cope better in dry spells.

'Always aim water at the base rather than over the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.'

Julian recommends using a watering can with a rose for a gentler approach, like this 10L watering can with a removable rose from Robert Dyas.

It's also worth keeping in mind that newly planted peonies or peonies grown in pots will need more water, so make sure you regularly monitor the soil.

3. Deadhead spent flowers

Deadheading is an invaluable skill in any gardener’s set, and if you’re wondering whether you should deadhead peonies, the answer is yes. If your plant is producing enough flowers, anyway.

‘If your peonies have more than one flower bud on the stem, remove the main flower once it has faded to help the side buds open for a second flush of blooms!’ Elonor advises.

These RHS Burgon and Ball ergo deadheader snips from Crocus are designed to reduce hand strain and come with an impressive 10-year guarantee.

4. Cut them back after flowering

You’ll also need to know when to cut back peonies - and if your plant finishes flowering this month, it’s time to get started.

‘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 Elonor.

Just make sure you avoid making any peony pruning mistakes along the way (they’re easily made!).

‘If you notice any disease on your peony, then this should be removed and disposed of in the household waste, not the compost heap, as spores can overwinter,’ Elonor warns.

If you're keen to keep your peonies blooming for longer, the tasks above should help you get the most out of this year's flowers.

While the warmer weather has been fabulous, keeping pots and planters well-watered has been a challenge. For me, the front garden has been particularly tricky, as it's in constant sun and I have lots of containers, so it’s got me thinking about what I can plant in front garden pots that won’t require too much watering.

Aside from the heat drying out container plants more quickly, one of the problems with front garden ideas is often access to water. I live in a terraced house, so there’s no outdoor tap at the front, which means me carrying hefty watering cans through the house, so choosing fairly drought-tolerant plants is key.

‘Containers and hanging baskets are usually the first to suffer in sudden heat because they dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at eflorist. ‘Newly planted flowers and young bedding plants can also struggle, as their roots are still fairly shallow and haven’t had time to properly establish themselves yet.’ But by timing your watering schedule right and choosing low-maintenance plants, you can still keep your front garden and containers looking vibrant in the heat.

1. Lavender

‘Lavender is one of the best all-round choices as it can withstand extreme heat and dry weather conditions,’ suggests David. ‘It will also produce flowers that are long-lasting and react nicely to being pruned, keeping a nice, neat shape. They’re also great at attracting bees.

To get the best out of your Lavender, I’d advise planting it in a large pot with free-draining compost, exposed to full sunlight.’

Shelley Davis, plant expert at Flying Flowers, agrees: ‘Native to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean and Middle East, lavender has earned its place as a staple in English gardens for its incredible scent and effortless beauty. The trick to keeping it low-maintenance is mimicking its home climate with plenty of sunlight and very well-draining soil, like Miracle-Gro's premium compost, £5 from Amazon. When potting lavender, try mixing in some perlite (you can buy 10L for £8.79 from Amazon) or coarse sand to keep the soil loose.’

‘To avoid the dreaded root rot, the most common killer of potted lavender, only water when the soil feels dry an inch deep,’ adds Shelley. ‘Remember, this plant prefers a ‘soak and dry’ and an annual pruning approach over constant moisture and regular maintenance.’

Where to buy lavender plants:

• Gardening Express: Try these Large Lavendula angustifolia Hidcote - XL English Lavender Hidcote Blue, £19.99.
• Gardeners Dream: Add fragrance and colour with this pretty French Lavender stoechas. from £16.99.

2. Rosemary

‘Rosemary is far more than just a kitchen staple,’ says Shelley. ‘It’s a rugged, woody herb that brings effortless beauty to any garden. Because it actually despises overwatering and handles the cold with ease, it is remarkably easy to keep alive. Like its Mediterranean cousin, lavender, rosemary craves sunlight and sandy, free-draining soil.

‘Potted rosemary trees (like these Rosemary Lollipop trees, £18.99 from B&Q) look fabulous either side of a front door, and planting rosemary near an entranceway doesn’t just give you a low-maintenance evergreen; it also greets your guests with a wonderful, fresh aroma every time they visit, so it is a great fragrant plant for a front porch.’

Where to buy rosemary plants:

• Amazon: Easy to grow, try these Gardeners Dream Rosemary Bush Plants, from £9.49.
• Crocus: Or try this pretty trailing Rosemary Blue Cascade 'Lowros', £21.99.

3. Olive trees

‘Like most Mediterranean-style plants, olive trees will handle the hot, dry weather no problem,’ says David. ‘They also look great in modern front gardens. I’d recommend placing them in a sunny spot, deep watering occasionally when they have established, and remember to keep them in a large container.’ These deep watering spikes, £7.99 at Amazon will help reduce evaporation loss and targeted hydration for potted plants.

'One of the biggest mistakes people make is watering little and often once the heat arrives,’ adds David. ‘While it feels like you’re helping, shallow watering can actually encourage weaker roots because the moisture never reaches deeper into the soil. A much better approach is to water thoroughly either early in the morning or later in the evening so plants can properly absorb what they need before the heat of the day.’

Where to buy olive trees:

• B&Q: Give your front garden a Mediterranean vibe with these Olea Europaea- Olive Trees, £32.99.
• Tree2mydoor: Or go for trees either side of the front door with these Pair of Olive trees, £93.

Shop these planters

4. Agave

‘For a dramatic, sculptural look that requires almost zero effort, agaves are the ultimate choice for potted gardens,’ says Shelley. ‘Known as ‘century plants’ because of the many years they take to bloom, these outdoor succulents are incredibly drought-tolerant. While the main plant dies after its rare flowering, it thoughtfully leaves behind shoots to take its place.’

‘For a thriving, statement-making plant, use a terracotta pot with a dedicated succulent potting mix (Westland's cacti and succulent potting mix is a great, budget buy, £5, Amazon) and only water when the soil is bone-dry.’

Where to buy agave plants:

• Gardening Express: Make a statement with this Agave Americana Variegata - American Aloe - Century Plant, £15.99.
• Dobies: Or try the subtle blue tones of this Dianella revoluta 'Blue Stream', from £14.99.

5. Geraniums

‘Geraniums will tolerate dry compost well, and when it comes to how often you should water in hot weather, geraniums can even cope with a few missed waterings,’ suggests David. ‘And their colour makes them a great addition in the summer. If you deadhead geraniums, you might be able to keep them blooming for months.’

‘When it comes to sunny front gardens, moisture-loving plants, like hydrangeas and ferns, are especially prone to drooping or scorching in sudden heat, particularly if they’re sitting in full afternoon sun. If possible, move vulnerable pots somewhere slightly more sheltered when it is going to be particularly hot, even if it’s just somewhere that avoids the hottest part of the afternoon.’

Where to buy geranium plants:

• Suttons: Buy these garden-ready Geranium 'Best Red' F1, from £4.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Enjoy a blaze of bright colour with these Geranium 'Jackpot Candyfloss' Mix, from £12.99.

6. Sedums

‘Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a gardener’s dream because it truly is a plant that thrives on benign neglect,’ advises Shelley. ‘These hardy succulents require almost no pruning, feeding, or watering to look their best. In fact, once they are settled in an outdoor pot, they can usually survive on UK rainfall alone.’

‘With so many varieties to choose from, sedums are as stylish as they are easy. You can use trailing types like 'Burro's Tail' sedum, £21.99, from Amazon, a beautiful texture and colour, or choose upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’, £7.99 from Gardening Express, to create a stunning focal point that draws in pollinators late in the season.’

Where to buy sedum plants:

• Crocus: For pots or sun-drenched borders, try these Hylotelephium × mottramianum 'Herbstfreude' stonecrop, from £9.99.
• Gardeners Dream: Enjoy a variety of colours with this Sedum Mix, £20.99.

7. Salvia

‘Salvia copes far better with heat than many traditional bedding plants,’ suggests David. ‘Salvia is one of the best perennial plants for attracting pollinators like bees, moths and butterflies. And they also look great when paired with other Mediterranean-style plants like lavender.’

Choose a roomy pot with drainage holes at the bottom and fill it with multi-purpose compost with a little perlite or sand added for extra drainage. Standing the container on pot feet will also help with drainage.

Where to buy salvia plants:

• B&Q: For stunning purple colour in pots or borders, try these Salvia Love and Wishes 3 plug plants perennial plants, £11.99.
• Amazon: Or try this multicoloured selection - Salvia Vista Mixed, £13.59.

8. Phormium

‘Phormium is perfect if you want a low-maintenance option for front gardens,’ suggests David. ‘They have a great contemporary look which lasts all year round, and the foliage will cope well come wind, sun, or dry spells.’

Ensure you choose a large enough container to accommodate the growing size of your plant (check the plant label for height and spread). A plant 1.5m tall will usually need a container at least 50cm wide and the same deep. And ensure the container is weighty enough not to topple over. Alternatively, try phormium in a front garden border or raised bed for a striking look.

Where to buy phormium plants:

• Gardeners Dream: Add wow with this dramatic dark-toned Phormium 'Bronze Baby' from £11.90 each.
• Primrose: With arching, sword-shapes leaves and a pink-toned leaves, try this Phormium Sundowner | New Zealand Flax, £38.99.

Are your front garden plants flagging in the heat? Share your watering tips with us.

If your front door looks a little bare or exposed, adding a fast-growing climbing plant is one of the easiest ways to soften the space and create instant kerb appeal.

Whether you want fragrant flowers, cottage garden charm or leafy coverage to disguise your brickwork, the right climber can completely transform the look of your home in as little as a season or two.

If you're looking for climbing plant ideas that will quickly elevate your front entrance, experts say there are plenty of options that work beautifully in borders and containers alike.

And many of the best climbing plants for pots can be trained around porches, arches and door frames, while also offering one of the easiest ways to add kerb appeal to the front of your house. Here are the gardening experts' top picks to plant and train around your front door.

1. Star Jasmine

Gardening expert Lucie Bradley of Easy Garden Irrigation explains that star jasmine is an outstanding choice around a doorway because its glossy green foliage provides structure all year, while the flowers release a rich scent that becomes even stronger on warm summer evenings. The classic Trachelospermum jasminoides, from £12.99 at Thompson & Morgan, is my firm favourite for its stunning, fragrant white blooms.

It thrives best in south or west-facing spots where it can enjoy six to eight hours of sun a day. Lucie recommends planting it around 30cm away from the wall and training it onto wires or trellis supports. I'm currently using this plant training kit, £13.85 at Amazon, to support my jasmine.

Richard Barker, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, adds that star jasmine is easy to train because it naturally twines around supports and can even be grown successfully in pots if your entrance has limited planting space.

Liam Cleary from Old Railway Line Garden Centre adds that jasmine works particularly well near entrances because it grows quickly without becoming too overpowering, while the fragrance helps make the entrance feel more welcoming during spring and summer.

Where to buy star jasmine:

• Thompson & Morgan: Trachelospermum jasminoides, from £12.99, is a classic evergreen star jasmine with glossy dark green leaves and highly fragrant white flowers.
• Crocus: Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’, £29.99 for a 7L pot, has buttery yellow, pinwheel-like flowers and a softer, Mediterranean feel than traditional white star jasmine.
• Gardening Express: Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Milano’, from £24.97, is a more compact variety providing masses of scented blooms and glossy evergreen coverage.

2. Clematis

Clematis is a brilliant choice if you want fast colour without waiting years for coverage. Some varieties can put on several feet of growth in a single season, quickly scrambling around door frames, arches and trellis panels.

Known as the 'queen of climbers', Lucie says clematis offers everything from large, dramatic blooms to delicate bell-shaped flowers, depending on the variety you choose. She points out that scented types like clematis montana (from £14.99 at Crocus) can also add a welcoming perfume around your front door, while the plants themselves take up surprisingly little ground space, making them ideal for compact porches and small front gardens.

Lucie also says the key thing to remember with clematis is that they like 'their heads in the sun and feet in the shade', which is why east-facing front doors often work particularly well. They'll also need supports like wires or trellises (this riveted trellis, £8.50 from Amazon, is the perfect size for the side of a front door) because they climb by wrapping their leaf stalks around structures.

Where to buy clematis:

• Thompson & Morgan: Clematis ‘Taiga’, from £14.99, is a striking Japanese variety with unusual spiky purple-and-lime flowers that look almost like passionflowers, making it a real statement climber for pots or arches.
• Crocus: Clematis montana ‘Marjorie’, from £27.99 for a 3L pot, is a vigorous, fast-growing clematis covered in pale pink, vanilla-scented flowers in late spring, ideal for scrambling over fences or pergolas.

Shop supports for your front door display

3. Climbing roses

Fast-growing climbing rose varieties can quickly cover arches and walls, rewarding you with repeat flowers and beautiful fragrance throughout the warmer months.

Lucie Bradley recommends choosing thornless and repeat-flowering varieties where possible, highlighting 'Zephirine Drouhin' (from £44.99 at Thompson & Morgan) as a particularly popular option thanks to its fragrant, deep pink blooms that flower from June through to September.

Like most roses, climbing varieties grow best in sunny positions, particularly south or west-facing doors. However, they do need sturdy support like this set of 2 lattice wall trellises, £37 from Agriframes, because they can not cling to walls themselves. Lucie advises fixing supports around 5 cm away from the brickwork so stems can be threaded through and trained properly.

Richard adds that regular tying-in and deadheading will encourage stronger growth and repeat flowering later in the season.

Where to buy climbing roses:

• Thompson & Morgan: Rose ‘Zephirine Drouhin’, from £44.99, is a thornless climbing rose with richly scented cerise-pink blooms that flower repeatedly through summer, making it perfect for training around doorways and arches.
• Crocus: Rose ‘Golden Showers’, £28.99 for a 4L pot, is a fast-growing climbing rose covered in butter yellow blooms from early summer onwards, prized for its long flowering season and glossy foliage.

4. Wisteria

Wisteria is one of the most dramatic climbing plants you can train around your front door. Its cascading flowers create a truly showstopping entrance in late spring and early summer, and established plants can grow incredibly quickly.

That vigorous growth does mean wisteria needs more management than some other climbers. Richard Barker explains that it requires a very sturdy support securely anchored to brickwork, as mature plants become extremely heavy over time. I recommend using a climber wall support like this one from Crocus, £36.54, and then using a wire kit, £11.59 from Amazon, to train it around your door.

He also warns that regular pruning is essential to stop it from blocking doorways or becoming unruly around entrances. While it can be grown in pots, Richards says this only really works if it's maintained carefully as a standard tree with regular feeding and watering throughout the growing season.

Where to buy wisteria:

• Thompson & Morgan: Wisteria floribunda ‘Black Dragon’, from £29.99, is a dramatic Japanese wisteria with unusual double violet-purple flower clusters and a rich fragrance that makes it a real showstopper in late spring.
• Crocus: Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’, from £34.99 for a 3L pot, is one of the earliest and most reliable flowering varieties and my favourite, producing masses of lilac-blue scented racemes on mature plants.

5. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is ideal if fragrance is high on your wishlist. This fast-growing climber quickly wraps around trellises and doorway supports, filling the area with a sweet scent during summer evenings.

Lucie Bradley says evergreen varieties like 'Halliana' (£24.99 at Thompson & Morgan) are particularly useful around front doors because they provide glossy foliage throughout the year alongside masses of fragrant summer flowers. She explains that honeysuckle is a twining vine, so it will need supports such as a trellis (this set of 2 expandable trellises, £18.99 at Amazon, will do the job) or tensioned wires (£11.59 from Amazon) fixed slightly away from the wall to give stems space to wrap around properly.

Once established, honeysuckle is relatively easy to care for, although Lucie recommends deep watering during dry spells because plants growing close to house walls can miss rainfall. Applying mulch in spring will also help lock in moisture.

Liam says that honeysuckle works especially well if you want a more natural-looking entrance. He adds that it's also brilliant for wildlife-friendly gardens because the flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout summer.

Where to buy honeysuckle:

• Thompson & Morgan: Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’, from £24.99, is a vigorous semi-evergreen honeysuckle with intensely fragrant creamy-white flowers that fade to buttery yellow through summer, making it ideal for covering fences and arches quickly.
• Crocus: Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’, from £14.99, is a later-flowering honeysuckle with deep red buds that open to purple-flushed cream flowers, releasing a strong evening fragrance loved by pollinators.

Shop these climbing plant essentials

So there you have it! The right climber can completely transform the look of the front of your house and make your home feel more welcoming at the very first glance. Happy planting!

Learning how to take root cuttings in water is one of those gardening hacks that feels almost too good to be true.

With just a snip of a stem and a jar of water, you can turn a single houseplant into a whole new collection. It costs nothing, takes minutes, and is surprisingly satisfying to watch as roots begin to unfurl.

For houseplant lovers, it’s also a brilliant way to experiment without risk. If a root cutting fails, you’ve lost nothing. If it thrives, you’ve effectively multiplied your plant for free. No wonder, then, that water propagation has become a go-to method for beginners and seasoned indoor gardeners alike.

Still, while the method is easy, it’s not entirely foolproof. Success depends on choosing the right plant, using clean conditions, and knowing when to move your cutting on, and that’s where a little expert guidance makes all the difference.

How to take root cuttings in water

To understand how to take root cuttings in water properly (and avoid the common mistakes), we asked experts for their advice on how to do it properly.

As it turns out, just a few small details can dramatically improve your success rate. Check it out...

1. Start with the right plants and a clean cut

Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries explains that rooting cuttings in water is 'a really easy way to grow new houseplants for free', but stresses that success begins with choosing the right material and preparing it correctly.

'Snip a healthy stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves,' he says. The key detail here is the node – this is where new roots will form, so it must be included on your cutting. I recommend the Kimura bypass secateurs, £29.95 from Amazon, for a sharp, definite snip.

Morris adds that the cutting should then be placed in a clean jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves stay above the waterline. 'Place the jar somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight and change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent rot.'

Within a couple of weeks, you should start to see roots forming. Plants such as pothos and monstera are particularly enthusiastic, often producing long, visible root systems that can look decorative in their own right.

2. Choose the right species for success

If you want to learn how to take root cuttings in water, the trick is to make sure you are only attempting to do it on the plants that work.

Christopher O’Donoghue, director of Gardens Revived, says the method is 'perfectly sound for many common houseplants', but warns it has clear limitations.

'Water propagation works best with plants that have soft, herbaceous stems like pothos, philodendron, tradescantia, or coleus,' he explains. 'If you’re trying to root woody shrubs or succulents, you’re almost always better off using a sterile potting mix (like Westland's houseplant potting mix, £4.99 at Amazon), as those cuttings will usually rot in water long before they produce roots.'

Getting the plant choice right at the start is one of the simplest ways to avoid disappointment later on.

3. Don’t skip the node – it’s essential

Christopher is firm on one rule: the node is non-negotiable.

'You cannot just stick a piece of stem in water and hope for the best. You must ensure that at least one node – the growth point where leaves or branches emerge – is submerged. Roots grow from these nodes, not from the internodes,' he says.

This is one of the most common mistakes home propagators make, and it’s often the reason cuttings fail to root at all.

4. Keep everything clean to avoid rot

Sanitation, Christopher says, is just as important as the cutting itself. 'Bacteria are the main reason cuttings fail,' he explains.

Use clean glass jars or vases, and avoid anything porous that can harbour microbes. If the water becomes murky or starts to smell, that’s a sign that something is wrong.

'Change the water at least once a week to keep oxygen levels high and pathogens at bay,' he adds.

It’s a small step, but it makes a significant difference to success rates.

5. Avoid submerging leaves and overcrowding the jar

Another easy mistake when learning how to take root cuttings in water is letting foliage sit in the water. 'Only the nodes should be in the water,' Christopher says. 'If any leaves are underwater, they will decay and contaminate the water, which often kills the cutting.'

Trim back anything that would sit below the waterline before placing it in your jar. This helps keep the cutting healthy and reduces the risk of rot spreading.

6. Know when to move from water to soil

Perhaps the most overlooked stage is the transition from water to compost. 'One of the most common mistakes is leaving the cuttings in water for too long,' Christopher explains.

Once roots are around an inch or two long, they should be moved into a pot with moist compost. If left too long in water, the plant develops 'water roots', which struggle to adapt to soil.

'The longer you wait, the harder it is for the plant to adjust,' he says.

FAQs

If you decide to learn how to root cuttings in water, remember that placement matters; you want bright but indirect light, as direct sun can overheat the water, stress the cutting, and encourage algae growth.

'It’s a simple process, but it’s easy to get lazy with it. If you keep the water clean and get the plants into the soil at the right time, though, you’ll have a much higher success rate,' says Christopher.

Essentially, with a bit of care and consistency, what starts as a single stem can quickly become a thriving collection of new plants... for free! Which means no hefty garden receipt for once. Sounds like a dream come true, right?

Do you struggle to know what to plant in your garden and often feel like it looks a little chaotic?

The 70/30 rule might just be the key garden idea to transform yours into one that looks wonderful all year round, is sustainable and promotes biodiversity.

Tim Clapp, head of range and a qualified botanist at Verve, explains, 'The "70/30 planting rule” is a simple garden design principle that helps customers create gardens that are visually balanced, easier to maintain and attractive throughout the year. The concept is quite straightforward – 70% of the planting forms the permanent backbone of the garden, and the 30% provides seasonal colour, interest and change.'

We look into how this divide works and how to make it work in our gardens.

How does the 70/30 rule work in garden design?

Tim says the 70/30 planting rule works in much the same way as it does in interior design. 'Around 70% of the garden should be the equivalent of the walls, flooring, kitchen units or sofa within a home. These are the long-term structural elements that provide shape, consistency and style throughout the year.'

Whereas the 30% is your 'accessories' and 'accents' and consists of seasonal plants that have texture and colour.

Why should we adopt this method? 'The 70/30 planting rule is a design principle used by landscapers that divides your garden space to create balance and reduce the amount of maintenance that it needs,' says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director at LBS Horticulture.

How to create the 70%

The 70% is your core, those plants that are there to stay and are long-termers.

Richard explains, 'When creating the 'backbone' of a garden, choose plants that are known to thrive in the soil type and climate of your garden. These plants should be used to form the reliable structure of your garden, such as shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. Assess the light, water and soil needs of each plant, as it is better to include resilient plants over those that provide multi-season interest.'

By establishing a strong planting framework first, you can then layer in seasonal flowers and colour with confidence, creating gardens that feel more balanced, professionally designed and attractive across every season,' says Tim.

So what does the 70% consist of? 'Things like evergreen shrubs, hardy perennials, ornamental grasses and other reliable long-lasting plants chosen for their form, foliage, texture and resilience rather than short-term flower impact alone,' suggests Tim.

'I like box, pittosporum, skimmia, sarcococca, viburnum, choisya, hebes and mahonia, along with grasses such as stipa, miscanthus and pennisetum,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

According to Tim, these foundation plants will provide year-round structure, texture and foliage interest, repetition and rhythm, visual calm and cohesion and lower long-term maintenance.

One thing worth considering, though, is how these may grow over time. Richard explains, 'When choosing plants, think carefully about how tall or wide they will grow to become over time. Some plants can look attractive when they are small, but may grow to be woody or scraggly over time. Repeat bloomers will ensure that your garden has colour each year, and ensure year-round interest by choosing flowers that bloom at different times.'

A good buy for this section would be Viburnum tinus Lisa Rose in bud and bloom, £39.97, Gardening Express. It's a hardy evergreen that adds interest even during the winter months. We also like the Rubella skimmia japonica, £12.99 for a 9cm pot, Crocus. The red flower buds give you colour from autumn and turn into white blooms in spring.

How to create the 30%

For the brighter 30%, you can really go to town, 'I’d look at plants like salvias, hardy geraniums, heucheras, rudbeckias, dahlias, fuchsias, agapanthus, crocosmia, verbena, lavender, echinacea, asters, tulips, crocus and alliums, plus bedding plants to keep the display changing through the seasons,' suggests Julian.

Richard says this is the time to experiment with plants, 'Consider seasonal bulbs, flashy annuals or any new plants that you want to try growing without ruining the overall appearance of your garden. Scatter accent plants individually, or plant them in smaller drifts amongst foundational plants.'

According to Tim, it's important to use this 30% to create flowering highlights and pollinator-friendly plants. 'This is the time to add trend-led plants that will add variety and excitement.'

We love Verbena bonariensis for this, £7.99 for a 9cm pot from Crocus, it's striking in colour and structure and will add vibrancy to your 30% layer. For another punchy colour addition, consider Rudbeckia Cherry Brandy, £7.99, Gardening Express. The colour will last through summer and into autumn, and this variety loves full sun.

Consider your plant placement

It's vital that you consider your plant placement when you're adopting the 70/30 method, or it simply won't work or look right.

'When choosing where to position each plant, think about layering heights,' advises Richard. 'Low-growing plants work best placed near paths or social spaces, and then increase plant size as you move backwards towards fences and walls.'

With the main rule of thumb of having two distinctive height layers, adding more is always advantageous. 'Using three or four can make your garden look fuller and richer, and repetition is important too, such as using similar species or colours in each part of your garden. For a cohesive look, repeat colours, textures and shapes, even when experimenting with accent plants.'

How to use it when buying plants

This 70/30 landscaping rule can really work well in pretty much any-sized garden. It's about getting the proportions of the varieties correct – follow our guide, and you'll see your space transform!

Between now and early June is the best time to plant your dahlia tubers – as long as the risk of frost has gone.

With some dahlia varieties like Café au Lait being so popular and selling out fast, it pays to get the planting right so you can enjoy your blooms to the max.

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, agrees, 'It is vitally important that when you are planting dahlias that you plant them to the correct depth otherwise you risk the chance of things going wrong later on.'

What you'll need

The correct depth

Like any bulbs and tubers, it's important to plant them correctly, especially when you've invested in them and want good results.

'We recommend planting dahlia tubers 4-6 inches deep, so roughly about the length of your hand,' advises Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centre.

You do need to prep the ground first, says Lucie, 'Use a fork to break up and loosen the soil to a depth of sound 25 to 30cm, removing any weeds, stones or debris so the tubers can grow without any obstructions. Then add in a generous layer of leaf mould, garden compost or well-rotted manure (we like RocketGro's manure, £9.99 from Crocus), mixing it into the soil so it prepares the ground for these heavy feeders to start growing.'

Julian adds, 'Water sparingly until shoots emerge, stake early for wind support, and pinch out the first buds at 20-30cm for bushier plants with more flowers.'

Shop our mulching top picks

Why is the depth important?

'Planting them correctly avoids thick, fleshy tubers rotting, delayed blooming when planted too deep or if not deep enough, then when in bloom, they may not be anchored in the ground securely enough, and the top-heavy stems will fall over,' explains Lucie.

It also protects them according to Julian, 'The depth shelters the tuber from frost and from drying out without delaying shoots. Plant them horizontally with eyes (growth points) facing up in fertile, well-drained soil, spaced 45-60cm apart.'

But what about different soil types? 'You can tweak the depth you plant your dahlia tubers if you have either sandy or clay soil in your garden,' advises Lucie. 'Whilst the perfect soil for dahlias to thrive in would be loam soil, a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay so that it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, holds nutrients and has good aeration for strong root growth, in reality we are usually faced with soil which is not perfect.'

If you're not sure of your soil type, have a look at the UK Soil Observatory website, input your location, and it will give you that information.

Where to buy dahlias

There are some great dahlias tuber deals around currently:

• J. Parkers: Add decorative style with this eye-catching variety Dahlia 'Smokey', one tuber for £1.99
• GardeningExpress: Check out this dinner plate variety, which is similar to the very popular Café au Lait – Café au Lait Twist, £1.99 each.
• Amazon: For a variety of colours and shapes, have a look at these mixed dahlia tubers, 5 for £16.95

Planting dahlias in containers

'Dahlia tubers are usually available from February, which is too early to plant them directly outside, so I pot mine up first and pop them in the greenhouse, polytunnel or coldframe,' says Nick Hamilton, owner of Barnsdale Gardens. 'They are potted at the same depth they should be planted if putting them directly in the ground, so that the tubers are just covered.'

Lucie likes to use the 'hilling' method when she plants her dahlia tubers in pots. It involves covering the tuber with 3 to 5cm of soil and once shoots start to emerge above the surface of the soil, you would add more compost to cover the shoots, progressing in this fashion until the pot is full.'

Follow our guide to perfect planting depth for your dahlia tubers and in a few months, you'll have wonderful displays of colour from this fabulous variety in your containers and borders.

Every time a heatwave arrives, I notice that there are some gardens that feel like complete sun traps and others that somehow stay cool and comfortable even in soaring temperatures.

If you've been wondering how to keep your garden cool in a heatwave, it turns out the most comfortable outdoor spaces all tend to share a few of the same features, and most of them are quite easy to recreate.

After trying to stop my own garden from becoming unbearably hot during warm spells, I've realised the best garden ideas for heatwaves are often the simplest. From genius shade ideas to moving struggling plants before they scorch, these are the things people with cool gardens in a heatwave always seem to have nailed.

1. Plenty of shade

Some of the coolest gardens always have somewhere to escape direct sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, depending on which direction they face.

Whether it's a pergola, parasol, shade sail or a canopy of trees, having some areas of shade makes a huge difference to how a garden feels during a heatwave. I love this double parasol from Amazon as it's a quick way to get lots of shade into your garden fast.

I've also noticed that the best gardens layer shade where possible, like combining climbing plants with a pergola roof or sheltering seating beside tall planting so the space feels cooler naturally.

2. Light coloured furniture and paving

Dark patios can become a bit of a heat trap during hot weather, while pale stone, gravel and lighter-coloured outdoor furniture help reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it.

It's a detail you don't fully appreciate until you walk barefoot across a patio in a heatwave and realise that some materials hold a lot more heat than others. Even adding an outdoor rug like this green and white striped outdoor rug, £15 from Habitat at Argos, or lighter accessories such as outdoor cushions can help soften the baking effect of large paved areas.

3. Water features

There's a reason why a lot of Mediterranean-style gardens often include water. Fountains, ponds and even small bowl features can help a space feel cooler and more tranquil. It won't necessarily help make it cooler, but psychologically, it can make a huge difference.

The sound of moving water instantly creates a fresher atmosphere during sticky weather. I love this cascading rain chain fountain, £38 from Etsy, that will help conserve water too.

Wildlife-friendly ponds also tend to attract birds and pollinators looking for hydration during extreme heat. This Thompson & Morgan patio pond, £30.90 at QVC, is an easy and affordable way to help wildlife too.

4. Trees and layered planting

Usually, cooler gardens are packed with trees for shade, drought-tolerant shrubs and layered planting that naturally helps cool the air.

Small ornamental trees in pots like olive trees, £39.99 at Thompson & Morgan, which are my favourite trees to create a Mediterranean-style garden, tall grasses like Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten', £19.99 from Crocus, that will swish gently in the breeze, and dense borders help create shaded spots, and help reduce reflected heat from hard surfaces like paving and walls.

Plants also release moisture into the air, which would help keep patios and seating fresher and cooler if they are surrounded by greenery. Even small gardens can benefit from having lots of plants at different heights through container garden ideas, such as pots at various heights, rather than leaving every inch exposed to direct sun.

5. Mulched borders

A thick layer of mulch helps soil retain moisture, protects roots from baking temperatures and reduces how quickly flower beds and containers dry out. We're big fans of RocketGro Organic's Magic Mulch, £14.92 for 50L from Amazon, for its soil enrichment, weed suppression and moisture retention.

Without a layer of mulch in some form, whether it's compost, leaf mould or manure, even well-watered plants can start looking stressed surprisingly quickly during prolonged hot weather.

6. Climbers covering fences and walls

Bare fences and brick walls can absorb huge amounts of heat and radiate it back into the garden well into the evening. And that's why a lot of people feature climbing plants like jasmine, clematis and honeysuckle to soften vertical surfaces.

Green coverage acts a bit like insulation, helping reduce heat buildup around seating areas and patios.

And aside from their cooling benefits, climbers also make gardens look prettier, leafier and feel far more relaxing, especially if they smell incredible too. I love the sweetly-scented jasmine varieties in this Climber trio, from £24.99 at Thompson & Morgan.

7. An outdoor fan

One thing we're seeing more and more in gardens is the addition of a portable outdoor-indoor fan.

They're brilliant during heatwaves because they help circulate air around seating areas without needing a permanent installation, and many newer designs are surprisingly sleek, like Shark's FlexBreeze HydroGo misting fan, £99.99 at Currys, which is rechargeable and easily moved around.

Even a gentle breeze can make a garden feel significantly cooler when the air is heavy and still.

So, by adding more shade, introducing cooling additions and adding some clever planting, you can stay cooler out there when things heat up!

For me, sustainability is at the very heart of gardening. Our earth is, quite literally, at the very crux of the hobby – and a few sustainable garden ideas can make your garden more appealing to wildlife and better for the planet.

In fact, sustainable gardening is shaping up to be one of the biggest garden trends of 2026. More and more green thumbs are turning to eco-friendly practices that are geared towards wildlife and the environment, from watering solutions to bee-friendly planting.

Here are a few sustainable garden ideas to get you started.

What you'll need

1. Go peat-free

Peat-free compost is something that I’m passionate about, because peat is extracted from some of the world’s largest carbon sinks – and when it’s removed, some of that carbon gets released back into the atmosphere.

That, of course, is a very bad thing for our planet – and the very reason that those of us looking for sustainable gardening ideas are opting for peat-free composts as a default.

My plants always grow really well in this Dalefoot Wool Compost, which you can order from Amazon.

2. Choose natural materials

Hard landscaping doesn’t have to be hard on the environment – if you’re looking for ways to combine garden border ideas with sustainable garden ideas, for example, choosing natural materials is a great way to go about it.

'Think of the impact of every material you use in your garden,' says Phoebe from Natural Design Studio. 'Try to utilise recycled and reclaimed materials as much as possible and think of sustainable solutions to your hard landscaping.'

Using logs will make use of natural, renewable resources and create beautiful and sustainable solutions for decorative or retaining walls, as well as save on garden landscaping costs.

This fixed log edging from Argos is FSC-certified.

3. Avoid chemicals and go organic

You don’t have to resort to chemical products to keep weeds and pests at bay. There are plenty of ways to get rid of weeds naturally, like planting groundcover plants that suppress them, and a few companion planting ideas can help deter pests without the need for pesticides, too.

‘Even small changes, like choosing the right plants or reducing pesticide use, can make a big difference,’ agrees Tim Clapp, head of range and botanist at Verve.

‘Chemicals can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Instead, choose natural alternatives or preventative methods to manage pests.’

Marigold is a superhero flower in the garden, fending off pests while attracting beneficial insects like ladybirds. You can order English marigold seeds from Crocus.

4. Cater to pollinators

Each and every one of us relies on bees and other pollinating insects – they're the heart of the world's food supply, for one – so looking after them is one of the most sustainable garden ideas you can get on board with.

There are plenty of plants that bees love, but Tim says there's a specific type of flower that will give them more bang for their buck.

'Go for single flowers that have a single ring of petals rather than cultivate double flowers that have multiple layers of petals,' he says. 'Double flowers tend not to produce as much pollen as single flowers, and it's also easier for bees to access nectar and pollen when there aren’t multiple layers of petals.'

Pollinators love cosmos, which provide nectar all summer long. You can order garden-ready Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo' Mixed plants from Thompson & Morgan.

5. Collect rainwater

Learning how to install a water butt is perhaps one of the most popular sustainable garden ideas out there – collecting rainwater is a brilliant way to save waste and money on your bills, and prepare for any hosepipe bans that might crop up in the summer.

‘Water-wise gardening is becoming second nature in 2026, as more people look for simple ways to care for their plants while being mindful of water use,’ says sustainable plant pot innovator Elho.

‘After many parts of the UK experienced hosepipe bans in 2025, collecting and reusing rainwater has become an easy, practical habit for everyday gardening. It keeps plants happy, reduces reliance on tap water and can even help lower water bills, all while doing something positive for the planet.'

This Strata Water Butt with Connection Kit, Tap and Stand from Argos is a highly rated slimline model for smaller spaces.

Our top picks for collecting rainwater