Episode 37: The 2017 Chelsea Flower Show & Gardening Jobs for June

Episode 37: The 2017 Chelsea Flower Show & Gardening Jobs for June

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File Size: 17.2 MB, Duration: 37' 25"

In this month’s edition of the podcast we talk to some of the top garden designers at the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower show. We also look at seasonal gardening jobs to do in the garden during the month of June and our plant of the month for June.

The first of June feels like the start of summer as we say goodbye to spring and welcome the longest and often the warmest days of the year. Hard work in the previous months should allow you some respite and relaxation in the garden this month. And if the weather is really hot in June, the garden in the evening can be especially delightful, it's one of the few months of the year when you can still be busy in the garden until 10 o’clock at night.

Interviews with Chelsea Garden Designers

At the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower show we talked to some of the top garden designers:

  • Chris BeardshawThe Morgan Stanley Garden, winning a silver-gilt medal
  • Prof. Nigel Dunnett- The Greening Grey Britain Garden
  • Jo Whiley - The Jo Whiley Scent Garden

Click here to view photos of the 2017 RHS Chelsea flower show on our Facebook page.

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month for June is Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ PBR - Coral Bells

  • Long flowering, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with interesting foliage
  • Fully hardy, RHS H6 hardy in all of the UK and northern European (-20C to -15C)
  • Growth Rate: Average
  • Size: 50cm tall, 50cm spread
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil; doesn't like dry soil.
  • Flowers: Sprays of tiny, white bell-shaped flowers on tall stems from June to August.
  • Foliage: Attractive brown/purple, shallowly palmately lobed leaves, 10cm long with purple undersides
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance, generally disease free. Remove old foliage in autumn and faded flower spikes after flowering. Lift and divide every few years in autumn. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure in spring. The woody root-stock can lift out of the ground, lift and replant with the crown just above the surface of the soil in autumn.
  • Propagation: Divide mature plants in autumn.
  • Pests: Prone to vine weevils and leaf eelworms.

Jobs in the Garden

  • Save and store rainwater
    • You might already have a water butt in your garden, the more the merrier. If you do have a water butt, it’s a great way to take advantage of those torrential summer downpours that are often characteristic of a traditional British summer. Water at this time of year is particularly precious. Save and store every drop of rainwater that you can, if you are on a meter it will also save you some money.
  • Cut back spring flowering perennials
    • Many spring flowering perennials that have just finished flowering can be cut hard back now. This often encourages fresh new growth and a second flush of flowers. The oriental poppies are an example that will benefit from this treatment.
  • Irises
    • Keep the rhizomes of Irises clear of the foliage of other plants. This allows them to bake in the sun which will result in a better flowering display next year.
  • Ward off slugs and snails
    • Protect Hostas and other vulnerable plants from slugs and snails. Set beer traps or surround the plants with sharp grit.
  • Shrub Pruning
    • Prune any shrubs that have just finished flowering. The deciduous Kerria for example should have any branches that are carrying spent blooms removed. Leave any flowerless shoots, they will flower next year. With evergreen shrubs, just trim to your desired shape after flowering.
  • Open Gardens
    • For inspiration, visit gardens open to the public, often for charity. Gather ideas, to make your own garden even more interesting and colourful at this time next year.
  • Fragrant Flowers
    • Purchase plants with fragrant summer flowers. Plant them in close proximity to patio areas so that you can sit and enjoy them for the next two or three months.
  • Dead-heading
  • Regular lawn mowing (raise the height of cut in very dry weather)
  • Trim border edges
  • Regularly spray roses against greenfly and blackspot
  • Water and feed containers and hanging baskets regularly
  • Continue to pinch out the vegetative side shoots on tomatoes, encouraging the development of more flowers and fruits. Also feed them once per week.

In the Vegetable Garden

  • Sow outside: Chicory, Lettuce, Peas, Runner beans, French beans, Courgettes, Marrows, Pumpkins, Radish, Carrots, Turnips, Swedes, Beetroot, Spinach and Broccoli
  • Plant out young plants that have been started indoors of: Celery, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Leeks, Courgettes, Marrows, Cucumbers and Pumpkins
  • Harvest: Rhubarb, Peas, French beans, Tomatoes, Onions, Radish, Carrots, Turnips, Beetroot, Early potatoes, Spinach, Cauliflowers and Cabbages

Forthcoming Garden and Flower Shows

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