Prune early-summer flowering shrubs, such as Philadelphus, once they have finished flowering. Cut back flowered growth to a strong lower shoot and thin out up to a fifth of old, woody stems.
Prune whippy summer growth of Wisteria to within 5/6 buds of the main stem. Make sure they are well watered in July and August because this is when they set their flower buds.
Cut back hardy geraniums to ground level after they have had their first flush of flowers to encourage new foliage and more flowers later in the year. Divide congested clumps of bearded iris after flowering.
Dead head bedding plants, roses and herbaceous plants to encourage more flowers. Trim evergreen hedges, including conifers. Feed dahlias and cannas every two weeks with a high potassium fertilizer, such as tomato feed.
Continue to harvest summer fruiting raspberries. Once the have finished fruiting, cut the old canes to ground level and tie in new canes. Pinch out climbing beans when they reach the top of their supports.
Keep tomatoes well watered to prevent blossom end rot. Raise the height of the mower blade to keep the lawn greener for longer if we have not had rain. Apply early biological control against chafer grubs in the lawn, if the soil is not dry, or treat in August or early September.
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