JuNe is bustin' out all over !

Well, just a few weeks later and we are in the midst of a heatwave, however, the lack of rain hasn’t stopped our gardens from filling out and looking colourful in the sunshine. All around the village I’ve seen some beautiful sights.
Gardening fever really did take over early May, quite a flurry of activity and demand for plants and compost etc.
Thanks to everyone who bought plants from me, with the profits we made two donations each to the NHS and the food bank, and gave a nice amount to the village hall. So well done everyone who supported us.
 
It goes without saying, containers need to be kept well-watered if plants are to thrive in this dry spell. My water butts are now almost empty already, so I will try to utilise (white) waste water as much as possible to keep things going.
In the vegetable boxes we made out of old pallets, the veggies are growing at a rate of knots and attracting attention from the blackbirds. My little plot now looks like a gaudy funfair with bright plastic flags, windmills and netting to deter the birds feasting on my brassicas !

I’ve had a few casualties , frost got to the runner beans and pea plants shriveled the one day I forgot to open the greenhouse door for ventilation. All was not lost, runner beans made a good recovery and new seeds I’d bought to replace them, are shooting well.
During this warm weather, there’s still a few things to take care of, I try to get out there quite early and then again later in the evening.
Hedges can be lightly trimmed to improve density but if birds are nesting, it would be kinder to wait until they’ve flown.
Roses have been really good this year, regular deadheading on all flowering plants will keep them looking tip top and encourage more blooms. This also applies to faded annuals in pots and baskets
Keep on top of the brambles, ground elder and nettles
Transplant tomatoes outside, if you do have any plants remaining in the greenhouse it might be worth putting up some shading to avoid scorching, and only water at the base, not the foliage.
Once you get four or five trusses on each plant, pinch out the growing tips to divert energy into the tomatoes.
Top up ponds and bird baths with fresh water
Tame unruly climbers by tying in new stems to support them
Dividing perennials, planting shrubs and sowing biennials can wait, its best not move/plant  anything whilst the ground is so dry. Unless you can remember to keep them watered, they will most likely die or not germinate.



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Take it easy, and stay cool ! Here's a few pictures my son took yesterday to brighten up your day