With the temperatures steadily on the rise, it’s time things started heating up in the garden. After all, there’s no better time to be outdoors, surrounded by nature, than during the long, (not so) lazy days of summer. Manie Kotzé from Pretty Gardens has put together a few easy to follow tips and ideas to get your summer garden in shape for the festive season.
For Manie summertime gardening should be an easy task.
“With colourful blooms to enjoy, fruit to pick, and wildlife to watch, the summer months are rewarding for many gardeners and growers,” says Manie.
He adds that now is the perfect time to plant some colour, mulch garden beds and maintain your lawn so that your house and garden look great for the festive season.
“Your trees, shrubs, perennials, and seasonal annuals should all be flowering, your fruit trees and vegetables should be showing promise of crops to come, and your lawn should be lush and green,” he advises.
➢ Cut back plants
Now is a good time of the season to trim your perennials so that they flower for longer and keep their strength and vigour.
➢ Deadhead flowering plants
It is important to keep them healthy and blooming for as long as possible unless they have attractive seedheads or berries. Always consider letting some flowers go to seed for interest and wildlife.
➢ Avoid over-watering
You may not need to water as much as you think, especially if the soil is healthy and the ground is covered by plants or mulches. It’s best to water your garden first thing in the morning.
➢ Mulching
Your flower beds are another way you can neaten the appearance of your garden and discourage unwanted weeds. It is also a great idea for areas with dry, hot summers, as the mulch helps the soil retain moisture and keep it cool.
➢ Lawn
Your summer garden isn’t complete without a bright, lush lawn. To start, ensure your lawn receives enough water during the warmer season to keep it looking vibrant. You’ll also need to mow at regular intervals to stimulate growth and keep the lawn looking neat and tidy. If you are planning on laying a new lawn, it’s best to do this before it gets too dry.
➢ Plant summer annuals
When it comes to your flower beds, bright, sunny days call for a kaleidoscope of colour. The start of the summer season is the perfect time to think about a garden refresh. Now is a good time to plant some summer flowering annuals like petunias, marigolds, salvia, vinca and bedding dahlias. This will transform your outdoor living area into a colourful display of flowers.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
