Gardening Notes for August & September

August is usually the hottest month of the year, but we have already suffered heatwaves. Our garden is parched, the grass brown and plants struggling, despite attempts to water, especially new plants and containers. Flowers on roses and hollyhocks are becoming smaller during the heatwave and drought, as are the tomatoes. Some plants are not growing to their usual height, such as forsythia and Buddleia. The explanation is that heat slows down cell division in the developing plants, so the cells that would normally pump a flower or shrub into full size are now on strike and not making as many of themselves. The plant is in survival mode, needing to produce flowers to reproduce, and time is of the essence. 

But I still need to summer prune the cordon apple and pear trees. When the pond dried out, I removed the sludge and used the last of the water in the water butt to top it up. Water left in a bucket overnight should be alright for the pond. I ought to net it before leaf fall. I wonder whether we should turn the hottest, sunniest bed into a gravel garden. The one at Godmanchester Community Nursery looks beautiful at the moment.

I definitely intend to plant new plants in autumn, so that they can settle and develop roots before spring. I deadhead to encourage more flowers, but there are not many. Collecting seed, to share or sow is good in August and September and a way to grow more plants. 

September is generally a cooler, gustier month, with shorter days. It is time to divide perennial clumps, although they are also smaller. I want to plant spring bulbs then, planning for a colourful display next year. I was too late last year! Enjoy the late summer sun and warmth,

Josephine

This article is reproduced from August’s issue of the Godmanchester parish church’s magazine with the kind permission of the author, Josephine Becker.