June is seen as the pinnacle of the season by most gardeners, a time when many plants are putting on a fabulous display and all the hard work getting the garden ready and prepared in spring pays off handsomely. We all have our favourite plants, and I’m a huge fan of perennials and grow many from seed when I can. I also like lots of annuals for summer borders packed with colour, and I grow lots of cosmos in many shades, putting young plants sown in February and March outside in the garden in June. Some of my favourites include Cosmos bipinnatus Purity, which has elegant pure white flowers, and Cosmos b. Seashells, which has unusual fluted rolled petals, just like its namesake. Last year I discovered Cosmos b. Double Click Cranberries and was stunned by the gorgeous burgundy ruffles of double flowers. I’ve grown at least double the amount this year as it’s my favourite must-have of the moment.
All Cosmos flower from June to the first frosts in November and the trick to keeping the display going for these and many other plants is to deadhead regularly. Try and spend 15-20 minutes or so pottering around the garden at least once a week and snip off the spent flowers before they go to seed to encourage plants to produce new flowers. Garden Divas, an online gardening shop based in Hitchin with lots of tools and lovely gifts, has a good range of little deadheading snips which are perfect for the job.
Interested to know what plants other gardeners are favouring this season I asked Kevin Hilditch, head gardener at Knebworth House, what plants are catching his eye in the stately home’s gardens.
‘Choosing a favourite plant from a 28-acre all year round garden is not easy!’ he laughs. Luckily, with the help of his gardening team, a selection of favourites were chosen.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
