Simply Grow by Charlotte Ryan
Welcome everyone to July’s edition of Simply Grow!
What a busy few week it has been. Our newest family member, Bonnie, an energetic English Pointer puppy, has finally arrived. She has already stolen everyone’s hearts (and a few socks!), while Kasha, our older dog, has taken her under her wing and is teaching her the ropes. Life has certainly become a little livelier!
Alongside puppy adventures, I’ve been helping to build ‘The Artists Garden’ for BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC. Designed by Denise Rice from Derby College and built by fellow students and myself under the guidance of Paul Brady, it has been an incredible experience. At the same time, my own garden is beginning to resemble a small nursery as I prepare plants for my Border Show Garden at Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show on 11th and 12th July.
The weather, as always, has had other ideas! One minute we’re reaching for the sun cream, the next we’re dodging thunderstorms and hailstones. Some plants have flowered much earlier than expected, forcing a few last-minute changes to my planting plans. Gardening certainly keeps us on our toes!
Jobs for the Garden in July
Lawn Care
Feed lawns regularly if conditions are not too dry.
Raise mower blades during hot weather to help grass retain moisture.
Don’t worry if your lawn turns brown – it will soon recover when rain returns.
Pond Care
Remove yellowing leaves from water plants.
Clear blanket weed and leave it beside the pond for a day so wildlife can return safely.
Top up ponds with rainwater where possible.
Clean filters and pumps regularly.
Watering
Newly planted shrubs, trees and perennials will need regular, deep watering while they establish. Don’t forget plants in greenhouses or polytunnels, which can dry out quickly during hot weather.
Greenhouse Tips
Provide shade during sunny spells and keep doors open for ventilation to prevent overheating.
Make Compost
Aim for a balance of “green” materials (vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, leafy prunings) and “brown” materials (cardboard, twigs and paper) to keep compost healthy and well-aerated.
Flower Garden Jobs
Deadhead faded blooms to encourage more flowers.
Cut back early flowering perennials for fresh growth and a possible second display.
Feed roses after their first flush of flowers.
Stake tall perennials before summer winds cause damage.
Keep an eye out for lily beetles and remove them by hand where possible.
Summer Miniature Garden Competition
For the school summer holidays, I am inviting children and families to create their own miniature gardens using recycled, reused or freely sourced materials.
Prizes will be awarded across six categories:
- Re-use and sustainability
- Creativity and design
- Planting and texture
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
- Miniature ecosystems
- Edible or scented gardens
Charlotte’s Image below shows a Miniature Garden from Enderby Church
Whether it’s a fairy garden, dinosaur world, miniature pond or tiny meadow, the possibilities are endless! Please send photos, names, ages, and a short description of your garden to Leaf It With Me Gardens and Designs on Facebook or via Syston Town News no later than Monday 31st August.
The competition will be judged by Fiona Henry of Syston Town News and myself, and I look forward to sharing some of your wonderful creations in October’s edition.
Good luck, and happy gardening
Charlotte Ryan
