Simply Grow by Charlotte
A Light-hearted Guide to June’s Gardening Adventures.
Welcome to June’s addition of ‘Simply Grow’. May has been a whirlwind – between choosing plants for my show border, re-seeding a lawn patch (courtesy of my dog’s ‘creative’ landscaping), and constructing a new garden room for shady lounging on sunny days, there has barely been time for a cuppa. All this hustle stems from one exciting event: by the time you are reading this, a fluffy new puppy will be ruling my household.
Puppy preparations have turned me into a home safety detective. The breeder sent over a risk assessment, so before our furry tornado arrives, I am making sure both house and garden are puppy-proof. Which got me wondering: do you know which plants play nicely with pets and kids?
One of my favourite plants, the foxglove, looks lovely but is strictly for admiring – its toxicity could make your heart skip a beat (literally!).
Let’s keep things light and lively – here is a quick look at the baddies:
- Foxglove (Digitalis): Gorgeous but deadly; all parts are toxic and can cause heart trouble, nausea, and vomiting if nibbled.
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Sweet-smelling yet sinister; every bit is poisonous and can wreak havoc with heart rhythms.
- Tulips & Hyacinths: Their bulbs harbour alkaloids – so keep these out of reach of curious paws and hands.
But do not worry! Creating a pet and child-friendly space does not mean sacrificing colour or fun. Here are my top tips for a safe and cheerful garden: - Do your homework on plant species before splashing out.
- Steer clear of those notorious bulbs and shrubs.
- Fence off freshly planted beds – because puppies and toddlers both love a good dig.
- Supervise outdoor playtimes (and garden sniffs).
- Opt for sunflowers, snapdragons, marigolds, roses, or lavender – they are as pretty as they are safe.
With these tips, your garden will still be a riot of colour, a haven for wildlife, and all-round relaxing plus, you will not have to panic every time the puppy munches on a leaf or the kids go exploring.
Now, for June’s top gardening jobs, delivered with a dash of humour:
1. If your herb garden looks a bit sheepish, sow quick growers like dill, parsley, and basil every few weeks. In no time, you will be the proud owner of a jungle that smells delicious.
2. Scatter flower seeds now and watch them bloom late summer—nasturtiums, calendula, nigella, and whatever takes your fancy at the garden centre. The more the merrier!
3. Water your new seeds and seedlings, think of it as their morning coffee. Soak thoroughly every few days and, as the temperature climbs, water later in the day. If you are feeling eco-savvy, recycle water where you can.
4. Get those hanging baskets up, feed them well, and finish off your summer bedding plants. June is prime time, do not let those blooms miss their chance to shine!
For families, here is a cheeky project:
Build a bamboo cane wigwam for runner beans. Not only do they climb with gusto, but you will have a new garden hideout, perfect for hiding from both the puppy’s antics and your own children’s energy!
Whatever your gardening goals this month, remember it’s all about enjoying the outdoors, making memories, and laughing when things (inevitably) go a bit sideways. Happy growing!
Please give me a follow-on Instagram @ leaf_it_with_me_gardens_design or on Facebook.
Charlotte
