MONTHLY TIPS

AUGUST

August is a month when gardeners can afford to relax a little and enjoy not only their own gardens but also those of others.

Many gardens are open to the public at this time of year, and you can learn a lot from them. Always remember to take a notebook to jot down the names of any plants that appeal to you.

August is also a time when many people are away on holiday.
If possible ask a neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on your garden while you are away.
Although gardens can look a bit short of colour at this time of year there are still some plants that look good in August;

Caryopteris varieties - shades of blue. Grows to 1m (3ft) high and wide.

Ceratostigma willmottianum - deep blue flowers, foliage turning red in autumn. Grows to 1m (3ft) high and wide.

Hydrangea varieties – Mop heads and lacecaps in all shades of pink, blue, white and purple.

Penstemon – All sorts of shades and colours with new varieties being introduced all the time.

All of the above plants are generally available at the nursery.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

VEGETABLES
Pinch out the growing tips of outdoor tomatoes early this month.
Sow spring cabbage and a last crop of lettuce.
Lift and dry onions.
Begin lifting second early potatoes as soon as the supply of earlies has come to an end.
Earth up celery and leeks.
Water when necessary.

FRUIT
Summer prune soft fruit.
Cut back briar canes that have finished fruiting.
Plant out strawberry plants.
Pick stone fruit and early apples.

FLOWERS
Cut everlasting flowers and hang them up in an airy shed to dry. Deadhead and tidy flowers.
Continue to water and feed hanging baskets and containers.

GREENHOUSE
Pinch out the growing tips of tomatoes late in the month.
Make sure that the greenhouse is adequately shaded and ventilated. Pick tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers and melons.

LAWNS
Mow regularly, but not too closely if the weather is dry.
Feed lawns and apply weedkiller.
Begin final preparations for autumn sowing of lawns.

GENERAL Sow mustard or rape to dig in as green manure on plots of ground which are likely to be left vacant throughout the winter.
Hoe regularly – this is a good month for weeds.
Watch out for pests and diseases.

But above all, August is a good time to relax and enjoy the garden. - As long as the rain holds off!

 

Blenheim Nurseries was established about 20 years ago.
Specialising in growing a range of garden plants.
The nursery has grown steadily over the years attracting more and more customers from the local area. We produce a range of top quality bedding plants, basket plants, shrubs and perennials. In spring and summer the nursery is a mass of colour with hanging baskets, tubs etc many made to order for customers who have been coming back to us for years.

At Blenheim Nurseries the emphasis has always been on customer service.
Because we grow most of the plants that we sell we are able to give informed advice to our customers.
So if you need any help or advice on any of the plants that we sell, please ask, we like to try and help.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon

Bromley Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7SF
Telephone: 01206 870605

 

Contact us: johnharris@blenheimnurseries.co.uk

 

Opening times vary according to the seasons.
We are open:
Mon-Sat 9AM - 5.30PM or untill dusk
Sunday 10AM - 4PM