BBC Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has shared a key July gardening task on his blog to encourage fresh regrowth and beautiful blooms this autumn. The renowned horticulturist advises cutting back early flowering perennials such as oriental poppies, delphiniums, and hardy geraniums to the ground. This practice stimulates fresh growth and repeat flowering in a couple of months, ensuring a riot of colour in autumn.
Details of the July Task
According to Monty Don's blog, early flowering perennials should be cut back to the ground. This includes plants like oriental poppies, delphiniums, and hardy geraniums such as G. phaeum. He explains that this action encourages fresh regrowth and repeat flowering later in the season. Additionally, it creates space for tender annuals and perennials in the border.
Monty Don advises gardeners to remove all cut material to the compost heap, weed around the base of the plants, and water if necessary. He emphasizes not planting too close to the cut-back perennials so they have light and space to regrow and flower again at the end of summer.
Additional July Gardening Advice
Beyond flowering plants, Monty Don offers advice on hedge cutting. He notes that by the end of July, birds have fledged and left their nests, so hedge cutting can begin. This restores a crispness to the garden and provides a framework for late-summer shagginess in the borders.
For wildflower meadows, Monty Don recommends cutting them back by the end of July. The most crucial step is to remove all the grass, raking up every last piece to compost, so that it will not enrich the grass and thus limit next year's wild flower display.
Impact on Autumn Blooms
By following Monty Don's instructions, gardeners can expect vibrant autumn displays. The cut-back perennials will produce fresh growth and flowers, while the tidy borders and meadows will enhance the overall garden appearance. This task is essential for ensuring a stunning autumn garden.
