Gardening expert Monty Don says August is the ideal time to prune lavender and trim hedges, ensuring healthier plants through autumn and winter. He advises cutting lavender as soon as flowers fade, and shaping hedges now that nesting birds have fledged.
Lavender Pruning
Without pruning, lavender becomes “woody and leggy.” Monty said: "The best time to do this is as soon as the flowers start to fade, which, depending on the variety, can be any time between midsummer and the end of August."
Gardeners should cut lavender back hard to a compact shape, leaving new shoots on each stem, as lavender often does not regrow from bare wood. These shoots grow fast, providing winter cover and the basis for next year's display.
With annual pruning, lavender can flourish for over a decade. Neglecting this task may shorten its lifespan and reduce future flowers.
Hedge Trimming
Monty notes it is now safe to cut hedges, as most nesting birds have fledged. Summer trimming leads to slower regrowth, so shape hedges to the desired height and form.
He instructs: "Start with the sides, making sure that you have a slight 'batter' or outward slope from the top to the bottom." This ensures the lower section isn't shaded, keeping the hedge furnished to the ground.
Finally, trim the top using string as a guide. Deciduous clippings can be composted, while evergreen ones should go to council green waste.
