Glorious rain and abundant growth across all horizons.
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But don't complain that you are finding things a bit damp as it's only two short years ago there was hardly any green to be seen. Amazing recovery.
Along with the warmth of early summer and all that moisture comes a lot of strong, vigorous growth.
Quick growing climbers such as star jasmine, wisteria and honeysuckle can quickly become a chaotic mess of tangled vines. Many shrubs left unpruned quickly become lanky and lose their compact shape, especially in a fabulous season such as the one we are having right now.
Some well-considered cuts this month will not only keep these plants contained and looking fresh, but will also save you a lot of work when the new growth matures as it's much easier to trim soft new growth than older stems once they're thick and woody.
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The best approach with these shrubs and climbers is to prune little an often. Always cut just above a leaf node to avoid leaving short stubs that can be prone to rot. Secateurs are the best tool for the job, but shears come in handy when there are lots of stems to cut and a pole pruner is a good tool when you need that extra reach for climbers and tall shrubs.
December is peak growing time for many plants and so they benefit from a liquid feed every 2-4 weeks to keep up their energy levels. Liquid feed flowering climbers, perennials and shrubs such as clematis, dahlias, day lilies, delphinium, hydrangeas, roses, and lilies to encourage plenty of flowers.
Summer flowering annuals like alyssum, aster, calendula, marigolds, petunias, and sweet peas will also continue to put on great displays if they are fed regularly.
Liquid fertilise your houseplants, as well, to get them looking their best for Christmas.
Give your lawn regular, light applications of nitrogenous fertiliser and water well through summer. If necessary, spray with an appropriate weedicide to control broadleaf weeds. It is a good idea to keep a separate watering can to use for weedicides to avoid costly errors.
Clip hedges early in December so they are looking tidy over the Christmas period,
Lift daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs once they've died back and store in a box in a cool spot for planting in autumn.
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