Seeking lawn and garden tasks for summer? Allow Sissinghurst's proficient head gardener to walk you through the list.
Summertime at Sissinghurst delivers an explosion of color and fragrance like no other. June unleashes lupins, peonies, cow parsley, and poppies in a wild dance of spring's overflow. For three whole weeks, the air within the crumbling walls of Sissinghurst is heavy with the intoxicating scent of roses.
If you can't get enough of that floral fill, don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some summer gardening tasks inspired by the experts at Sissinghurst to ensure your garden continues to dazzle:
- Add Hardy Annuals: Fire up those seed trays! From February through midsummer, we add plants to enliven the garden and create a riot of color. Some, like perennials and shrubs, are planned, but with the wild spirit of annuals, we often let instinct guide us. Plant these directly into the soil, and they might self-seed in subsequent years[1].
- Tie Your Clematis: For stunning clematis displays, firm the pig mesh, a wire grid, to your wall, providing a solid base for your climbers. But beware, even with support, they still need your guidance. Using paper-covered wire ("twizzlers"), carefully train young clematis shoots in the direction you desire. Clematis tangutica is a favorite - a vigorous, never rampant clematis that blankets everything with charming yellow lantern-like flowers[1].
- Deadhead Roses: The joy of roses blooming all around won't last forever, so don't forget to deadhead them. This task is crucial to remove those spent blooms and prevent a tired, browny bit in your once vibrant garden[3].
- Get Pruning: Clever pruning is the secret to a well-maintained, defined garden. Just remember to be thoughtful and considerate of each plant's unique attributes and growth habits[1].
- Now's the Time for Biennials: Most biennials are sown now, under glass or directly into the soil, destined to flower the following year. Organizing plantings under the clear blue skies isn't just rewarding, but it ensures future bursts of color[1].
- Refresh Those Early Flowering Perennials: By August, even the most colorful of early bloomers can leave your garden looking a bit dowdy. Give your garden a fresh face by trimming back any early flowering perennials as soon as they're done blooming for new growth and fresh flowers[1].
- Bulbs: Hurry Up and Wait! Bulbs come in three waves – spring, summer, and fall – and you need to be ready to order your bulbs at the right time along with your other gardening supplies, like seeds and pots. Don’t forget, spring bulbs need to be planted in August[1].
- Haymaking Time: In late summer, don't neglect the grassy areas. Cut them down, turn them, and let the wildflowers drop their rip seeds. The fresh, green coverage will return in no time[3].
As you tackle those tasks, remember, the joy of gardening lies less in perfection and more in the process. So, put on your gardening gloves, let your creativity flow, and get to work!
Enrichment Data:- The list of annuals mentioned includes Cynoglossum amabile 'Firmament'.- Deliberate use of pruning contributes to the unique character and form of the plants in Sissinghurst Castle Garden.- The team of local volunteers at Sissinghurst specifically come in to deadhead roses, an important, weekly task for maintaining a vibrant, attractive garden.
[1] Gardening Tips from Sissinghurst Castle Garden, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/gardens/sissinghurst-castle-garden/[2]BBC Gardening - Sissinghurst Castle Garden, https://www.bbc.com/gardening/plants/plants_sissinghur_8354[3] The Telegraph - Why Vita Sackville-West loved deadheading, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/lists/vita-sackville-wests-favourite-summer-job-deadheading/
- To maintain a vibrant garden throughout summer, consider adding hardy annuals like Cynoglossum amabile 'Firmament' to your garden, which can enliven the garden and create a riot of color.
- For a stunning clematis display, tie your clematis to a pig mesh or wire grid for support, and carefully train young shoots using paper-covered wire, such as those found in Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
- To prolong the blooming period of roses and ensure a vibrant garden, deadhead them regularly, a task often performed by local volunteers at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
