The garden has been looking gorgeous since June - better late than never!

My task is to keep everything as pristine as possible as I have a 'Garden Open' event limited to the Hardy Plant Society at the end of August.

My priority then is to deadhead all those plants that will come again, and prolong the life of some of the annuals, so that they continue to flower rather than setting seed. Then of course, I will keep my fingers crossed that we have a nice long autumn, otherwise next year's seed will be in short supply. The roses and the clematis will bring the garden to life, so they will be my main focus. They will re-flower very quickly if deadheaded promptly, and fed. I usually do a weak mix of tomato food and Miracle Grow, but as you may remember, they had well rotted horse manure, and a long life rose feed given in March. I don't spray them for blackspot, so if they come under 'stress' (not just humans!) they very quickly have yellowing leaves with the black spot on. This can be quite alarming and usually occurs during very hot weather, as can the mildew, which is dryness at the roots and still air.

The plants should recover, and many of the newer roses are more resistant.

If you use the mycorrhizal fungus at planting time that should encourage the fine root hairs and help to keep them healthy too. Most garden centres now stock it.