Mudpies & Butterflies - What to do in July with Louise Barby, Balanis

“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden.” Jean Hersey

July Garden Jobs: Planting for Colour, Scent, and Longevity

As summer reaches its peak in the UK, the garden becomes a vibrant canvas of colours and scents. July is an opportune time to enhance your outdoor space with plants that not only bloom beautifully now but also promise lasting charm well into autumn. Here’s a guide to the best planting options and essential tasks for your garden this month.

Planting for July Colour and Scent:

Perennials for Colour Burst:

Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its aromatic fragrance and striking purple blooms, lavender thrives in the summer heat. Plant them in well-drained soil and a sunny spot for best results.

Roses: Choose repeat-flowering varieties like hybrid teas or floribundas for continuous blooms throughout summer. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and regular deadheading for prolonged flowering.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Available in a myriad of colours, daylilies bloom profusely in July. They are easy to grow and can tolerate various soil conditions, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

Annuals for Instant Impact:

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): These daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, white, and magenta, adding a light, airy feel to borders and containers. Sow seeds directly into the ground for a summer display.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): With their bold, bright petals, zinnias thrive in the warmth of July. They attract butterflies and are excellent for cutting, ensuring a constant supply of fresh blooms indoors.

Herbs for Fragrance and Utility:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum):Not only a culinary delight but also a fragrant addition to any garden. Plant basil in containers or beds for its aromatic leaves and spikes of tiny white flowers.

Mint (Mentha): Perfect for borders or pots, mint offers refreshing fragrance and can be harvested for teas or culinary use throughout summer.

Plants for Long-lasting Appeal:

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis): These graceful perennials bloom from late summer into autumn, with delicate pink or white flowers that dance in the breeze.

Sedum (Sedum spectabile): Known for their drought tolerance and late-season blooms, sedums offer clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, attracting pollinators well into autumn.

Essential Garden Tasks for July:

Watering and Feeding:

- Ensure plants receive adequate water during dry spells, particularly newly planted specimens.

- Feed container plants with liquid fertilizers to sustain vigorous growth and flowering.

Weeding and Mulching:

- Regularly weed beds and borders to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

- Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Pruning and Deadheading:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and maintain plant vitality.

- Prune back early-flowering shrubs once they finish blooming to shape them and encourage new growth.

Pest and Disease Control:

- Monitor plants for signs of pests and diseases, and take appropriate action promptly.

- Introduce companion plants and natural predators to deter pests organically.

By focusing on these tasks and selecting plants that thrive in July’s warmth, you can create a garden that delights the senses and remains vibrant well into autumn. Whether you prefer bold bursts of colour, fragrant blooms, or plants that offer year-round interest, July is the perfect time to cultivate your ideal outdoor oasis in the UK. 

Happy gardening!