Summer gardening reaches it’s peak this month as Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the latest stories in the world of horticulture, must-visit events and a run-down of those essential tasks to keep your garden productive and colourful in the weeks to come.

What’s on

31st July - 4th August: RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show, Essex.

2 - 3rd August: Taunton Flower Show, Somerset.

Until 4th August: 2024 Big Butterfly Count – have you got involved yet? There’s still time!

3 - 11th August: Singapore Garden Festival at Suntec, Singapore.

9 - 10th August: Shrewsbury Flower Show, Shropshire.

15 - 18th August: Southport Flower Show at Victoria Park, Southport.

16 - 18th August: RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show, Devon.

30th August - 1st September: BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End House & Gardens, Essex.

News

New YouTube short film filmed at the RHS Urban Show in May featuring Cloudscape and creating 7 amazing gardens.

Trees for bees at Wakehurst Wakehurst is using citizen science to help discover the trees most favoured by pollinators.

A unique flower shaped Cyclamen Illusia picks up top New Houseplant Award.

RHS Tatton Park Show celebrates its 25th anniversary by actively promoting awards for new designers, plants people and contractors aged 31 or over.

Scottish topiary artist wins major award for their Moby Dick inspired design.

Gardeners urged not to plant or purchase Rhodendron ponticum as The Woodland Trust says its invasive nature is creating problems.

Native vegetation does no impact insect biodiversity in small urban gardens.

Rare ‘Puya sapphire tower’ blooms outdoors in Scotland for the first time.

Dianthus breeding specialist Whetman Pink changes hands.

War against poaching succulent plants in South Africa.

Manchester’s Castlefield aerial garden Viaduct gets green light to develop from National Trust.

OBE awarded to Horatio’s Garden founder Dr Olivia Chapple.

Rittershausen family orchid nursery celebrate 75 years.

Dr John Grimshaw appointed Editor-in-Chief of Curtis’s Botanic magazine.

Head of horticulture at Garden Organics and former Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins has been named a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

Natural History Gardens are now open and free to visit.

Olympic Dahlias shine at Paris 2024 games.

The 2025 rose of the year is announced.

Plants, and product mentions: Hardy geraniums, Chrysanthemum, Lavender, Lupins, Delphiniums, Blueberries, Strawberry, Wisteria Amethyst Falls, Leeks, Potato/Tomato blight proection, Taylors Seed Potatoes for growing for Christmas, Sow the seeds of Basil, Borage, Dill and Fennel, Mint. Summer pruning top fruit trees, dahlias, Lilies and Gladioli staking and feeding. Children seed sowing projects for the school holidays. Cut flowers from the garden. Continue with slug, snails and earwig control. Miracle-Gro, Tomato fertiliser, garden twine and canes.

Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supplying the music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.