SEASONAL WORK IN THE GARDEN

BY UNCLE NADGER:
Shrubs and trees.
Now is the season to… .
Keep camellias moist as they can suffer from bud drop and, consequently, loss of flowers in the coming spring, due to a shortage of water now. Take care to not let the plants dry out, and cover the soil with a 5cm (2 in) layer of mulch to help maintain moisture in the soil. .
Prune shrubs that flowered early in summer. .
Trim hedges to keep them neat. .
Water shrubs growing in containers regularly to keep the compost moist at all times. In dry spells water any recently planted shrubs. .
Check variegated shrubs and remove any all-green shoots. .
Inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases. These are more likely to be a problem if shrubs have been under stress due to drought or if the weather has been unduly wet. Established shrubs usually shrug off all but severe attacks, but it is worth checking young plants and those growing in containers, and controlling and attacks detected in the early stages. .
Weed borders regularly by hoeing or digging weeds up before they have a chance to establish. Look under spreading branches in case perennial weeds such as dock are growing and shedding seeds and unnoticed; the old adage 'one years seeding means seven years weeding' is a true one. And if u have time… .
Prepare ground for autumn planting.
Trimming hedges.
Late summer is the time to give the formal hedges their final trim for the year, as pruning in autumn encourages soft new growth that could be damaged by frost. Some informal hedges also benefit from attention now, notably those that have finished flowering.
Start trimming as soon as a recently planted hedge reaches the required height. If allowed to get out of hand the hedge may not regrow if pruned hard later on. By beginning regular trimming at an early stage even Leyland cypress, the most rampant of hedge plants can be kept compact. Shape the sides of the hedge so that the top is narrower than the bottom.
Formal hedges when to trim .
Leyland cypress box. Once late summer .
Horn beam. Once mid to late summer .
Hawthorn. Twice summer and winter .
Lawson cypress. Twice summer and autumn .
Beech. Once late summer .
Privet .2-3 times in growing season .
Holly. Once late summer .
Laurel. Once spring
Yew. Twice summer and autumn Informal hedges .
Elaeagnue. Remove straggly shoots in spring .
Berberis. Immediately after flowering .
Escallonia. Late summer .Lavender. Lightly in spring and after flowering .
Pyracantha coccinea. Summer .
Grisclinia littoralis. Remove straggly shoots in spring .
Rosa rugosa. Remove thin shoots in spring .
Viburnum tinus. Thin out growth in spring.