Garden in July

 

July has been a disappointment in the garden this year.  The consistently dry weather in May and June has meant some of the plants have struggled to flower. Just look at the Acanthus below compared with last year.

The dahlias in the bedding border have struggled to flower, although there are a couple that have done better than others. Not sure why.

I must have cleared too much of the foliage in the main border so it now looks pretty bare. Especially after a major prune to the Philadelphus Dainty Lady. 

Another major prune, this time to the Jasminum beesanium, the climber on the fence. It has been there many years. All the foliage was at the top so I thought it was time to take it right down to the base. It was then I found how much it had attached itself to the fence so I had made the right decision. I will see if it regrows in the spring. 

This was how the border should look.

Hopefully the shrubs at the back will regrow, and there is now more room for some perennials to fill the gaps. 

At the far end the late flowering shrub that is the hibiscus now has the lovely white flowers.

One plant that has been a major success is the Echinachea below. There is very little soil in the border next to the side patio, but it must like the shelter and warmth. Still more flowers to come.

The hostas that are in pots at the end of the side patio have just come into flower.

The delphinium that flowered in June (see below) was cut back after the flowers faded. 

And here it is, putting on new growth and maybe flowering again.

The agapanthus has flowered again this year. I must find a better place for it in the garden.

I'm not sure how the wild marjoram or oregano ended up in two places in the main border. It is actually a herb, but the butterflies and bees love it, so it might stay.

A couple of the roses are blooming again and others have buds on for a second flowering.

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At the very end of July and the rose blue for you is flowering again. With masses of buds for it's second flowering. 

The two pots at the front have been successful with impatiens from Chiltern View garden centre.

The far round border does have these small sunflowers that I grew from seed. I cut down the dead leaves of the poppies after they flowered (maybe a mistake) and the border is quite bare as a result. Will think again for next year.

And finally below is Weigelia Red Prince, flowering for the second time. Didn't know that can happen.