July
Give garden furniture a lick of paint, pamper hanging baskets and sweet peas, and brighten up a shady corner. Louise Curley suggests some key summer jobs!
3 SHORTEN LEAVES
Trim back leaves to 15cm (6in) with sharp secateurs to reduce plant stress. Replant, digging a shallow hole so the rhizome sits proud of the soil so it can bake in the sunshine. Water in well. ➤
Most of us have an ‘awkward’ shady spot in our garden: a patch under a tree, a north-facing wall or a dark corner surrounded by buildings. While sun-loving plants would curl up their roots at the prospect of growing in such conditions, there are plenty of lovely foliage plants that positively thrive in these situations.
Bold, architectural plants, such as
help to add a sense of drama, scale and even a degree of privacy if you want to create a secluded sitting area. Ferns are a good choice for creating a lush feel and many are happy growing in dry shade under a tree. Shade-loving houseplants such as
and spider plants can also be moved outside during the warm summer months to add to the luxuriant foliage.
There are a number of summer flowers that bloom in cool shade, from fragrant lilies to purple bellflowers, astrantias and hardy geraniums as well as and even bedding begonias.
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Asarum europaeum Low growing plant with glossy, heart-shaped green leaves. H15cm (6in) S30cm (12in)
Lilium ‘Casablanca’ Fragrant white trumpets for light shade. H1m (3ft 4in) S15cm (6in)
Melica altissima ‘Alba’ Tiarella ‘Oregon Trail’ Slender-leaved shade-loving Maroon and green lobed grass with gleaming flowers. leaves with white blooms. H and S60cm (2ft) H20cm (8in) S80cm (32in)
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ Slug-resistant hosta with large, thick, blue-green leaves. H and S70cm (28in)
Fatsia japonica Shrubby plant with glossy, exoticlooking shiny foliage. H and S3m (10ft)
2 Adjustable Sun Loungers
No patio or garden would be complete without at least one sun lounger. especially when itís as sleek looking as this. Weighing just 5.7kg and crafted from durable, powder coated aluminium, itís super lightweight and easy to move around whilst being incredibly robust. For additional manoeuvrability, the lounger has 2 small wheels on its rear legs and the backrest can be adjusted for angle. Normally £249, itís now just £199*. To receive your £50 discount, quote GAJUN20C at the checkout.
- Corner Rattan Garden Lounge Set
This luxurious and generously sized outdoor lounge set, is made from expertly woven rattan and sits on a robust powder coated steel frame with chunky comfy cushions. It will seat up to 9 and comes with a matching table that has a tempered glass table top. Perfect for garden parties and lazy late night summer suppers. Normally £699, this stylish set is now available at an incredible £599*. To receive your £100 discount please quote discount code GAJUN20D at checkout. This contemporary rattan lounge set comes with 1 year constructional warranty.
- 5-Seater Corner Lounge Set
The ideal addition to your outdoor space, this stunning outdoor lounge set offers comfort and style at an affordable price. Normally £599, itís now available for just £499* when you quote discount code GAJUN20D. Bang on trend in gorgeous shades of grey, this set is designed with a contemporary feel. Itís hardwearing woven in strong polyrattan on a galvanised steel frame. The comfy cushion covers can be removed and hand washed with care. The sofa and armchair seats 5 easily, and includes a tempered, glass-topped coffee table so you can entertain outside with