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Historically grown as a medicinal plant for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, avoid getting sap on your skin, which in sunlight can cause a blistering reaction which can last for weeks.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
If you think your child has eaten part of a poisonous plant or suffered an allergic reaction to it, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital, taking a plant sample with you, the RHS advises.
The main message is that you should be aware of the plants which are toxic – and teach your children that if it isn’t a recognised food, don’t eat it.
For a full list of poisonous plants go to rhs.org.uk
Raspberries and other summer fruiting berries that have fruited can be cut out and new shoots tied in for next year.
Are lawn chafers or leatherjackets a problem? Now’s a good time to treat the soil with nematodes. And look out for scarlet lily beetle – if you see them, remove by hand.
Dahlias and lilies may need staking as they achieve full height this month.
Make sure azaleas and camellias don’t dry out as they are forming buds for next spring.
Encourage another flush of flowering with a fortnightly dose of high potash solution such as tomato feed.
Bulb catalogues are out so it’s time to think about what you will be planting for the spring garden next year.
Early spring bulbs will provide interest and colour in your garden in some of the toughest gardening months.
Glasshouses need damping down in the hot weather and plants will get scorched if it’s very sunny, so remember to shade where appropriate.
Keep an eye out for pests such as red spider mite and order biological controls where necessary. ●● Make sure azaleas and camellias don’t dry out