The best… summer fashion trends

It’s not too late to catch up on this year’s summer collections

Tips of the week... how to water a garden in the heat

● Don’t water your lawn – it’s too wasteful. Grass is a hardy plant that, in our climate, will recover quickly when the rain comes. ● Watering little and often encourages plants to develop a shallow root system – the opposite of what they need to survive. Instead, give each plant a really thorough soaking every week or two. This excludes potted plants, which need water daily. ● Juvenile plants that have yet to properly establish themselves need the most care. ● Beyond those, vegetables are the most vulnerable to drought, especially succulent, soft ones (tomatoes, courgettes, lettuces) that are mostly made up of water. ● Don’t water when the Sun is out; much of it will evaporate. Dusk is the best time, but avoid the popular post-work 7pm slot when water pressure in the system dips. ● A layer of mulch, like tree bark, around each plant can stop water evaporating from soil, but this only works if you lay it down after seriously drenching the plants.

Andd for those who haveve everything…

Want to feel like a Wimbledon champion, but can’t bring yourself to hire full-time ball boys to be at your beck and call? Then pre-order a Tennibot – an autonomous robot tennis ball collector that will whizz around clearing the court for you.

£548; indiegogo.com Where to find... wild swims near cities

In Bengeo, Hertfordshire, the rivers Beane, Rib and Lea all meet on an ancient common. (Pass from St Leonard’s Church through the gate on Hartham Common, then on to the footbridge.) Nestled in the corner of Delamere Forest Park, Cheshire’s dappled Hatchmere lake, south of Frodsham, has long been a popular swimming spot. (Next to The Carriers Inn.) While Wiltshire’s picture-perfect Lacock is well-known, the idyllic river beach hidden in the meadows beyond it is not. (From the National Trust car park, turn right down the lane, then left on the footpath.) The River Wey in Old Woking, Surrey, makes for a great swim just outside the M25. (Head south from the Old Woking roundabout and take the left footpath.) Gormire Lake, on the edge of the North York Moors is secluded, cradled in ancient woodland, and easy to reach from Leeds or York. (From Sutton Bank car park follow signs to the nature reserve.)

Gingham is a summer staple that can edge into outdated territory. y. But find a new way to wear it, as in this tiered maxi dress by MDS Stripes, pes, and it comes right back in again n (£218; shopbop.com).

Boater hats A classic floppy straw hat will never go out of style, but boaters are coming back too. This is a highfashion example, probably best regarded as inspiration (£785; emily-london.com).Pearl Pearls The bedrock rock of the je jewellery box, ox, pearls h have been given a modern twist, lik like in these e earrings by Mizuki ki Goltz, w who aims to crea create pieces with a certain “nonch “nonchalance” porter. (£ porter.com). (£475; 4 75; n net-a- c

Wide-leg e-leg trousers ers For a while e now now, it’s been out with the skinny and in with the wide, and summer is the time to go as wide as possible. These twill trousers also take full advantage of the current trend for bold florals (£242; matches fashion.com).

Ruffles The romance of ruffles is beating out sleeker and simpler looks this season, and loose cotton tops, like this one from Amsterdambased Anna+nina, will always be useful on the hottest days of summer (£44; anna-nina.nl).

One-piece swimsuits This year’s musthave swimwear comes in a o one-piece, whether it’s simple and sporty, or glam a and vintage. Flattering and supportive, this one, from Onia and We Wore What will make you feel like a 1950s pin-up by the pool (£148; onia.com).

Woven bags Celestial O Objects, a brand founded b by an interior designer o only a few mon months ago, has h here combined two of the sum summer’s hottest ha handbag trends – woven and circular (£ (£85; celestial-objects.com). estial-objects.com).

Rope sandals It’s all about the clunky black sandals this year, and what could be clunkier than rope? These will go well with your casual jeans or juxtaposed with a slip dress (£39; topshop.com).

Cat’s eye sunglasses This classic shape ▲ of shades is back – but cat’s eye doesn’t have to mean big. A sleek and simple pair like this tortoiseshell one from Zara will slot easily into almost any outfit (£16; zara.com).