Gardener’s notebook

Gardening editor Paula Mcwaters shows how to get the best from your plot in July

I’ve recently developed what I call “weedy blinkers”. These are essential equipment for anyone, like me, who never seems to have enough time to keep their garden looking up to scratch. Gardeners are a self-critical lot but it’s futile. I am a firm believer that it is the process of gardening – the task in hand – that we should concentrate on enjoying, not just the end result. So, when friends and family come to visit, seat them where there’s a pot of flamboyant dahlias or a wigwam of sweet peas to catch their eye and don’t worry about any neglected corners. Most of us have other lives – jobs we must do and people to care for – so gardening must sometimes play second fiddle. But July, of all months, should be one when you can ease off a little and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Don’t make gardening an endless list of chores. Relax and soak up the good bits while you can.