August is a peak month for gardens, with flowers blooming in vivid hues and fruit trees heavy with produce. To preserve this beauty into the following year, gardeners should complete several key tasks before the month ends, according to Noah Mabey, senior gardener at Thornbridge Hall and horticultural adviser to Platinum Spas Hot Tubs.
Take Semi-Ripe Cuttings for Free Plants
Mabey explained: "August is also one of the best months to take semi-ripe cuttings, making it easy to grow new plants for free." Plants such as lavender, rosemary, salvias, penstemons and hydrangeas all root well from semi-ripe cuttings taken now. He advised: "Simply select healthy, non-flowering shoots, remove the lower leaves and place them into a gritty compost mix. With a little patience, you'll have strong young plants ready for next year."
Deadheading Encourages Prolonged Flowering
Another worthwhile task is deadheading blooms. During August, many plants begin channelling resources into seed production, so removing old flowers is crucial for prolonged flowering displays. Mabey noted: "By removing spent flowers, you're encouraging plants to keep flowering instead of producing seed, helping borders, pots and hanging baskets stay colourful for much longer."
Prune Lavender and Hardy Perennials
August is also a chance to neaten and shape the garden. Lavender responds exceptionally well to being cut back once it has finished flowering. Mabey said: "Always cut back this year's soft growth, but avoid cutting into the older woody stems as lavender doesn't recover well from hard pruning." He added: "Rather than throwing the flower stems away, I like to dry a few bunches and hang them in my greenhouse and kitchen so I can continue enjoying their fragrance long after summer has finished." Hardy perennials such as geraniums and nepeta also benefit from attention. Mabey explained: "Trim them back to the fresh growth emerging from the base of the plant and many varieties will reward you with fresh foliage and another display of flowers later in the season."
Secure Roses Against Wind Damage
His final tip for August is to keep a close eye on roses and fasten stems to guard against wind damage. He noted: "I only tie them loosely at this stage before training them properly during winter." He also advised: "Continue deadheading repeat-flowering roses, but if you have rambling varieties that produce attractive rose hips, consider leaving a few flowers. The hips provide beautiful colour and interest throughout autumn and winter, especially after the first frosts."
