Trees, shrubs and climbers

-       Evergreen shrubs such as Hebes and lavenders can be given a hair cut (or, light prune!) after flowering.-       Prune Wisteria after it has finished flowering. Prune shrubs such as Pyracantha also after flowering. Rambling roses can be pruned back after flowering.-       Many hedges will also benefit from a light trim to keep them tidy to avoid a lot of work in the autumn when growing starts to slow (a little and often!).
-       Continue to deadhead shrubs, such as roses, to extend flowering into early autumn. Spindly specimens that have lost leaves can be cut back a little further when deadheading, to encourage new growth.
-       Shrubs that flower early in the year such as Camellia and Rhododendron should be kept well watered even after they have finished flowering how you treat them now will affect their blooms next time.
-       It s not too late to increase your stocks of box, Ceanothus, lavender etc by taking cuttings Do your friends have any of these that you could take a cutting from?
-       Black spot on roses is very common at this time of year but it s too late to spray them simply clear up any fallen leaves to try and limit its spread.

Flowers

-       Don't forget to look after your hanging baskets - deadheading faded flowers, watering and feeding will prolong the display. Containers will also need a weekly feed.-       In fact, Deadheading bedding plants and other plants such as Dahlia, rose and Penstemon will prolong the display well into early autumn.-       BUT don't cut the flowerheads off ornamental grasses as these will give you something to look at in the winter!
-       Remove fading stems and leaves from Geraniums to encourage new growth. This should not be a hard prune a little can have a large effect.
-       Irises have finished flowering so now is a good time to increase your stocks by dividing the rhizomes and planting them elsewhere in your garden.
-       Most perennials can be divided now once they have finished flowering but keep them well watered until they have established.
-       Annuals and perennials only flower for one or two seasons and then die off. They propagate by dropping seeds. If you like them why not collect the seeds now and spread them yourself in the autumn. Good examples are Cerinthe, Calendula, Nigella, Papaver, Geranium and Aquilegia.
-       Most perennial weeds are best dealt with when they are actively growing because the weed killer relies on the liquid being taken into the plant (the weed thinking it is being given a drink). This will ensure that the roots are killed along with the leaves.
-       Towards the end of August sow seeds of hardy annuals directly into borders (visit your garden centre to see what s available). The seeds will survive the winter and flower next summer. Of course, you will need a well prepared seed bed set aside for this purpose so you know what should be growing and what should not!

Greenhouse and houseplants

-       If you have been keeping Cyclamen in the greenhouse these can now be encouraged to wake up by watering and adding a layer of additional compost. -       If you are lucky enough to see some sun this summer then remember to open doors and windows on your greenhouse to keep to stop temperatures getting to high and dampen the floor with a hose pipe to keep humidity levels up.
-       Remember garden hygiene pests and plant diseases are most common in high temperatures so regularly clear up fallen leaves and generally keep your garden tidy.

Ponds

-       Remove faded leaves on aquatic and marginal plants cutting back where necessary.
-       Keep an eye on water levels if going on holiday ask someone to keep an eye on your pond. A water fountain will help aerate the water.
-       Remove blanket weed and duckweed where this is a problem.