Tennis is played on grass and grass forms 100% of all known lawns, unless you have a chamomile lawn which is much nicer to look at than the grass version and smells better unless, like me, you love the smell of new mown grass or the smell of dry grass following a rain shower. Ok that was the clumsy attempt as a lead in to mentioning the lawn again. It should be watered as necessary and fed regularly but remember the more you feed the more you need to mow.

The nice thing about this year is that the evenings have been warm enough recently to sit out in the garden and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. If you did not get round to planting out your summer bedding it is still not too late so finish planting out summer bedding plants in borders, baskets and containers.

Remove old flowers on perennials such as lupins and delphiniums, this will encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season, to encourage new growth a slug of feed will be beneficial, not to be confused with feeding slugs which will have a completely different effect.

As a result of recent government health warnings drinks such as Pimms, gin and tonic, cold beers/lagers are a definite no! no! in hot weather, likewise tea and coffee are also out because they will dehydrate you, so where iced tea fits in is still a mystery so answers on a postcard to Blooming Direct as to what the most refreshing drink whilst gardening is during the summer months. The most appropriate answer will win a free plant!

So, back to the life and death issue, of what needs to be done in the garden during July. Pinch out the growing points to encourage bushy growth and more flowers. Container plants will need the occasional feed to keep them in tip top condition (If they are green and vigorous and showing no signs of flowering you have probably overdone the nitrogen feed).

If you like aquilegia, leave the seed heads on to encourage spreading, if not remove the seed heads to stop them spreading (simple isn’t it? And this fact is repeated free of charge from last year)

Roses will need regular feeding through the summer. You will also need to keep an eye out for blackspot, mildew and aphid. In colder areas, allow shrub roses to ripen by stopplng feeding them at the end of the month.

July is a good month for wildlife, particularly for insects, slugs and snails. Hopefully the garden birds, especially blue tits, blackbirds and thrushes will keep the levels down which should ensure a healthy bird population as well. Of course there is always a down side to things, so remember to net fruit bushes to keep the aforementioned birds away, but ensure birds do not get trapped in the netting.

Plants such as honeysuckle, evening primrose and sweet scented stocks will attract moths and butterflies, whilst Lavender will attract bees, butterflies and other flying insects into your garden.

One delightful problem we have had here in Jersey was the massive influx of painted ladies (butterflies!) unfortunately with the resultant mass of caterpillars devouring plants “en mass” It seems wildlife is all very well if it keeps to the countryside and doesn’t encroach on our domesticity.

Herbs such as thyme, marjoram, fennel, chives and rosemary will also attract a range of insects.

August will be here sooner than you think and remember hard work doesn’t harm anyone but I prefer not to take chances!