On the brighter side England have beaten Australia (Cricket and Rugby Union) but do we hear anything about that at the moment. Hamilton and Button are currently standing at 1 & 2 in Formula 1. Wimbledon is into the second week and Federer has just been knocked out at the time of writing. Mind you Murray is looking like heading that way too.

Its been hot(tish) and dry for quite a few weeks now here in Jersey so watering and feeding the garden remains a priority even though by the time you read this some of you may have had to resort to the umbrellas. Just remember the more you feed and water the lawn the more it will need mowing.

If you did not get round to planting out your summer bedding it is still not too late, so get those borders, baskets and containers planted, not forgetting to include those lovely water retaining gels to make your life a little easier and then sit down with for some Darjeeling/PG tips/cold beer etc.

Container plants will need the occasional (!) feed to keep them in tip top condition. Fuchsias make lovely stop gaps and can grow large enough to become a feature but choose wisely. They are also relatively easy to propagate from cuttings but do keep a watch out for fuchsia gall mite (distorted leaves/buds).

Dead-head plants such as delphiniums, lupins and paeonies to keep them tidy, petunias and nasturtiums to keep them flowering. If you like aquilegia, leave the seedheads on to encourage spreading.

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. The down side to this is seagulls defending their young so do be careful because being swooped on by a large aggressive bird at this time of year is no laughing matter, especially if they resort to their second line of defence by dropping guano on you from a great height.

There is one thing about encouraging birds into your garden but it is quite another when they start eating your fruit. A local cherry tree has already been stripped of its fruit. So remember to net fruit bushes to keep the little feathered friends away, but keep checking to ensure birds do not get trapped in the netting.

Moths and butterflies are attracted night scented plants, such as honeysuckle, evening primrose and sweet scented stocks.

Lavender is noted for its aromatic leaves and fragrant flowers which encourages bees (as does the tall flower spike of the echium), butterflies and other flying insects into your garden. Encourage insects by planting more herbs such as thyme, marjoram, fennel, chives and rosemary.

Thought for the day, “we are now over half way through the year”.