Horwich Advertiser Issue 637

Page 16 July 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 JULY is the month of high summer and the garden comes alive during hot lazy after- noons to the sound of bees buzzing and the sight of flut- tering butterflies, gathering pollen from plants. Butterflies, moths and bees feed on plant nectar which is why the best flowers for attracting them are often described as nectar or pollinator plants. One of the most popular is bud- dleja, also known as the Butterfly Bush, a hardy and reliable shrub whose flowers act like magnets for butterflies. Many strong-growing varieties are available, including one with variegated foliage called ‘Harle- quin’, but they can be kept under control by some prudent pruning each spring. Several dwarf and compact vari- eties of buddleia are now available that are perfect for pots or tiny spaces, with flowers in colours from pink and white to magenta and deep purple. Other pollinator plants for summer include lavender, which bees love and foxgloves that are a favourite with bumblebees. Cosmos, scabious, bee balm and catmint are also ideal along with herbs such thyme, oregano and chives. You can also add night-scented plants like phlox and night scented stocks to support moths and other night-time pollinators, and if you plant them near seating areas you can enjoy their evening perfume as well. It’s important to mix open and tubular flowers, early and late bloomers and bright col- ours to support as many species as possible. Bees are particularly drawn to purple, blue and violet flowers because they can see ultraviolet patterns on the petals that guide them to the nectar. Apart from taking care of your pollinator plants, if there is one job to be done this month it’s to take lavender cuttings. Choose a strong, healthy non-flowering shoot, feel down the stem and cut at least 1cm below where the stem gets more rigid. Trim the cutting at the base below a leaf so it’s about 10cm long. Then remove the lower leaves and the soft tip. Fill a terracotta pot with peat- free compost, inset cuttings around the edge, firm in and water well. Keep your cuttings in a cold frame or a sheltered spot outdoors, only watering occasionally if the com- post dries out. For fruit and veg growers, now it the time to sow more salad crops, like chicory, lettuce, rocket and radishes for a supply that will take you into autumn. Beetroot can still be sown up until the middle of the month, as can some carrot and tur- nip varieties. Sow brassicas and leeks directly outdoors, along with some pota- toes, ready to enjoy during the winter. There will also be plenty to har- vest – aubergines, beans, beetroot, carrots, courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, potatoes and tomatoes along with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, rhubarb and strawberries. BLACK DIAMOND ALLEN BROTHERS FIREPLACES Clayton St, Wigan WN3 4DA 01942 245649 / 01942 826097 www.blackdiamondfireplaces.co.uk THE MOST EFFICIENT WOOD BURNING STOVE IN THE WORLD • Deadhead, feed and water for a long-lasting show of flowers • Clear algae, blanket weed and debris fromponds and keep topped up • Don’t worry if the lawn goes brown, it will bounce back once it rains • Water tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-wise • Care for houseplants while on holiday • Check for pests – especially aphids • Pick courgettes before they becomemarrows • Start picking tomatoes as they ripen and continue to feed and water • Plant out leeks and brassicas for a winter harvest • Give regular liquid feed to fruit or veg growing in containers THINGSTODO THISMONTH HOME & GARDEN TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 Another way to conserve water and moisture is to ensure that there is good ground cover plant- ing in beds and borders – it acts like a mulch helping to suppress weeds and lock in soil moisture and nutrients. Hardy gerani- ums, campanula and creeping herbs such as thyme are easy growing ground cover plants as are strawberries. Using strawberries offers a vari- ety of benefits to both plants and gardeners. In addition to provid- ing delicious fruit, their shallow root system helps prevent soil compaction and also improves soil structure whilst their white and pink flowers attract benefi- cial pollinators. Strawberries like well-draining and fertile soil and thrive in full sun but can also do well in par- tial shade. They require consistent moisture, especially during flow- ering and fruiting so need to be watered regularly. As we all know, the weather can change quickly in the UK, so don’t waste water if rain is on the way. If you can see a long dry spell coming, it’s important you hydrate your lawn. Once the damage is done to it, it’s hard to reverse. It’s time to get water wise SUMMER is here and the watering of your plants, flow- ers and greenery is more crit- ical than ever. Watering is particularly impor- tant at this time of year as the longer sunlight hours and higher temperatures can cause soil to dry out. However, you need to maintain a wise watering balance to prevent overwatering your plants. Overwatering can be just as harmful to your garden as not watering enough. And that is why establishing a consistent watering routine is essential. Plan your garden watering early in the morning or late in the evening during the sum- mer months. That way you are minimising evaporation and ensuring that moisture reaches the roots to sup- port plant health. You can conserve water and help plants in the summer by moving pots out of full sun into the shade where possible. Some other tips for good watering include using water-retaining gel in containers, water the area directly above the roots of plants, use grey water fromwashing up and a good watering less frequently is better for than watering little and often. Things are starting to buzz!