July is a month when the natural world can often seem at its fullest. The heat of August has not yet taken its toll when leaves, crops and grasses can become crisp with dryness.
The extent to which the weather affects plant and insect life came home to me recently when I lived in shepherd’s hut in a meadow for a few days: the variety of insect life was astonishing - and a bit too close for comfort at times! The weather had clearly impacted the growth rate of habitats and therefore the wildlife being hosted. This, in turn, affected the number and types of predators. I think the term “world wide web” has been attached to the wrong phenomenon!
When you are not gazing at spider’s webs, looking up to spot birds of prey on a country walk or picking out bugs that are a bit too up close and personal, there are plenty of jobs to be getting on with:
Water your containers and newly planted trees and shrubs: it is surprising how quickly they will dry out.
Deadhead roses and keep an eye out for signs of powdery mildew, blackspot or rust. Prevention is always better than cure so water, feed and pick off rust or blackspot affected leaves.
Cut back delphiniums and geraniums after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flowering period. Feed after cutting them back.
Prune June-flowering shrubs such as Philadelphus and Weigela after flowering. Prune deciduous magnolias if necessary.
Prune Wisteria in cooler areas, waiting until next month in warmer counties to prevent the plant producing too much new growth after pruning. Cut back to 5 or 6 leaves.
Fast-growing hedges such as Leyland cypress should be clipped as necessary throughout the growing season. Clip topiary to the desired shapes.
Box plants and hedges have been increasingly susceptible to damage by caterpillars in recent years. If you find any, pick them off or spray them but be aware that warm, wet weather can cause leaf drop due to box blight fungal infection.
If your floral displays need perking up give them a weekly shot of high-potassium liquid fertiliser. Deadhead the flowers when they are over.
Lawn growth begins to slow this month and by mowing as little as possible, lawn “weeds” can flower providing food for pollinating insects.
The bird population will appreciate keeping the bird bath topped up but by keeping them clean, you prevent the spread of diseases such as bird pox.
Ponds are never maintenance-free! Thin out vigorous oxygenating plants leaving the prunings on the side of the pond to allow the aquatic creatures back into the water. Try to keep about 30% of the water clear of plants.
Baby hedgehogs will be looking for sustenance this month: leaving the slugs for them to eat and ensuring ponds gently sloped access points will help.
Try to use your hose outside the times when the water system is most in demand bearing in mind that “grey water” from water butts, cleaning and run-off is the best option.
The natural world is never static and the constantly shifting patterns and populations of wildlife are testimony to this. Five years ago, there were two buzzards living in a nearby woodland: they have been pushed out by the arrival of pairs of red kites.
What can I do in my little patch to encourage a diverse insect (including bee) life? And by the way, I have yet to see a much cared-for space encouraging wildlife that is ugly. Truth and beauty – the eternal twins!