Gardener’s blog – June 2019

It’s not just the burst of colourful bedding plants that reminds us summer is almost here – the opening of The Butterfly House – the only one in Birmingham – is also a welcome indication that those lovely, warm days are here.

 

It will be open daily until Sunday, September  1, and you’ll be able to see hundreds of tropical butterflies from as far as the Philippines, Central America and tropical parts of Africa. Each week 100 new pupae are placed in the emerging case- we attach them to bamboo canes with glue – so that there are always new butterflies to enjoy. 

 

We gardeners will be busy this month. Not only will we start to landscape our display of cacti and other succulents on the Terrace, we’ll be out in force to ensure all borders and display areas are filled with beautiful summer bedding. 

 

If you want to learn more about the Gardens, the horticultural team is leading guided tours.  The next one is on Thursday, June 6, and it will focus on how we care for the herbaceous plants in our borders and our herb garden. It’s an hour long and starts at 3pm. Just come to Reception to meet your guide.

 

We’ve no doubt that you’ll be making the most of the longer days to fill your garden with summer colour – from pots full of geraniums to borders bursting with bedding plants. There will be lots to 

Do this month to keep on top of things. Here are just some tasks you should do in June:

  • Mow the lawn at least once a week
  • Plant out your summer bedding now that the threat of frost is over
  • Hoe borders regularly to keep the weeds at bay
  • Prune deciduous magnolias if they are in full leaf
  • Start thinking about sowing your winter bedding plants, such as ornamental kale and winter pansies
  • Add shading to your greenhouse to prevent soaring temperatures and open windows to increase ventilation.