The cutting patch in July

The Cutting Patch in July

It's the middle of July now and so far it has been a real mixed bag of a summer. Despite some high winds, the plants are in good condition due to the fact we staked them earlier in the season. At this point of the summer, some of your annuals will have started to turn, so it's important to keep a close eye on them so you know what to remove and when.

Annuals in July

When you notice that your annuals have started to go over, there are two things you can do:

1. cut the plant back by around 50%, which should spur it into producing axillary buds and reflowering
2. remove the plant altogether, harvesting any seed it may have produced to sow next year.

In the middle of July there is still time to plant dahlias, which will produce flowers until late November, so doing this may be a more productive use of your space.

How to Harvest Seed from Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' has very large seeds, which are easy to harvest and could be sown in mid July and planted out. This would mean you could continue cutting cerinthe stems right up until Christmas.

To Harvest the Seed from Cerinthe:

• bind your bunch together with a rubber band and hang it upside down
• secure a brown paper bag or pillowcase over the hanging flowers
• as the flower heads dry, the seeds will drop out into the pillowcase
• this process can also be done with calendula and Ammi majus among others.

Succession in the Patch

I'm going to replace the cerinthe with dahlia varieties such as 'Molly Raven' (remember to add some compost into your soil before planting as dahlias are very hungry).

These dahlias will ensure I have a good level of succession in my patch and I can carry on harvesting flowers into November.

Panicum 'Frosted Explosion'

This is probably my favourite grass for flower arranging due to its light and airy nature.

It makes a great vase filler and changes from green to gold as the seasons pass.

It's also a great plant for bringing nature into your garden as goldfinches and bluetits love to eat its seed.