Top 5 plants to plant this summer

With many of us finding that we have a lot more free time on our hands, accompanied with the sunny weather we have been experiencing intermittently around the UK, getting out into the garden and getting green-fingered can bring a number of benefits and pass the time during the pandemic.

Relaxing in the garden is a great way to de-stress and ensuring your garden is full of wonderful shrubs, flowers and trees can make it even more enjoyable. For those with limited mobility or those who often use straight or curved stairlifts, gardening can be a low-impact way to stretch muscles and offer some fresh air and downtime. This article looks at which plants are perfect for those wanting to spruce up their garden during the summer months. These plants are perfect for warmer climates and can survive the temperamental forecasts of the UK. Carry on reading to find out which plants you should choose for a flourishing summer garden.

1.Shrubs and trees

Shrubs and trees are a great way of breaking up areas of your garden. They are hard-wearing and sturdy, they can withstand most weather conditions and are easy to manage. Alexandra at The Middle-Sized Garden explained why she thinks shrubs and trees are great additions to the garden during the summer months:

“I would suggest planting shrubs, at least one small tree and perennials rather than annuals or bedding plants because annuals are more work. Easy trees with good spring blossom and autumn colour include crab apple trees, such as Malus Evereste. Repeat flowering roses are relatively easy to look after – but always wear sleeves when pruning or planting them as they can scratch the skin. You can plant roses bought in pots at any time of year and they should keep flowering throughout the summer if you deadhead them regularly. And hydrangeas are very trouble-free. They come in a range of colours and you can leave the dried heads on all winter because they look beautiful in the frost. A few hydrangeas also have beautiful autumn colour.”

Alexandra explained a little more about why she thinks gardening can be a great hobby for those who want to stay active:

“Gardening can help you stay fit. And being outside for just 15 minutes a day also ensures you have enough vitamin D. But if you’re new to gardening, only do short sessions. A short session every day can make a huge difference to your garden, but if you try to do everything at once, you may hurt your back or knees.”

2.Foliage and grasses

Another wonderful way to spruce up your outdoor space is by planting foliage and grasses. Foliage and grass can even be planted in the smallest of spaces, like balconies and large pots and small courtyard gardens. Not only are they easy to maintain they bring texture and depth to any space with minimal effort.

David Ward, who speaks on behalf of the team at Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens thinks that there is no better time to get into the garden and find a love for gardening: “Over the past few weeks, most of us have found the time to spend in our gardens, be it tidying up, repairing, replacing, or redoing part of the garden. The lockdown has coincided with the main planting season and whilst the garden centres were closed, many people took advantage of the online nurseries from which to replenish their gardens.”

David explains which plants or shrubs he recommends those looking to get started in their garden should think about planting during the summer: “When choosing which plants to use in your garden, take into consideration the conditions you have. Is it dry, wet, sunny, or shady? Choose plants accordingly, and do not be tempted to grow plants that are clearly unsuitable. Concentrate on foliage, form and texture, grasses mixed with silver and grey leaved plants for the sunny spots. Or try Hosta’s ferns and shade-loving grasses for the darker areas of your plot. One tip we at Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens like to pass on is to soak any newly acquired plant in a bucket of water until it stops bubbling. Done prior to planting this nicely moist root ball will not dry out so quickly, as the plants transpire whilst establishing. Constant watering is essential but do it early or late. A mulch of bark or gravel to cover the surface of the soil will help trap moisture, as well as reduce weeds.”

3.Lavender and herbs

Nothing smells more beautiful in the garden than lavender and along with herbs, they can bring joy to any outdoor space. Not only is lavender and herbs beautiful when planted, but they also serve a number of other purposes too, whether that is for relaxation or consumption. Lavender and herbs can be grown indoors and outdoors as well as being grown in pots and planter, making them the perfect choice for people with limited space.

“The term, “right plant, right place”, should be your guiding light.” Dave continues, “This ecological and common-sense approach to gardening will, almost by default be beneficial to the diversity of wildlife in your garden. Many drought-loving plants are highly attractive to pollinators and even a selection of relatively common plants such as lavender, marjoram and thyme, to mention just a few will attract a wide range of insects to your garden.”

As Dave mentions, Lavender and other herbs can attract bugs and insects into the garden making it an enjoyable space to enjoy when the sun is shining.

So what are the benefits of spending more time in the garden, Dave explains: “The benefits of spending time in your garden has often been considered a chore and hard work, but nowadays in our ever more chaotic and pressurised environment, gardening is recognised as beneficial for mental health and well-being.  Now many have unearthed a new hobby and discovered the joy, peace and delight that can be found in beautifying your own space.”

4.Geraniums

A flower that is loved by many and a popular appearance in almost every garden, Geraniums are the perfect addition to a summer garden display.

Geraniums are great for newer gardeners as they are relatively easy to maintain and they come in an array of stunning and vibrant colours. These flowers can often come back year after year, lying dormant in the winter months where they require little to no watering.

When looking for your Geraniums, look for discolouration on the leaves, any odd colours on the leaves means that plant is probably worth avoiding. Plant your roots into a pot that has plenty of drainage, preferably into a pot with holes in the bottom and place them in a spot in the garden that has the most sunlight, 4-6 hours is a good amount for happy plants.  

5.Sweet Peas

Much like Geraniums, Sweet Peas are a stunning addition to any garden and their bright and vibrant pinks and reds can bring colour and joy to any open space.

Thompson and Morgan explain a little more on their website about the best ways to pot and plant your sweet pea and sweet pea seeds and the best times to do so: “Growing sweet peas from seed couldn't be easier. You can sow them into pots of compost in autumn and over winter the young plants in a cold frame or cool greenhouse. Or, you can wait until spring when you can sow into pots or directly into the ground.”

Before planting your sweet peas, soak them in warm water, dry them off and then leave them in a container to keep warm, this helps get them off to a good start as they love warmer climates and warm, moist soil. Using a good quality compost means you can plant more than one seed into one pot, allowing you to grow numerous stems all with budding flowers.

Whatever plants you plan on adding to your garden or outdoor space, making sure you’re getting plenty of fresh air and the outdoor space is essential to boost your mood and keep a positive mindset during this time. The garden is the perfect space for those with all mobilities to enjoy.

Top 5 plants to plant this summer:

• Shrubs and trees
• Foliage and grass
• Lavender and herbs
• Geraniums
• Sweet peas