LANDSCAPING : The morning opens as a flower day — a short but worthwhile window before the sign change. Trim lavender stems back after flowering, cutting just above the leafy growth without touching old wood; this keeps plants compact and encourages a second flush of fragrance. Check wisteria laterals and cut back any long summer shoots to five or six leaves from the main framework — a classic August task that sets up next spring’s flower buds.
VEGETABLE PATCH : After the sign change, the afternoon settles into a long leaf day — the dominant mood for today. If you have leek seedlings ready in trays, this is a fine time to plant them out: set them 12 cm apart in the row, rows 30 cm, dropping each plant into a dibber hole and watering in without backfilling so the stems blanch naturally. Swiss chard transplants can go in at the same session — 35 cm apart, rows 40 cm — they establish quickly in the August warmth and will be cropping before cooler weather arrives. A neighbour’s trick worth passing on: water the planting holes, not the leaves, to settle roots without scorching foliage in the afternoon heat. Cabbage seedlings started under cover can also be planted out now at 50 cm in the row, rows 60 cm; firm the soil around the base well.
ORCHARD : Raspberry canes that have finished fruiting can be cut right down to the ground today; removing them improves air circulation and lets the new canes — next year’s crop — grow on without competition. Spread a fresh layer of compost around the base of currant bushes and blackcurrants while you’re in that part of the garden.