LANDSCAPING : The ascending moon crosses the lunar node at 06h17 (UTC) this morning — a brief unsettled crossing that calls for a gentler approach to the garden. Set aside transplanting for now and turn your attention to the ornamental beds: deadhead sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus), removing spent stems right back to the next healthy bud to encourage a fresh flush / Stake taller perennials like delphinium (Delphinium elatum) and hollyhock (Alcea rosea) with bamboo canes and soft twine before summer winds catch them off guard — drive canes 30 cm into the ground for a firm hold / Weed between established clumps of salvia (Salvia nemorosa), catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) and agastache (Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’), working a hand fork shallowly (3–4 cm) to avoid disturbing surface roots / In sandy or free-draining soils, spread a 5 cm layer of composted bark mulch around the base of rose bushes (Rosa spp.) and phlox (Phlox paniculata) to lock in moisture during warm June days.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Check on any young courgette (Cucurbita pepo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Cobra’) plants set out earlier this week — firm up any loose ties and remove competing weeds at the base, keeping a clear 15 cm collar of bare soil around each stem to deter slugs / A good moment to apply a balanced liquid feed (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium at 5 ml per 5 litres) to established pepper (Capsicum annuum) and aubergine (Solanum melongena) plants in pots or grow-bags, watering it in at the root zone rather than over the foliage / In Mediterranean gardens, check for powdery mildew on squash leaves and remove any affected foliage cleanly with scissors, then allow good airflow between plants — prevention now saves effort later.