LANDSCAPING : Warm mornings reward those who cut dahlias for the vase — snip stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node and plunge them straight into water to extend their life. Deadhead spent blooms on roses down to the first set of five leaflets to channel energy into fresh buds. Lavender flower spikes fading at the tips can be trimmed now; stop before the woody base to keep the plant compact and free-flowering for years to come.
VEGETABLE PATCH : A flower day suits cauliflower and broccoli well. Sow both under cover in modules, 1 cm deep with seeds 3 cm apart — these autumn crops started now will be ready to plant out once they carry four true leaves. Pick edible flowers from artichoke plants or collect cosmos seed heads that have dried on the stem; store them in a labelled envelope in a cool, dry place for next spring.
ORCHARD : Kiwi laterals can be pinched back now — count five leaves beyond the last developing fruit and cut cleanly to keep the canopy open. On fig trees, remove any small, hard figs showing no signs of swelling; they drain the tree’s reserves through the summer heat and are best cleared away promptly.