Give your plants the ‘chelsea chop’

Cut back, feed, water and remove reverted stems

Throughout August I cut the box hedges that give shape to the vegetable garden. They’re just under waist height but that’s enough to protect most plants from the wind and they are a good dark backgrou

Fill border gaps, spruce up container displays and divide perennials. Get ahead for next year by planting crocuses for spring and taking salvia cuttings

Laurel is a common garden plant, which can take over a space if left to its own devices. If you visit a stately home, local parks or woodlands, you’ll see how dominating they can become, blocking out

Brighten up the season with a collection of cheerful, chirpy and colourful containers

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS MONTH WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE CHANGING SEASONS