Life

BEST OF THE BUNCH – Cosmos

Cosmo brings summer to the fore
Cosmo brings summer to the fore Cosmo brings summer to the fore

THESE cheerful daisy-like blooms on bushy plants add both height and colour to the summer border and are perfect filler plants to replace earlier perennials which have faded. Plant breeders are producing more dwarf versions which are good for patio pots but in mixed borders it's best to go for larger plants which will make more of an impact. Cosmos also provide cut flowers in beautiful colours from soft pinks to carmines and then deep claret-crimson in late summer, which is when the tender perennial C. atrosanguineus, the chocolate-smelling cosmos, comes into flower. They like full sun and moist but well-drained soil. The annuals will thrive with regular top dressing, watering and picking.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

:: Disbud border carnations for larger blooms.

:: Cut back aubrieta and alyssum in the rock garden after flowering.

:: Complete planting of aquatics if you want a display this season.

:: Take cuttings from perennial wallflowers and verbascum hybrids, penstemons and diascias.

:: Thin peaches for the remaining fruit to reach a good size.

:: Trim and train outdoor vines.

:: Move desert cacti outdoors to a sunny patio or sheltered corner for the summer.

:: In dry weather, leave grass clippings on the lawn to help retain moisture.

:: Layer the low-growing branches of chaenomeles, cotinus and magnolia.

:: Continue to give early potatoes a good soaking once a week to ensure good yields.

:: Stop cutting established asparagus.