July 13th-19th
TO keep roses in flower it is important to dead-head as flowers fade, carefully removing the spent blooms and a short section of stem below the bloom to the first full leafjoint. Besides encouraging the production of new flowers, this will keep the bush looking clean and neat.
This applies to all repeat flowering roses, climbers, shrubs, bushes, etc.
Likewise, many herbaceous plants need dead-heading to keep the garden looking tidy and fresh. Lady's Mantle, as much derided as it is loved, needs a firm hand when the lime-green flowers begin to brown. The entire plant should be cut back to the base quickly and firmly, removing all foliage and seed heads. Within days, new fresh young leaves will be produced and the Lady's Mantle Alchemilla Mollis will take on a spring-like appearance. Further flowers will be produced in autumn and the gardener will be spared a mass of seed being spread about in unwanted places. For the best enjoyment, our garden plants must be managed and checked regularly. Even a wild garden is about control.