Summer is perfect for relaxing in the garden admiring the features that you have added. The wonderful colour of flowers in bloom, the manicured grasses rich and green and sounds from the water feature. But, you cannot rest on your laurels indefinitely. There are still tasks to be carried out to maintain these features. Never fear, it's not a huge amount. You just need to do enough to protect your garden from the weather. A hot summer can do a lot of damage to a garden. This is a list of tasks which may be required to keep your garden looking it’s best:  

Tasks for July:

• Fill up any bird feeders and birdbaths you may have. Our feathered friends are an essential part of our garden environment. It does not always look like it (i.e. when they are pecking at your fruit crop) but they do have their place in mother nature’s world.

• Make sure bedding plants and any young plants have plenty to eat and drink. Fresh, fast growing plants need plenty of sustenance to sustain their growth.

• Remove blooms as they start to die. It is necessary to make way for new buds and looks a lot better. One thing you don’t want is dead flowers on display in your garden.

• Prune bushes that tend to flower in early summer. This will help new growth and will also provide an environment for the new blooms. • Get your autumn bulbs in the ground now. Plant them and water them well. Don't forget to monitor  them during the hot weather to come as you don't want them to suffer from a lack of moisture.

• Keep your runner beans in order by pinching out the mature ones as they reach the top of their canes.

• Arrange with a neighbour or friend to water your garden when you are away on holiday. It would be awful to come back to a dry wasteland when you have spent so much time getting your garden looking great.  

Tasks for August:

• Make sure the water level in your pond is maintained - if you have a water feature in your garden the evaporation due to natural heat during July, August and September will have an effect on the water levels. There may even be additional reasons for the water level to drop such as animals drinking from the water feature. Both of these factors contribute to the lowering of the water levels beyond what is needed to sustain, not only the appearance, but the effectiveness of the water feature to sustain whatever plant and fish/animal life live in the water feature environment. If need be, top up with rainwater preferably as using tap water can encourage the growth of algae due to the nutrient content.

• Water plants as and when they need it - keep a watch on plants and if you see them wilting or drooping then apply water and watch them spring back to life.  Don't use too much water as you can drown some plants.

• Trim your hedges - cut them back in late summer to allow for the new growth in the spring.

• Prune back rambling roses, and trim lavender as it fades.  

• Cut the grass less frequently if the weather is very hot and dry. If you cut grass too tightly in this type of weather it may get scorched and die.

These are a few simple tips to help you through the warmer months.  More to follow as autumn and winter take hold.

Paving has tremendous advantages, and when it is laid properly it will last for years. As for maintenance of paving, a simple jet washing once a year should suffice. If the pointing is done correctly then weeds won't take hold in between the slabs. It is great for wheel chair use and can create the illusion of a larger garden. There are slabs of all shapes and colourings available, so paving can be made to look fantastic. A good landscaper can help you make the right choice and design something to suit your environment. Price can vary greatly depending on the type of slabs chosen e.g. concrete will be much cheaper than natural stone. When making your choice go for the maximum your budget allows as the slabs will be in place for a very long time. Paving The design of your paved area does not have to be linear, you can have circles, wavy lines and the slabs can be laid in patterns. Paving does not need to be boring.

Shingle is another possibility. It makes good ground cover and helps keep the weeds at bay. Again there are many different options in terms of colour and size. The shingle can be combined with paving to create features within the paving, break up the flatness and add texture to the garden. Shingle is more for visual effect and is not really for walking on so will not suit everyone, especially homes where wheelchair users live. But it could be used to create decorative borders and add interest to your garden. It is also good for driveways especially in rural areas and can act as a deterrent for unwelcome visitors as it is very difficult to approach quietly on shingle.

Artificial grass is a fantastic alternative to natural grass. In recent times it has become much more natural looking and there are many different shades of green shades and textures to choose from. You can choose from samples in the same way that you would choose a carpet. A good landscaper would firstly prepare the ground and lay a membrane to prevent weeds but allow drainage as with shingle. The artificial turf would then be fixed into place. Obviously it would require no maintenance but may need washing down with a hose to keep clean especially if you have a pet. The surface is pre-treated so it doesn't lose its colour in the sun.

To enhance the paving, shingle or artificial grass you could line the edges with railway sleepers. Potted plants need looking after so it's best to select more tropical plants and larger tubs that hold more water. You will still need to protect them in the winter. In the borders go for slow growing evergreens and lots of bark mulch to keep the weeds at bay. For colour why not add boulders, garden ornaments and flowering slow growing annuals.

An attractive, user friendly and easy to maintain garden is achievable. It is advisable to consult the experts if you want to remodel your garden. A good landscaper will give you all the advice and assistance you need. Your garden is a living space which can provide endless hours of enjoyment.