Plant this
If you hate deadheading, daylilies are for you. Each flower lasts just a day, but they keep coming from late spring to late summer. They need fertile soil in partial shade or sun; mulch in spring to help keep in moisture. Good varieties include Hemerocallis ‘Whichford’, which has delicate greenish-yellow flowers, the meaty claret and gold ‘Bela Lugosi’, and lemon-yellow ‘Marion Vaughn’.
Record this
There are few insects prettier than the rosemary beetle, with its metallic green and purple stripes. Unfortunately, this relatively new arrival in the UK (first sighted in 1994) wants to munch your lavender, rosemary, thyme and sage. Right now is when you’ll spot the adult beetles eating your plants; they lay eggs in late summer, then the larvae join the party. Stick a sheet under affected plants, shake them out, then squish. Report your sightings to the RHS survey at is.gd/rosemarybeetle.
Visit this
You’ll recognise Chenies Manor in Buckinghamshire from numerous films and TV series; tomorrow’s plant fair is a chance to see the beautiful gardens and browse the offerings of 70 specialist nurseries from around the country. From 10am to 5pm; details at cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk.
