Plant this
If perennials keep flaking out in your sunny, drought-prone border, Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) ‘Amazone’ may be the answer. Spires of dark red stems hold a series of little powderpuffs of lilac flowers in July and August, and these persist through to spring, when the dried seedheads can be cut back ready for the next display. Team with ornamental grasses, perovskias and sanguisorbas. Height and spread 1.2m x 1m.
Count this
Butterflies are nature’s early warning systems. When something changes in an ecosystem, they are the first to respond – and sadly most species are in decline. If you have 15 minutes to spare this weekend, take part in the Big Butterfly Count for the charity Butterfly Conservation. Download an ID chart and log your findings at bigbutterflycount.org.
Visit this
The gardens at Boughton House in Northamptonshire may date from the 18th century, but they aren’t set in aspic like many stately homes. Orpheus, a breathtaking 21st century garden by Kim Wilkie, is a must-see. The gardens – and an exhibition about their history – are open from midday to 5pm daily until 31 August. Details at boughtonhouse.co.uk.
