The best summer plants to add colour and interest and attract wildlife to your garden
We had some extraordinary weather last week and we do hope that your beloved plants have survived the searing sun, write Lucy and Sally Lewis from Folies of Stansted.
Now that we are through it, we can enjoy warmer weather and longer days of summer which is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy your garden. But what should you be growing during this season?
Here are some of our favourite summer plants that will add colour, interest and even attract wildlife to your garden.
Monarda
Also known as bee balm, this colourful plant is a favourite of bees and other pollinators.
Its magnificent heads bob gently at the back of a border and, you will be pleased to hear, have proved to tolerate the intense heat and strong sun.
Dahlias
A favourite of many gardeners, dahlias come in a wide range of colours and sizes.
They are long flowering and the open sunny faces of some varieties are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
They make great cut flowers and are also attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Agastache
A member of the mint family, this plant has aromatic leaves that make it perfect for adding to summer cocktails or salads.
Their gorgeous pinky mauve colour sits in beautiful harmony with the monarda.
Verbena bonariensis
Tall and slender, this plant is perfect for adding height to a summer border.
If grown in clumps they provide a mass of pretty purple flowers and are also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Hydrangeas
A classic summer shrub, hydrangeas come in a range of colours and flower shapes.
They provide brilliant late summer and early autumn colour and are a lovely stately addition to a border.
They are best grown in shady areas, but will tolerate sun if the soil isn't too dry.
Lythrum
Also known as purple loosestrife, this tall plant is perfect for growing near ponds or damp areas of the garden.
You can even grow this as a pond plant with its feet in the water, yet it will tolerate harsher conditions and can be grown amongst a wildflower mix.
Its colourful flowers are also great for cutting and adding to summer bouquets.
Leucanthemum
Commonly known as the daisy, this cheerful plant is perfect for adding a touch of summer to any garden.
They come in a large variety of shades of white and cream and, yes, are tolerant of drier, sunnier borders.
Agapanthus
Also known as the African lily, this plant is perfect for adding some exotic flair to your garden.
Its large blue or purple flowers are also great for cutting and adding to summer bouquets.
To finish it all off, why not make yourself a refreshing cocktail to enjoy as you sit and look at your enchanting garden.
There are so many amazing fruits and vegetables in season that can be used to make delicious drinks, and here is how to make a watermelon margarita.
Blend up some fresh watermelon and add in tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of watermelon or lime.
See www.foliesofstansted.com to find out more.
