Nymans is famous for its roses and they are at their best in late June. Our David Austen English roses and Old roses are coming into flower, and their heady fragrance wafts enticingly through the garden. These types of roses are tremendous repeat flowerers and by sneakily tricking Mother Nature, we can have sumptuous blooms from summer through to late autumn.

Deadheading is key to this perpetual floral display; a plant’s aim in life is to set seed and produce new plants. But by taking off the fading flowers, this prevents it from doing so, and the plant will desperately create new flowers to try to produce seeds. Deadhead using a pair of secateurs, or by gently snapping off the fading flowers. This can be done any time the flowers start to turn brown.

It is always wise to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors among the roses while deadheading – aphids in particular. These tiny green insects suck the sap out of new shoots, distorting the growth of the foliage and encouraging mould. But they’re very easy to get rid of; just rub them off with your fingers.

Pests can also be deterred by making your garden more welcoming for beneficial insects and birds, which will happily munch many of them up. This can be achieved by simply feeding the birds and leaving the grass to grow long in unused areas of the garden.

Early-summer flowering shrubs, such as deutzias, forsythia and philadelphus will also benefit from a pruning straight after flowering. These fast-growing plants produce flowers on last season’s growth. Pruning will prevent the shrub turning into a sprawling garden giant and the plant will be grateful for it, repaying you next year with a vigorous display of fabulous flowers.

There are many things to do in the garden at this time of year. Although the weeds keep growing and the grass needs mowing, the most important of all is to get out there and enjoy it.

Nymans is at its peak in June – with glorious summer borders, magnificent roses and a beautiful wildflower meadow which is perfect for picnics. Come and visit!

  • Nymans, Handcross, nr Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB, Tel: 01444 405250, www.national trust.org.uk/nymans
  • Gardens, woods, restaurant, shop and plant centre open every day (except Dec 25). House open every day from Mar 1 to Oct 31