Moving into August, there can often be a bit of a lull in the garden, both in terms of work but also in the display and appearance of plants. However, use of new varieties and rediscovery of old plants has meant this no longer needs to be the case. One such shrub which has undergone something of a resurgence in popularity over recent years is the hydrangea (pictured inset).

Here at Standen, we have some beds of this plant which date back decades from when they were last in vogue. Hydrangeas need a little care and attention when first planted, as they can suffer in hot dry spells, but once established they will flower from July until October, in a range of colours from white through to pink and deep blue, some even a wonderful acid green. There are many new varieties with wonderful star-shaped flowers and ranges of colour on one single plant.

In August we also carry out some general maintenance work – this includes lawns, which can often suffer in hot dry weather. It’s not generally worth watering these unless they are newly-grown from turf or from seed this year, as they will recover when the rains return. However, do not cut the grass too short – allow some growth to shade the roots from the worst of the sun. It’s sometimes worth doing a very high cut to remove the seed heads and stalks which often appear at this time of year.

In the kitchen garden, there should be much to harvest, including sweetcorn, some potatoes and onions. You can also plant new potato setts to be ready in time for Christmas – these are often best done in containers, which can be moved, as the sun gets lower into a more favoured spot. The taste of very fresh new potatoes in the middle of winter is like nothing else.

Don’t forget to ensure that plants in containers stay watered. Even in damp weather, some additional water will be required every day at this time of year. But most of all; make sure you get outside and enjoy your garden.

  • Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE, Tel: 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen
  • House, garden, restaurant and shop open every day from Feb 16 to Dec 24 (weekends only from Nov 9 to 24)