Summer is finally here – and many are indulging in some outdoor time in their beautiful gardens.
BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don shared a spectacular snap of his garden on Instagram, showcasing the stunning flowers thriving in the current weather conditions. Among the gorgeous blooms is one variety that has taken him by surprise.
The 69-year-old presenter posted a picture of his breathtaking roses, declaring: “It has been one of the best years for roses for a very long time. I put it down to the dry spring which meant they grew hard and healthy as the new growth and buds were forming.”
His garden is adorned with an array of Gertrude Jekyll roses, known for their striking pink color and powerful fragrance.
For those looking to replicate this look in their own gardens, Gardeners’ World advises: “Grow Gertrude Jekyll in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost.”
The Royal Horticultural Society also recommends: “Plant a rose in conditions it enjoys and it will reward you by growing healthy and strong so think about the conditions in your garden.”
Fans of Monty took to the comments to praise his garden, with many complimenting its beauty. One thrilled gardener boasted: “Mine are the best they’ve ever been too. I thought it might be down to the inches thick layer of well rotted manure I put around them all last autumn!”.
Another delightedly penned: “Yes Monty, it’s been marvellously prolific with blooms.” A third was in awe, commenting: “And they look so beautiful, simply gorgeous.”
Meanwhile, a fourth recalled: “When we had that blazing hot summer two/three years ago, I really thought the roses wouldn’t survive. But far from it – they were the best I’d ever seen, even some miniature roses thrived.”
Best flowers to plant in June
June is a fantastic time to plant a wide range of flowers in the UK, especially as the risk of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Here are some of the best flowers to plant in June, either as seeds or young plants:
Annuals (for quick summer colour)
- Cosmos – Easy to grow, blooms all summer.
- Nasturtiums – Vibrant, edible flowers, great for borders and pots.
- Marigolds – Hardy and great for deterring pests.
- Sunflowers – Tall and cheerful, loved by pollinators.
- Zinnias – Bright, long-lasting blooms.
Biennials (for flowers next year)
- Foxgloves – Sow seeds now for blooms next spring/summer.
- Wallflowers – Sow in June for spring colour next year.
- Sweet Williams – Fragrant and colourful, sow now for next year.
Perennials (for long-term planting)
- Delphiniums – Tall spikes, great for the back of borders.
- Lupins – Bold, architectural flowers.
- Echinacea (Coneflower) – Great for pollinators and late summer blooms.
- Rudbeckia – Daisy-like flowers, bloom late summer into autumn.