David Domoney shares the one simple addition that can transform your garden

Planting a tree brings lasting rewards. Whether you’re after structure, seasonal colour or a boost for local wildlife, the right tree adds beauty and purpose to any garden.

And whilst trees are best planted in spring or autumn rather than the height of summer, you can buy them in containers now. Just ensure you water them in well when planting. Find out some great trees to choose from to best suit your space.

For gardeners who love floral displays, these trees offer wonderful seasonal blooms and attract pollinators too.

Malus ‘Profusion’ is a spring star, with purplish-pink blossom followed by bronzed leaves and rich purple fruits through summer.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella’ (silk tree) brings a tropical feel, flowering in July with fluffy pink blooms loved by bees. Best in warm, sheltered gardens,in a frost-free position or withfrost protection.

Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) produces pink, pea-like flowers on bare stems in spring. Now, its rounded leaves add elegant structure through summer.

Some trees shine across multiple seasons with flowers, foliage and fruit.

Amelanchier lamarckii bursts into life with spring blossom, followed by summer berries and vibrant autumn leaves in red and orange.

Prunus ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ surprises with soft pinkflowers from late autumn through winter, when littleelse is in bloom.

It’s best to wait until autumn to plant trees into the ground, when cooler temperatures and moisture help them settle in. However, container-grown trees can be planted in July with plenty of water and care.

Soak the rootball before planting, and dig a wide, shallow hole no deeper than the pot.

Mulch with 5-8cm of organic matter, keeping it clear of the trunk. Water deeply once or twice weekly, applying 30-50 litres in dry spells. Check ties, remove suckers, and keep a 1.2m weed-free zone around young trees.

With the rightcare, your trees will thrive for seasons to come.

Even compact gardens can benefit from the charm and character that trees bring. Many varieties grow happily in containers or stay naturally small and manageable.

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’

A slender-growing cherry perfect for tight spots. Semi-double pink spring blossom is followed by fiery autumn foliage.

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

Deep purple, heart-shaped leaves give striking contrast. Slow-growing and happy in sun or part-shade.

Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’

Cream and pink variegated foliage adds soft­colour. Lollipop-shaped, it’s great for pots.

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

A Japanese maple with a graceful shape and red-purple leaves. Perfect for containers or sheltered beds.

Vaccinium ‘Bluecrop’

Technically a shrub, but its sweet fruit, seasonal interest and compact form make it ideal for pots

1. In greenhouses, ensure your ventilation is working effectively, and add shading to prevent plants from overheating. In hot spells, temperatures can soar quickly, so open vents early to keep conditions cooler. Keder greenhouses are uniquely designed to help this, with cladding evenly distributing light to prevent scorching.

2. Remove the lower leaves of tomato plants, particularly those that are yellowing or are in contact with the soil. This improves airflow around the base, reducing the risk of blight and fungal issues, helping the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy, ripe fruit.

3. Tie in climbers and training plants such as beans, clematis or sweet peas. Use soft string or garden twine to support stems and guide them up their frames. Regular tying during the summer months keeps growth tidy and prevents damage from winds or heavy blooms.

4. Water your vegetable beds regularly and deeply. A steady supply of water helps to prevent bolting in leafy crops and reduces splitting in tomatoes and courgettes. Water in the early morning or the evening so moisture has time to properly soak in, reaching the roots where it’s needed most. Find out more about watering your garden with the ease of Irrigatia’s drip-irrigation systems at my YouTube channel @daviddomoney.

5. Pinch out fuchsias by removing the soft tips of young shoots. This encourages bushier growth and more blooms, giving you a fuller and more floriferous display.

Few climbers offer the sheer variety and visual impact of clematis. With an array of starry blooms, in colours ranging from deep purples to pale pastels, they bring elegance and vertical interest just as summer reachesits peak.
July is a prime month for many summer-flowering varieties. Group 3 clematis, like “Polish Spirit” or “Étoile Violette”, are in full swing now, flowering on new season’s growth. Their rich colours and generous flowering habits make them perfect for fences, obelisks and trellises.

Group 2 types, such as “Niobe” and “Mrs N. Thompson”, may offer a second flush if deadheaded and lightly pruned after their first bloom.

Clematis like sunny tops and cool roots. Mulch well or underplant with low-growing perennials to shade the base. Water regularly in dry spells and feed with a high-potash fertiliser to keep blooms coming.
Compact varieties like “Edda” or “The President” are ideal for pots, adding colour to balconies and patios. Tie in new growth to keep plants supported and flowering upwards.

Fun fact: “Clematis” originates from the Ancient Greek word “klema”, meaning “vine branch” or “shoot”, aptly describing its climbing nature.

• During Wimbledon, around 28,000kg of strawberries are enjoyed with cream. Grown mainly in Kent, the fruit is picked and delivered daily, ensuring peak freshness. It’s a summer tradition almost as beloved as the tennis itself.
• Castor oil plants add tropical drama to borders with their bold leaves but the seeds are highly toxic. They contain ricin, a potent natural compound, so plant them with care, especially around children and pets.
• The very first lawnmower was made in Gloucestershire in 1830 by Edwin Beard Budding.Inspired by cloth-cutting machines in mills, it revolutionised lawn care and remains the basis for modern mowers used today.
• Satisfyingly crunchy, radishes are ready to harvest just four weeks after sowing. They thrive in sunny spots, grow well in containers, and are perfect for filling gaps between slower crops inveg beds.