Garden Work

The last of the early-flowering clematis are finishing now, with the rampant but beautiful Clematis montana in its final flush. Most of the early ones (which fall into a category called Pruning Group 1) need no pruning at all - just a little tidying up immediately after flowering. C.montana can do with a slightly more severe cut if it has got away from you. After pruning (or not pruning, as may be), spread fertiliser and some blood-fish-and-bone at the base of the plant. Work this into the top five centimetres of soil with a hand trowel or fork, being careful not to damage the roots. Water well and mulch with a good layer of garden compost or well-rotted manure. Keep all clematis well watered during the summer, particularly those planted at the base of a wall, where it will be dry.