Head Gardener's notes July 2026
First published 23rd Jul, 2026By Ben Barker, Head Gardener
Watering has been the name of the game this month in Bute and the wider city as we try to navigate this ongoing dry spell. While we’re constantly striving to use more drought-tolerant and sustainable stock in any new planting, the lack of rain has even begun to affect established shrubs and perennials.
Another visible effect of the conditions has been the emergence of our autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale a good three months ahead of when we’d usually expect to see it, as well as some of the Acers beginning to show some autumn colours in their foliage.
Elsewhere the lack of rain has meant that some plants which usually take a beating with any deluge have been standing tall and proud. On the herbaceous border, Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ have been thriving, while the Blackfriars site is abuzz with pollinators on Echinacea purpurea, Veronicastrum ‘Album’ and Monarda ‘Fireball’.
Our dedicated team of volunteers have been braving the heat to keep the borders and beds tidy, as well as mulching underneath young trees to retain some moisture.
The Wisteria on the end of the Millennium Bridge has been pruned this month too. Having almost finished flowering, shortening the whippy growth from this year not only keeps it out of the way of cyclists and the public on the bridge, but helps to encourage next year’s flower buds to develop by allowing in sun and air.
Look out for:
The beautiful 'strawberries and cream' Hydrangea paniculata at Blackfriars Friary.
