Time for action on plant propagation

Opportunities for plant propagation increase as summer progresses. Look at the wealth of growth in your garden and short of talking out loud to a favourite plant, at least think, 'Which part of you can I encourage to take root?'

- BY TOM PATTINSON

In many cases a softwood stem cutting will do the trick. This is ideally a side shoot of new growth 10cm in length. Such suitable material can be found on a wide range of plants from alpines to shrubs.

Some sources of information will advise the best time of year for taking such cuttings of specific plants and that 's fine but don't let that put you off experimenting.

If a plant has suitable material in winter - as penstemon can have - try rooting it!

Remove a side shoot from a plant by cutting just below a leaf joint (node).