GREEN HOUSE

GROWING With summer in full swing you might think the greenhouse has fulfilled its purpose, but there is still lots to be done, says Alan

- Alan

Summer! The time of year when the greenhouse has accomplished most of its work, up to a point. But the great thing about your miniature Crystal Palace right now is that it can become a pleasure dome.

During spring, with seed sowing and pricking out, the potting up of rooted cuttings and the potting on of plants as they grow, the greenhouse is a hive of activity – the hub of the garden where propagation is occupying most of your time and most of its space.

With summer comes a different pace: the tomatoes and cucumbers, and the peppers and melons, will need care and attention, there are cuttings to be taken and rooted, but don't overlook your house of glass when it comes to making it beautiful. There are so many flowering pot plants to choose from nowadays that your greenhouse can become an explosion of colour and scent – a conservatory where you can escape the cloudy days and summer showers.

The summer greenhouse

There are times when it is impossible to sit down for very long in the garden, mainly because there are so many jobs to be done. Jobs, you notice, not chores.

I loathe that word. It makes pottering sound like a drudge and I love pottering. But in summer, aside from being handy with the hosepipe and watering can - of which more later - it is important that we remind ourselves why we do this. Allotment holders will do it for the joy of the harvest, but in ‘the ornamental garden’ what is the point in putting in all that work if we don’t acknowledge and revel in those days when everything in the garden really is lovely?