Many of the early-flowering herbaceous varieties are now looking a bit untidy as they produce their seed. Unless you want to start raising more plants from seed, you should cut back the growth to just above ground level.

This is especially important for short-lived plants such as lupins, which last only a few years and even shorter if left to go to seed. As soon as the last flower has faded, the spikes can be cut back and with the help of a general fertilizer and a good soak the plants will produce fresh young leaves. If it stays warm they may even produce a second crop of smaller flowers as a bonus.

Having carried out this drastic pruning method, bare patches may have appeared in the borders! This is where you would strategically place pots of tender perennials like dahlias or even pots of lilies or annuals as temporary fillers.

Another job to consider is dividing the clumps of daffodils. If you have noticed that some of your daffodils did not flower this year then it is because the bulbs have multiplied and become overcrowded. This has resulted in them competing with each other to the point where they go ‘blind’ and refuse to flower. Lift large groups and divide them into individual bulbs which can be dried and stored until the autumn or replanted immediately.

Looking after clematis can be overwhelming because of the different types of pruning needed but here is the simple method. If the clematis flowers before the end of June then prune after flowering by shortening the side shoots back to 2-3 buds off the main framework of branches. If flowering occurs after June, then prune in the autumn (or February in colder areas) by cutting it back to a thick bud 15cm from the ground.

Plants for July are:

• Lonicera
  ‘Dropmore Scarlet’
• Phlox paniculata varieties and . . .
• Lavatera species

For a more ideas on plants for your garden this July, browse our full listing, or check out our Garden Plants page.