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Wimbledon without rain, good weather for Chelsea and a steaming Hampton Court Flower Show forecast; Summer has arrived!

My garden looked at its best at the end of May and the beginning of June and is now slightly 'flopping' with vigorous growth and a lack of rain! However, the Allium were amazing as ever, the flowering Cornus and Viburnum were outstanding and the Philadelphus is now flowering like it's never flowered before!

Work continues on the pond area at the large garden in Buckinghamshire and we're building decks, boardwalks and broad oak steps down to the water. The first phase of planting around the ponds has now bedded in and planning is starting on the beds which sit in front of the ponds; a mix of some ornamental and lots of natural-looking planting will bridge this area between semi-cultivated and wild garden. We've also thinned the self seeded trees from the woodland area and are busy creating a natural space full of copses, lovely trees, willow walks and natural woodland paths which will form a complete contrast to the formal gardens behind the house. We're retaining any trees that have grown in an unusual way or have kinks and bends that will make perfect seats and lovely sculptural features. Grassed paths will take the visitor on a relaxing, meandering walk around the magical space.