Plant expert Elise Harlock has shared six flowers to plant for a ‘glorious summer garden’
As the days stretch out and the chill in the air gives way to warmer breezes, it’s the ideal moment to get your hands dirty in the garden.
Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, has revealed six easy-to-grow flowers that promise a stunning summer display with “minimal effort”.
The gardening guru assures that getting your garden summer-ready doesn’t have to be a headache or high-maintenance. Elise says: “Spring is the season of renewal, and the flowers you plant now will set the stage for a spectacular summer display.
“Whether you love bold colours, delicate pastels or fragrant blooms, there’s something for every garden.”
Six easy-to-grow summer flowers
1. Sunflowers
Elise notes: “Nothing says summer quite like sunflowers. They’re cheerful, easy to grow, and brilliant for attracting bees.”, reports the Express.
She advises that they thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and aside from that, they’re pretty straightforward if you plant them now.
2. Sweet peas
For those who adore a scented garden, sweet peas “are a must”, Elise suggests. With their lovely hues of soft pinks, purples, and whites, they can be planted in pots right away for blooms by mid-summer.
3. Dahlias
“Dahlias are an absolute favourite for summer gardens. They bloom from mid-summer right into autumn, giving you months of gorgeous flowers.”
Elise explains. She recommends planting them in April or May after the threat of late frost is gone to ensure the best blooms.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are perfect for novice gardeners due to their simplicity to cultivate, the expert points out.
With their vibrant orange and yellow hues, these flowers are perfect for both borders and pots, keeping pests at bay as they flourish.
5. Lavender
For that quintessential Provencal vibe in your garden, you can’t go wrong with lavender, thriving best in well-drained soil and basking in full sun.
Elise remarked: “Lavender not only smells incredible, but it’s also fantastic for pollinators. Plant it now, and by summer, you’ll have a sea of fragrant purple flowers.”
6. Cosmos
For those after an easy-going wildflower, cosmos is a stellar pick, requiring just the occasional deadheading to keep the blooms coming.The expert commented: “Cosmos are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, and they just keep blooming. They’ll fill your garden with delicate, daisy-like flowers well into autumn.”
