To date it has been a relatively good growing season with much growth and extended flowering periods, however, we may still have the chance of a hurricane passing by, in which case manual pruning is far better than storm damage which can have major effects on future branch development and ultimately shape.

Heavy growth should be thinned out as soon as possible to avoid potential storm damage which can be destructive to well formed branch systems and also weaken growth. Snagging or tearing of bark is a potential opening for diseases.

Remove lower whorl of palm fronds that overhang roads, paths etc or 'rubbing' against walls during windy conditions. Do not remove too many palm fronds as this will weaken the head especially during winter storms.

Ground cover and low growing plants such as Pentas. Lantana, Plumbago and Evolvulus (Blue Daze) can be pruned lightly to remove dead flower heads and generate new growth and flowers. Most plants will slow growth once the clocks fall back, but will still look good if we have no strong winds, light pruning as deemed appropriate should be selective on such plants.

St. Augustine lawns are being attacked by chinch bug which can be rampant in hot dry seasons, I have noticed an increase in activity from a month ago when I left for vacation. Chemical control be it granular or liquid should be applied as per the label instructions, and repeated as deemed appropriate.

As new growth appears especially with hot wet weather inducing growth – as is presently the case – aphids and caterpillars especially could be a problem and regular checks of the garden should be made in order to 'hit' the problem when first seen. Cutworms have been active of late on young seedlings therefore beware of such problems if sowing seed.

We are moving into the major annual planting season, which will give us colour in the garden through the rest of the year. I was most impressed with annual plantings during my recent trip through eastern and western Europe, were they are a major ingredient for visual impact in parks and as street plantings etc.

Carpet bedding is often seen in the roundabouts going into Hamilton and in the Corporation of Hamilton's parks as well as the Botanical Gardens, their impact is immediate bursting forth with a palette colours. Carpet bedding can comprise a mix of colours within the same plant or a mix of totally different types of plant; configuration of the planting area will oft dictate the style of planting.

Annuals are found in a range of colours in every type from the ground hugging Alyssum and Lobelia to the taller growing Gypsophila and Larkspur. Single colours can be boring as the eye tends to lose the impact immediately whereas mixed colours hold the attention and perhaps more so when several varieties of plants are used.

Height is also important when designing a bed, as the shape and location will dictate the 'arrangement' of plant types; circular or island beds should have the taller plantings in the centre and the ground hugging plants to the front of the bed, thus creating an appearance of colour cascading down from top to bottom.

Flower beds which are against a wall, hedge or planting of shrubs should to some degree follow the same rule with taller plants being to the rear. When using annuals in combination with shrubs a different perspective should be introduced, whereby each variety of plant is literally 'designed for each planting area, in other words the extent of the area and type of foundation planting should be the determining factor in the size and type of annual used.

To add interest to the planting bed use containers within the planting area; when filled with annuals the effect is colour with a touch of the ornamental; the various shaped containers adding character and complementing the surrounding areas.

Using annuals in containers is an excellent method of creating colour in small areas such as patios, around a deck, in front of house entrance or inner courtyards. To make bold statements use modular plantings which create a mass of colour, can be really eye stopping with the right combinations.

For out of season interest in the garden – contingent on weather conditions – consider plunge plantings in containers; this is a good way of 'airing' plants from the slat house or from areas in the garden and gives a new dimension to the areas during the winter season.

Plants can range from large container material to some types of orchids, daisies, flowering begonias etc. The really creative statement can be simple yet so effective; an old milk churn with character or wooden wheel-barrow filled with scented geraniums add interest especially if located in an impact area. Junk is only such when it has no raison'd'être, and one never knows where the next craze will be found!