This July we have some great tips for the garden. Andrew Reed of Acanthus has been established on the Riviera for more than 15 years.

• Seasonal plants such as Geraniums or similar - remove the dead flower heads as this will encourage new flowers.
   
• Roses - remove the dead flowers two or three leaves below the flowers. Choose a leaf that is facing in the direction you want the new shoot to grow.
   
• Vegetable garden - still time to plant lettuce, radish, courgette, beetroot and tomatoes.
   
• Watering - at this time of year when the temperature are rising, it is best to water all plants in the evening.
   
• Plants such as roses - avoid watering the leaves as it will reduce the spread of diseases such as powdery mildew. The same applies to most plants with soft foliage.
   
• Lawns consume a lot of water and if you are unable to afford daily watering don't worry if the lawn turns yellow or even brown as when it rains later in the year the lawn will turn green again.
   
• Also do not cut lawns too short as this will also cause them to suffer and go brown. Plants need leaves to draw up the water from their roots so cut at around 25 to 30mm high to keep a green lawn some rustic grasses are better left a little longer.
   
• Keep a good look out for pests - check young shoots to see signs of pests. Most common at this time is Aphids (sap-sucking insects) on plants with soft shoots such as roses, seasonal plants and even citrus with soft new shoots. Also caterpillas will now be active so look for leaves that have been eaten, also olives are now setting on the trees and in a couple of weeks time you may wish treat to prevent the fruits from pests.

When treating all pests and disease in the garden garden, opt for organic products. Les jardineries Petruccioli, 528 Boulevard du Mercantour, Nice, have been actively promoting organic treatments and also the use of preditor pests and electronic methods for keeping certain pests away.

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Beautiful at this time of the year: Hydrangea