Just as my prized hydrangeas and young dahlias have started to flower, another heatwave has hit.
Like many worried gardeners, I've spent the week trying to help my garden plants cope with the soaring temperatures and rare red weather warnings (my propagated lavender is looking a little sad, and my flower wreath has wilted).
I've been following all the clever advice from Country Living's gardening team, including watering once the sun has gone down and mulching to improve moisture retention.
But there's one two-minute trick that has worked wonders with my potted patio plants: using a parasol for extra shade. Every morning, after my coffee, I put up my parasol and position it over the pots that need extra protection. It's a simple way to stop the leaves from scorching in the sun and help prevent heat stress.
It's also a great trick for heavier containers that can't easily be moved into shadier corners. I use a lightweight parasol that is easy to prop up and reposition throughout the day. Plants under my parasol include herbs, hydrangeas, a rose bush and summer-flowering bulbs like gladioli.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, agrees, adding: "To help your plants, you'll want to make sure you're giving them some relief from the sun by moving them into the shade.
"Move potted plants into shaded areas during the hottest part of the day to provide them with some relief. For heavy pots or garden beds, you can get shade cloths or make your own temporary one out of an old fitted bed sheet."
There are also some gardening jobs to hold off on while the temperatures continue to climb.
"Things like pruning and fertilising can bring plants extra unnecessary stress, so give these jobs a miss until the heatwaves pass," adds Chris.
With the warm weather set to continue, why not give your plants the relief from the sun they deserve.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
