With the fifth heatwave of the summer in full swing, many gardens are looking rather sorry for themselves.
The flowers have faded, the soil is scorched and the grass hasn’t been green for eons. Summer can't last forever though – and with the arrival of autumn in t-minus 46 days (not that we're counting...), there’s work to be done to get your plot looking pretty again.
We spoke to some gardening gurus to see which fast-growing flowers to prioritise to bring beauty to your beds and borders once the season shifts.
1. Pansies
According to Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture, pansies are perfect.
"They are hardy so can survive in colder temperatures, and will provide colour all year round in your garden," he tells us.
"Pansies are easy to grow, and can be grown in all types of pots either on their own or mixed with other plants," he adds. "If you plant pansies from late summer to mid or late autumn, they should bloom through winter and the following spring, with late summer and early autumn planting giving them time to become established before winter."
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To keep your pansies flowering for longer, regularly remove dead flowers by pinching them off with your finger or using a pair of secateurs.
2. French marigolds
"French marigolds are fast-growing, and they will survive up until the first autumn frosts," says Richard. "However, it is best to purchase them as established potted plants instead of attempting to grow them from seed. They need to be planted somewhere sheltered, and planting in full sun can help to encourage plenty of flowers."
To keep yours looking better for longer, water marigolds often for the first few weeks until they have established.
"Removing dead flower heads can encourage the plant to develop more flowers, and it will also help to keep the plant looking tidy."
3. Cosmos
Cosmos are also great flowers to consider, flowering up until September. If you plant yours now, use mature, potted plants as seeds will not have enough time to establish before autumn frost.
"They need to be planted in a warm, sunny area, and taller varieties may need to be staked," says Richard. "Deadheading will encourage the plants to flower for longer, and when deadheading you need to cut the stem back to the first leaf beneath the flower. You can collect seed from cosmos to save them for sowing the following year, or allow the plants to self-seed."
4. Sweet alyssum
"Sweet alyssum can be grown for autumn colour as it can thrive in cooler weather and is capable of handling light frosts," says Richard. "Provided that the ground is free-draining and does not remain damp, alyssum can be grown in any type of soil.
"You will achieve the best flowers if grown in full sun, but you should still see good results if growing in light shade. Established plants require little maintenance, but after planting, the soil will need to be kept moist for several weeks."
Olly Peabody, CEO at Envii, creators of eco-friendly home and garden care solutions, adds:
5. Calendulas
Calendulas make the perfect colours to transition from summer to autumn, says Olly Peabody, CEO at Envii, creators of eco-friendly home and garden care solutions.
"Coupled with the fact they're frost-hardy, these are a breeze to care for as the months get colder. When sowing, position them in a sunny area with moisture-retaining soil," he says.
6. Larkspur (Giant Imperial Mixed)
"Giant Imperial Larkspur can be sown anytime between August and October," advises Olly. "Wonderfully easy to grow, their frost hardiness allows sprouted seedlings to last up until spring. Only requires partial shade and decent soil with good drainage.
"These flowers are a great addition for attracting pollinators in a vegetable garden. They’re also suitable for cutting once flowered. However, keep them away from pets or young children because they can be harmful if eaten."
7. Swan river daisy
Want to get a head start on next year's hanging baskets? Plant Purple Splendor Swan River Daisies, says Olly.
"These flowers can be sown anytime between now and September. Bringing purple-blue blooms to hanging baskets, window boxes, edges, borders or any other containers you can think of.
"Swan River Daisies love to grow in full sun with very fertile, well-draining soil. Aside from their charming colour, purple splendour varieties also give off a sweet scent."
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