In an island where occasionally, there isn’t even room to swing a cat (though why you should do that to the poor feline is, frankly, beyond us), outdoor space comes at a premium. Which is why every time we come across a public open space, we react with uncontrolled enthusiasm – kids scream and adults go into squatting mode.

For those lucky enough to have a garden, summer is, excuse the pun, the time to have a field day. Fruit trees are heavy with juicy produce, tropical plants are in full bloom, the bougainvillea is like a scarlet gash clambering up the walls, and the lawn plays with your toes every time you step on it.

But nothing happens by chance – you cannot just lie back on the sun lounger, frilly drink in hand, and watch as your summer garden blooms. Well, actually you can, but only after you have mulched, watered and carefully chosen your plants. Cultivating a summer garden is hard work – but the reward is bloomingly beautiful.

To the dig

Before planting, first get to know your garden – learn which parts are in full sun, full shade, partial sun and partial shade and plant accordingly. While some summer plants will thrive in full or partial sun, others cannot stand the heat.

Also, consider the size of your garden. If your patch of soil is just that – a patch – then you need to find a common theme. Otherwise, your garden will look too busy and, consequently, smaller and cluttered. If you have a large garden, then you can plan different areas.

Choosing your plants

When choosing what to plant, go for Mediterranean plants that require low maintenance and which can take our climate. That doesn’t mean that you will not have any flowers – begonias and fuchsias, for instance, are ideal for summer while lantana is as hardy as they come.

Perennials are also a wise option, since they have deeper root systems and therefore require less frequent watering. With smaller perennials, it’s best to plant in groups – plants of the heuchera variety combine well together and put on a colourful show that lasts all summer.

Summer gardening

Malta’s summer is beautiful, yet cruel – the heat is scorching, the atmosphere dusty and there isn’t a rain cloud to be seen. In such unfavourable conditions, you need to pull out all the stops to keep your garden looking green throughout the summer. The most important consideration is the dry climate. Rather than watering your plants frequently, you need to give them more water, less frequently. This will also encourage roots to grow deeper, where they are less likely to dry out. Also, avoid soggy soil as this encourages plant diseases.

That said, keep in mind that plants have different watering needs – it’s important to group plants according to how much water they require.

To help the plants retain water for longer periods, add a layer of mulch around them – this traps moisture in the soil while keeping the roots cool.

If you have a large garden, invest in a drip irrigation system – this will slowly soak the soil, therefore reducing consumption considerably.

Herbs and vegetables

There’s nothing more beautiful than the smell of herbs riding the summer breeze.

Dedicate an area of your garden to herbs which you can use in your kitchen. Basil, for instance, is the essential summer herb. Plant in the early summer and then transplant to your garden. Coriander and mint also add to the sweet smell in your garden – while coriander takes curries to a different level, mint is great for an evening in the company of mojitos.

If you can afford the space, consider expanding your choice to vegetables. Summer vegetables have short growing times and can be harvested in a few weeks. Growing tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, green onions, zucchini and other heat-loving vegetables is easy – just take good care of them and they will take good care of your summer recipes.

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