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The sunflower trial at Parham House is still ongoing, with many of the taller varieties still growing skywards without any flowers! But Tom鈥檚 been impressed with some of the shorter varieties, many of which look great in a vase. Here are his top five recommendations:聽

• 闯耻苍颈辞谤:听Early, dwarf variety with a vast amount of flowers. No staking required.
• Italian White:聽At around 2m (6ft) high, this multi-stemmed sunflower has small, cream flowers with a dark centre.
• 惭耻苍肠丑办颈苍:听Classic dwarf yellow variety with long side-shoots. No staking required.
• Santa Lucia:聽Flowers have an antique look about them and look great when mixed with dark dahlias. Likely to grow to 1.5m (4.5ft).
• 厂辞苍箩补:听Small golden flowers that associate well with other flowers.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

Dry shade is one of the most difficult conditions to deal with in the garden and one many gardeners wrestle with. As Monty says, lifting or thinning the tree canopy will help to increase light levels and soils can be improved with the addition of compost or leafmould. Here are some other solutions:

• Raised beds:聽Consider creating a low wall around the problem area with boards or a ring of stones and then backfill with improved soil. This will really help to get plants well established.
• Plant in containers:聽A collection of pots neatly arranged and planted up can make a success of an otherwise uninspiring corner of the garden. As well as perennial plants, seasonal bedding can be included like begonias and busy lizzies to bring brightness to what can be a dull area.
• Watering: Keeping plants well watered in their first season is the key to success. A good soaking once a week is far better than giving them a quick drink every day. Consider burying a seep hose watering system through the area and, once planted, mulching with a thick layer of bark chippings.

Dry shade need not spell gardening doom! Rather than a problem, see it as an opportunity for yet more wonderful plants.

(www.rhs.org.uk

Summer-fruiting raspberries produce fruit on the previous year鈥檚 canes. Now that fruiting is over, it鈥檚 important to remove the old canes and tie in the new growth ready for next season鈥檚 crop.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

Many perennials benefit from being cut back at this time of year. As well as helping to promote new growth, with some types you may even get a second flush of flowers.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

As chillies and sweet peppers begin to ripen, don鈥檛 hesitate to harvest them. Whilst they may look pleasing when left on the plant, in doing so you鈥檒l inhibit further flower formation and thereby reduce yields.

(www.rhs.org.uk)