Weekend Work: Time to cut out flower stems

What to do

Cut out flower stems from mock orange (philadelphus) leaving the new shoots to flower next season. Weigela needs the same treatment.

Gather herbs such as rosemary and thyme and hang them in bundles to dry in a cool airy place.

Mulch runner beans when the soil is damp, to conserve moisture. Thin kohlrabi plants so that they are not more than 15cm (6in) apart. Thin young beetroot.

Transplant purple sprouting broccoli plants, making a deep hole with a trowel and setting the young plants deep in the ground. Water them liberally into the holes, then firm down the earth around them.

Keep an eye on strawberry runners which quickly play havoc with a strawberry bed. On each plant, leave the two strongest and nip out the rest. Pick whitecurrants and redcurrants regularly.

Take cuttings of the climbing hydrangea, H. petiolaris. Use vigorous young side shoots about 8cm (3in) long and stick them into pots of a sandy compost. Firm the soil down well around them.

What to see

The New Urban Green brings together photographs by Jan Sebire and text by Caroline Beck. Together, they have explored the healing power of plants in an exhibition which runs until 28 Sept at the National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Rd, Knowsley, Liverpool L16 3NA. Call 0151 738 1913 or go to nwc.org.uk