Gardening tips for August: see to camellias

The spring glory of camellias in flower is long past, and it would be easy to leave them to their own devices for the summer months. However, this is the time when buds are being invisibly formed for next year's display. The good gardener, therefore, always with an eye on the future, will attend to camellias grown in tubs by watering plentifully. Rainwater is the stuff, of course, wisely gathered in water butts, as the camellia will gradually demonstrate its resentment of the alkaline tap water supplied in many parts of the country. So much the better to ease your conscience.