A bit later than normal but many of the (shade) trees have produced an abundance of flower and colour this last several weeks, especially the Poinciana both red and orange (Delonix regia), Lonchocarpus violaceus, Plumeria sp. (Frangipani) and Golden Shower (Cassia fistula). After some pretty fiercely hot days in June, July arrived with one overcast day and some wet weather, which will no doubt be a turning point for the floriferous nature of the oleander, until it produces a fresh flush of growth and flower.

It is a pleasure to see the amount of flower that has been produced this year, it is also interesting to note that the above mentioned trees have flowered on their own initiative, in other words they have not been constantly hacked!

Does this not prove the same could be achieved with shrubs if left alone; just imagine the floriferous nature of oleander, hibiscus etc if allowed to grow naturally for several months ?.untouched by human hand! Shrubs which have proven themselves to date include Cryptostegia madagascariensis (Rubber vine) and rambling vine like shrub with purple tubular flowers; Jatropha hastate (Peregrine) a rangy shrub festooned with red flowers, and when inter-planted with blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) really makes a statement. Salvias have done well to date, especially S. greggii (red); S. Beauty of Bath (Peuce) and leucocephala (purple), when inter-planted with the red Cuphea Batman the contrast is stunning. Hamelia patens are a worthy addition to any garden its fiery red flowers and reddish tinged foliage add much interest when planted between green foliage plantings.

Oleander and hibiscus have been in full throttle this past month, and hopefully will continue to display their attributes for the rest of the summer?..if left alone!!!

Hedges should be allowed to flower naturally, if there is a constant need to 'prune' it is because they are planted to close together or the boundary or road.

Trees are usually not pruned on a regular basis because they are too big to work on with ease and they are located - not always - far enough away from the property so as not to be a nuisance. Shrubs on the other hand are the bread and butter of the machete wielding gardener!!!!

When considering additional or replacement plantings, it makes sense to consider what is the best location for the proposed plant, the planting distance apart and size of planting hole and of course what will do well in the garden.

So many times ones sees hedges planted within inches of a wall or boundary and even too close together with the result that the plant does not attain its potential; such lack of forward planning or basic understanding of the needs of the plants can only cause problems and with it an ongoing cost of unnecessary maintenance.

When looking at the garden consider what would improve its being and aim to select material that will fill this need. Numerous plants are candidates for use but by considering the pluses and minuses of each will help to narrow the selection process. Plants by their very nature have specific 'likes and dislikes' some will grow well on the coast whilst others prefer protection with many variations in-between.

Visits to parks and other gardens oft enhance the thought process in seeing plants that would otherwise not have been considered.

A garden is created by many aspects including leaf shape and texture, flower colour and shape, seed and fruit production, bark colouration etc; it is therefore an integral part of the design process to look for the 'unusual' or plants that will meld together in the landscape.

Foliage can make just as much of a statement as can flowers, e.g. Alpinia zerumbet has variegated foliage, Monstera deliciosa (Locust and Wild Honey) has heavily cut leaves, and the Epipremnum sp. (Pothos) has - when mature - large variegated foliage, which adorns trees in a natural manner; the latter often considered a weed is in my opinion a good plant in the right area.

Several of the agaves species and Aloe species are also interesting in their makeup, with several species having foliage in the form of a rosette.

New introductions to the landscape ? and the island ? are always worth a try; so visit the nurseries and look at the new material with the 'old' and together they could well end up gracing your landscape.

Always ask questions as to the best location as this is oft the determining factor whether a plant does well or simply survives.

Having discussed the above, let us not forget the need for feeding the landscape and preventing the problems of pests and diseases, collectively they will determine whether you have what you are looking for, and only you know that!!