Spanish broom is a fine shrub for summer, capable of reaching about three metres tall and wide. It covers itself with bright yellow flowers that are especially effective against a bright blue sky, recalling the region of its provenance.

It is too large for relatively small gardens and that is probably why it fell off the list of popular shrubs, as it was certainly much more popular about 20 years ago. There are plants growing in gardens that date from that time and even before. These are usually big, old plants that have been cut back numerous times to reduce their size. Size should not be as great a problem in a country garden, where there is usually a bit more space available, and Spanish broom is certainly a candidate.

Although it is called broom, it is a different plant to the ordinary broom native to Ireland as well as much of Europe. This plant is native to Spain, Portugal and the rest of southern Europe and even further east. It is a broom to the extent that it looks like ordinary broom, and it is related closely, being a member of the pea family, with both kinds of broom producing pea-type flowers. But Spanish broom has bigger stems than ordinary broom – more bloated, hollow and bright green. Their structure is reminiscent of a field rush, which is referred to in the botanical name Spartium junceum, “juncus” being the botanical name for the common field rush. This plant is unusual enough to have its own genus and species.

When not in flower and especially before the first flowers open, the upright rush-like stems are quite decorative in theme – fresh and lively green. And they are effective in winter, too – pleasantly green. The true leaves are very small and relatively few in number, and they are shed. This plant has adapted, because of its ability to survive in hot regions, to using its shoots in the role of leaves, active in photosynthesis.

It begins to flower in June, after other brooms have flowered, but it continues much longer than they do, usually well into August. This is aided by a good wet spell in mid-summer. The flowers are a delight in a bright fresh shade of yellow and they are sweetly fragrant, which is an excellent bonus. The shrub is generally considered too big to be at the front of a border, unless it is a very big border. It is usually placed at the middle or back, where its cheery yellow flowers can be seen. It suits this kind of spot because its flowering is best high up on the plant, where the new growth is. However, it can also flower low down, especially as a young plant with a billowing grace to its flowering.

When it gets older, it often flops over or leans to one side. As a result of this, and also its tending to out-grow its spot, it often gets pruned, which is no great harm if it is necessary. Unlike ordinary broom, Spanish broom takes pruning very well, sprouting lots of new shoots. But it can be very pretty, treated as a small tree, not pruned, except perhaps to remove some low shoots.

Unlike common broom, Spanish broom is fairly long-lived, certainly good for a few decades. It is hardy enough for most areas, though not in very cold inland locations or a very cold winter. It is very happy in sandy soil near the coast and needs well-drained soil, not overly rich, as the latter tends to leave it a bit soft.

Less carrot fly

It would appear that there is less damage from carrot root fly about this year than normal. Carrot fly often damages early sown carrots, its tiny larvae feeding on the roots. This is the first generation of carrot flies from overwintered pupae. Later sowing in May often avoids the fly but can be caught by a later generation. The very wet early spring seems to have diminished overwintering numbers of many kinds of flies, including common house flies and also including the carrot fly. The best remedy is a carrot fly fence of plastic or fleece, about 60cm high and tucked into the soil, with no tears or gaps.

Flowers

Spring bulbs are in the shops already, and it is a good time to make an assessment as to new locations for bulbs. Bedding and container annuals will last longer if given some liquid feeding now – they still have about 10 weeks to flower but they will falter without feeding and regular watering.

Trees, shrubs and roses

Although much of the country has had quite a bit of rain, often as downpours, this moisture does not always penetrate to the root zone of young trees and shrubs. These are limited by their restricted root system until they grow into the surrounding soil. Water heavily occasionally to make up the needs.

Lawn

Lawns have been growing well since the heavy rain arrived just as they were beginning to burn up. Maintain regular mowing as necessary. Lawn fertilizer could be applied if the grass is a bit sluggish through lack of feeding but do not apply fertilizer if the soil is not moist and rain is due.

Fruit, veg and flowers

Make sure not to let weeds go to seed in vacant ground to prevent weed problems in the future. The vegetable garden has reached its peak with cabbage and cauliflower, carrots, French beans, broccoli and peas finished and second sowings ready. Sweet corn is growing well in warm weather.

Greenhouse and house plants

Pick greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers as soon as they come ready to keep the plants going. Stop feeding most greenhouse plants now because they have enough in the pot to keep them going. House plants can still be repotted in new pots but do not delay as they need to recover.