August is often the most rewarding for gardeners when the fruits of hard labour pays dividends. Herbaceous perennials are usually at their best and along with trees and shrubs, provide a rich tapestry of colour.

Shrubby Lavatera thuringiaca 'Rosea' and its glorious pink flowers comes into its own from July onwards, providing a perfect backdrop for the tall majestic spires of the blue Delphinium, glorious Penstemon, Hebe 'Midsummer beauty' and of course the cottage garden favourite Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender).

Bush roses, which include hybrid tea (large flowers) and floribunda (cluster-flowered), bloom abundantly from midsummer and can also form part of a mixed, informal border. These add an array of luxuriance especially when planted en masse. The soft mist provided by Gypsophila paniculata 'Bristol fairy' (Baby's breath) adds a grace to any garden and looks simply wonderful with its tiny, white double flowers.

Of course earlier soil preparation is essential in order to enjoy these beauties at their best especially now that the weather has become extremely hot and dry. Digging in copious amounts of well-rotted manure prior to planting will help to retain much-needed moisture as well as a good, thick layer of mulch over the top of the soil.

Hanging baskets and tubs will need thorough watering, and in the case of baskets, probably twice a day. Remember to feed and deadhead regularly to ensure a continuous profusion of flowers.

This time of year can, however, have its drawbacks inasmuch as many of us take our annual vacations and this often means that we have to leave the watering to nature or to the neighbours, which as we know may not be as reliable as we might like them to be!

Installing an automatic watering system is probably the most effective way to ensure the plants are tended properly during any absences and will safe a lot of time physically spent watering even when you are home. Experienced gardeners understand the golden rule of watering-a thorough soaking, over a couple of hours or more is necessary to ensure the water penetrates deep into the soil. Applying water little and often is of limited value as not only does much of it evaporate off the soil surface, it also fails to encourage the roots of plants downwards. After a particularly dry spell, water as you would normally and then test the soil for wetness; you will be surprised at how little has been absorbed!

Micro-irrigation or 'drip irrigation' as it is sometimes termed, is simply a network of pipes that carry water around the garden. Today's popular systems can be installed in a few hours with the added benefit of them being easy to extend as your garden grows.

Micro irrigation is not only suitable for beds and borders but for hanging baskets and tubs also. Fix the supply tube to pergolas or arches, onto walls or fences. At suitable intervals attach micro-tubing and adjustable drippers which are easily disguised by the abundance of blooms and foliage.

The beauty of these systems, in addition to the aforementioned benefits, is that the supply tube can remain in place during the winter, but do be careful not to damage it when pruning shrubs or dividing perennials. Every area in the garden, including the greenhouse, can be incorporated and if your garden is fairly small you donÕt even have to plan on paper!

If you are a rank amateur or experienced gardener a step by step guide is available to help you design a tailor-made system, which will not only save your plants while you are away, but work, time and most importantly, that precious resource, water!