Don't worry: everyone's garden looks bedraggled by now. Except for those with full-time gardeners of course. But for us DIY'ers, finding plants that will keep on going into August is a challenge.

Here are a few beauties that will lift your spirits and the colour in your garden.

1. Bee Balm, Monarda

Who can resist Bee Balm: the bees sure can't. And neither can we with its bright red colour and long stems and big flowers. A must in the garden.