He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh reveals why of all the months, June holds in its grasp the truly golden days of the year.

For many gardeners, June represents the moment when the garden truly comes into its own. The frantic sowing and planning of spring has largely passed, the risk of frost has retreated, and suddenly the garden feels abundant rather than hopeful. Everything seems to be happening at once, all in a flurry of excitement and expectation… a bit like when I hear a new gardening show is about to appear on the telly!

All around, roses are opening, borders are filling out, lawns are growing with enthusiasm, and the first fruits of the vegetable patch are beginning to appear.

It is, in many ways, the most balanced month of the gardening year.

June offers something gardeners crave: stability. Temperatures are warm but rarely extreme, rainfall is often moderate, and daylight stretches luxuriously long. At peak summer, the UK receives over 16 hours of daylight, giving plants ample time for photosynthesis and growth. Those extended evenings also allow gardeners to enjoy their work. A half-hour deadheading roses or tying in climbers after dinner becomes one of life’s small pleasures.

There is also a sense of reward in June. Plants that were little more than hopeful shoots in April now carry colour, scent and structure. Delphiniums stretch skywards, foxgloves bring drama to borders and peonies offer their brief but unforgettable display. Meanwhile, herbs such as thyme, rosemary and mint thrive in the warmer conditions, filling the air with fragrance when brushed against.

The vegetable garden begins to repay for all that effort earlier in the year, too. Early potatoes, lettuce and broad beans are often ready for harvesting, and few things taste better than produce gathered minutes before it reaches the kitchen.

But June is not just about admiring the garden; it is about gentle stewardship. Remember regular watering becomes essential during dry spells, particularly for newly planted shrubs and containers. Deadheading encourages further blooms, while light pruning keeps vigorous plants under control. The work is satisfying rather than urgent.

Perhaps what makes June special is the simple opportunity to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labour. By this stage, the structure is clear. Paths lead somewhere, borders have filled out, plus birds, bees and butterflies are busy about their work. It becomes less about work and more about appreciation.

A garden in June reminds us why we started gardening in the first place. It is not simply a collection of plants but a living space - one that rewards patience, care and a little daily attention.