Given the amount of moisture in the ground from recent rains this summer's 'problem' for gardeners seems more likely to be how to stop the rot rather than having to worry about things drying out.

One of the concerns that global warming brings is the likelihood not just of periods of Drought in the UK but that there will be periods -or individual events- of heavier Precipitation along with mild or warm weather with high humidities.

The main problems associated with damp gardens in the summer often hinge on the flora being too close, so you need to ensure that areas of denser foilage are well ventilated. We have had a lot of rain recently and in the summer garden you do need to catch disease as soon as you spot it, as it can take hold surprisingly rapidly in a relatively warm damp environment.

Particular diseases to look out for, in warm damp summer weather, include rose blackspot (small dark spots appear on the leaves which may turn yellow and fall off as spores are carried in water splashes); firelight, unusual but it attacks pear trees, hawthorne and cotoneaster and apples and pyracantha. Branches wilt and the leaves turn a burnt chestnut colour, spreading down the main trunk until the whole tree looks burnt. It is mainly carried by pollinating  insects and by raindrops between June and September.

Downy mildew is a late spring /early summer fungal disease that appears as an off white rather 'fluffy' growth underneath the leaves affecting -mainly- the brassica family as well as lettuce and onions. Potato blight can occur when there's been a warm period with the humiidity above about 75% for a number of consecutive days. The first symptoms are a dark brown patch and yellowing of the leaves, which turn black, then a white bloom develops on the underside, as the foliage dies. On grasses red thread can be a problem; here irregular patches of bleached grass with a reddish hue appear, with a small red spike protruding from the tip of the affected leaves. Infection usually occurs in the late summer, during periods of high Humidity. Rust is a more common problem in plants during humid weather, affecting the leaves and stems of a great variety of plants. Small yellowish spots appear on the upper surface of the leaf with orangey spores on the lower side.

Some tips for dealing with attacks include: 

-Ensure that you prune your fruit trees and bushes regularly; an open structure will allow a good air flow
-When you cut out diseases don't forget to disinfect secateurs, saws or knives used by using  methylated spirits or a flame
-Make sure you destroy any diseased plants by burning them or bagging them
-Make sure plants are spaced well apart to allow good air flow. You'll find that fungal diseases thrive in still, damp air and there is a greater chance for them to be transmitted to surrounding plants if they are in close proximity.

Plenty to be aware of then, as well we hope of enjoying the fruits of your labours during damp summer periods.