August Tips
Its always hard to decide what you should plant in August, especially if you're like us and want to plant all the time. Planting things that go with your fall décor is a good way to start. We have an extended growing season here so we get to plant more times than the folks up North. That means if you plant annuals in August , you will still have them until almost Thanksgiving.
Plants to look for are Zinnias, Ornamental Grasses, Coleus, Ornamental Peppers ( the new rage) and Orange and yellow Million Bells. These plants look good now and then even better with Pumpkins, Squash and Fall Colors.
With the hot season still hanging around, pick up an inexpensive hydrometer and take the guess work out of your watering!
Looking for different? Have you seen our Nooks and Grannies display. These plants are small– stature plants to fit small-scale applications. These varieties are perfect for pathways, mixed containers, rock gardens, garden ponds, terraces, green roofs, rock walls and patios.
Want to keep your cannas blooming beautifully? Then give them extra water, They will love it and reward them with repeated blooms.
If you want to attract more beneficial insects to your yard then supply them with the correct habitat. For example use, rocks, water features, groundcovers It also helps have plants blooming from Spring until fall.
If your going to plant a lot of Pansies PLEASE wait until the end of September at the earliest, Just a reminder because we get desperate and want pansies in August. If your are planting in containers are in part shade areas then go ahead and plant away.
Variegated Japanese sedge “ Old Gold” is a unique looking plant. It is a low groundcover, yellow with green edged foliage. It loves shade and can tolerate moist areas, It will bring brightness to a shady location.
Sometimes flowers are not needed. Beauty can be simple and color can be too busy in the hot summer months, or maybe you are a foliage person. Pick out a great, fun, vibrant container and plant a Sky Pencil holly, It is tall and slender. Or plant a Pyramid Dwarf English boxwood, for a contemporary and Elegant look.
Did you know that Hydra is Greek for Water. No, this isn't a language lesson, I'm referring to Hydrangeas. They do like water, Although in the hot summer months they are prone to wilting a little in the afternoon. In the morning if they have come out of wilt then you do not need to add water. Hydrangea like afternoon shade but... life is great! For you sunny gardeners you can use the Limelight Hydrangea.
You really do need to have mulch around all your plants. Keeping the mulch 6-9 inches from your home will keep the mulch and wood on the house from becoming a perfect environment for termites
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