I
don't think I'm stretching the truth any when I say that this is
my least favorite month of the year. The
heat and humidity seems to settle in as a permanent resident, or
so it seems, and sometimes it feels as though there is no relief
in sight. The weeds, however, seem to love it and their growth rate
is simply astounding! They pop up overnight, creeping and crawling
around our beloved plants, surrounding and choking them with no
mercy.
The
August garden is not very appealing visually either. The summer
flowers have peaked and roses and perennials begin to look tired
and ragged. But all is not lost - crape myrtles, ferns, caladiums
add interest to the garden and shade gardens are especially welcome
this time of year. Some annuals, like melapodium and spider flower,
seem to thrive in the heat as well.
But,
enough with the griping. We must endure to keep ahead of the weeds,
so slap on the mosquito repellent and press on.
Plants
of Interest
yarrow
coneflower
gaura
hosta
althea
angel wing begonia
gladiolus
canna
|
hydrangea 'Tardiva'
honeysuckle
spider
lily
ginger lily
buddleia
crape myrtle
clethra
spider flower
|
caladium
coleus
fern
annuals
chaste tree
brugmansia
(angel trumpet)
goldenrod
|
What
to Plant
Fall
vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and lettuce can be planted now.
Keep the transplants (or seeds) watered well. A second crop of squash,
cucumbers and green beans can also be started.
If
your hanging baskets and container flowers have sent out an SOS,
prune them back severly and plant them in the ground.
Fall
blooming crocus and iris can be planted now. Iris can be divided.
Sow
seeds for a second crop of annuals (like marigolds and zinnias).
Keep them watered well.
Fertilize
Lightly
fertilize annuals that have been pruned back.
Fertilize
roses in mid-August for the last time this year. You will be rewarded
with a beautiful fall crop of flowers.
Water
August
is not only hot but often dry as well. Many plants die during this
month than any other. Keep plants watered well and if you are planning
a vacation, be sure and have someone keep your plants watered while
you are away.
Pest
control
Continue
to monitor plants for destructive insects. See the July calendar
for some insects to be aware of.
Prune
Remove
the heavy seed pods from crape myrtles - this will encourage more
blooms in the fall.
Light
pruning of roses (cut off the spent blossoms) will keep the blooms
coming.
Prune
spent flowers from annuals and perennials. Cut back leggy annuals
such as petunias, allysum, spider flowers, and geraniums to rejuvinate
the plants.
Prune
and shape summer flowering shrubs after they have bloomed.
