August is an exciting month in the gardening calendar. While the summer heat is still present, we can also sense the first hints of autumn in the air. It's a time when gardens are at their peak yet starting to transition into the next season. Here are some tips to keep your garden looking lush throughout late summer, while also considering plants that will thrive in the months to come.
1. Keep summer blooms fresh
August can be a challenging time for many gardens, as some summer blooms may start to fade. Revitalising these areas can bring a fresh burst of colour and keep your garden lively. Removing dead flower heads from plants like roses, petunias, and dahlias to encourage new blooms and prolong the flowering season. If you have any perennial flowers such as salvia and coreopsis, trimming them can encourage growth. Adding late-blooming annual flowers such as zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds can fill gaps and add some vibrancy to a garden.
2. Enhance texture with foliage
While flowers get all the glory, the role of foliage in garden design shouldn’t be understated. Foliage provides texture, colour and structure to an outdoor space. In August, foliage plants can play a starring role as some flowers begin to fade. Ornamental grasses such as miscanthus or pennisetum add a sense of movement and elegance, swaying gently in the summer breeze. For foliage of a larger variety, hostas come in various colours and patterns, adding depth to your garden design.
3. Create a sensory garden retreat
A garden provides the perfect opportunity for a serene escape from the pressures of day-to-day life. August is a wonderful time to engage the senses with a garden that offers a sensory appeal that extends beyond visual aesthetics. When choosing plants, consider the fragrance. There are wonderful fragrant flowers that thrive in late summer, such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine. Water features such as a small pond or fountain can create a relaxing soundscape, as well as creating a cooling effect. Such features can also stand out as the focal point of a garden. To evoke a sense of sound, wind chimes can also be used to create soothing sounds that enhance the garden's ambiance.
4. Utilise vertical space
If your garden is limited in horizontal space, consider vertical gardening techniques to maximise planting areas and create a layered look. For example, structures such as trellises are great for supporting climbing plants such as clematis, morning glory and climbing roses. Using hanging baskets to house trailing plants such as fuschia, bacopa and ivy geraniums can create an attractive cascading effect. Installing wall-mounted planters to display succulents or small flowering plants is an effective way of utilising space while adding visual interest and texture. Succulents are ideal for late summer gardens because they thrive in hot conditions and require minimal watering. Create an eye-catching display by mixing different shapes, sizes, and colours.
5. Keep your plants healthy
Maintaining your garden's health is crucial in August, especially as temperatures can rise and water becomes a valuable resource. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the best time to water to reduce evaporation. Applying a layer of mulch is as effective method for retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and maintaining consistent soil temperatures. Additionally, keeping an eye on your plants for pests can help to prevent any serious damage.
Happy gardening!
August offers a unique opportunity to enhance your garden's design while preparing for the upcoming fall season. By focusing on late summer blooms, incorporating foliage, utilising vertical space, and maintaining garden health, you can create a garden that's both scenic and resilient. Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of your outdoor sanctuary.
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