Late summer is a busy time for most, between some of the hottest weeks of summer and busy schedules, it can be easy to overlook the garden during this time. Many folks are squeezing in the last few days of summer vacation and prepping their families for back-to-school. Sports have started back up, and others are planning one last hurrah at their cabin over Labor Day Weekend.
We’re offering some quick tips for late-August, early-September gardening… from what you’re seeing blooming around town to what you should be tending to in your own garden.
What’s Blooming Around Town
Sneak a peek at some of the great gardens in your neighborhood right now and take note of the August-September bloomers.
Things we are seeing around town are hazy purple Smokebush, clouds of Hydrangeas of all shapes and sizes, Rudbeckia blossoms big and small, white sprays of Baby’s Breath and orange pillows of Butterfly Weed. The ornamental grasses are growing tall, wide and thinking about putting on seed heads soon. Cone flower tops are sturdy and just as attractive to us as the butterflies. Mid summer’s palette is so bright, cheery and complementary to our summertime mood!
Some unexpected Fall bloomers include hardy Hibiscus which emerge very late in spring, then bloom in late summer and into early fall. Reblooming roses, Turtlehead and False Aster a few more blooms you can expect to see in the fall.
It is still OK to plant now as long as you water often to get through some of these very hot days.
Late Summer Garden Care Tips
- Plant annuals & perennials. Yes, it may seem weird to plant in the late summer, but there’s plenty of opportunity for your garden. Pull any annuals that aren’t performing well and replace with something fresh. Late summer is a perfect time to plant perennials and flowering shrubs in many areas. They’ll take root during the cool, moist fall weather and be ready to pop into bloom next spring and summer.
- Water, water, water. Soak any new plantings extra well and finish with a bucket of water with fertilizer to encourage a healthy plant.
- Everyone’s favorite: weeding. As the growing season winds down, annual and perennial weeds start to produce thousands of seeds that will germinate in your garden next spring. Don’t leave these unchecked! While you’re at it, apply fresh mulch to garden beds for a fresh look.
- Do a quick fertilizer application to your turf. Get a bag of organic lawn fertilizer, borrow a spreader from us at Sunnyside, apply lawn food, return spreader, turn on sprinkler for 45 min.
- Deadheading. Cut the spent flowers off your Hosta, Salvia, Phlox or other perennials.
- Dig and divide perennial flowers in your garden (such as peonies, hosta, Oriental poppy, lily, daylily, ornamental grasses, and bearded iris).
- Plant a tree! Small ornamental trees are great upgrades for your property.This is the season for Hydrangea trees and we have may to show off, but don’t forget how stunning the crabapple trees are in the spring. Plant now and enjoy for years to come.
What We Look Forward To With The Changing Season
We’re excited for cooler temperatures, changing leaf colors and fall festivities. If you stop by Sunnyside, you’ll likely start to notice fall decor and plants are making an appearance. Our custom containers are showcasing more red, yellow & orange annuals with a splash of cool-weather ornamental kales & peppers.
We’re also gearing up for our annual end-of-summer party: Rock the Sunnyside Gardens! Save the date and join us for our annual summer event: Sunday, September 17 from 2-5PM. Enjoy live music from local band The Disappointments, grab some dinner and drinks and browse the garden center. Free to join; drinks (France 44 Wine & Spirits) and food (Tin Fish food truck) available for purchase. RSVP here.
