What a thunderstorm last night! But thank goodness for the rain.

August is a tough month for gardeners—hot, dry—with occasional torrential downpours like last night. Some people simply “call it a summer” and let nature takes its course. But there are a few things you can do to help your garden bridge this difficult time until fall when many plants rebound nicely.

Weed vigorously. Keep the weeds out to make sure the “good” plants get the sunlight, nutrients, and water they need. Touch up edging and mulches to keep a neat look.

Cut back. Keep the garden looking tidy by deadheading annuals and perennials that are leggy (they may even rebloom). Fertilize annuals to bring back into active bloom for September until frost. 

Use interesting foliage. Fill in bare spots with plants with beautiful foliage – heat-tolerant herbs are often a good choice. Use basil, rosemary, variegated sage and golden oregano.

Do you do anything special in your garden to help it through the late summer blahs?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She is quick to point out that the information above is from someone who knows about horticulture—the Garden’s assistant director for horticulture and education Tom Brinda.

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