Fresh Dirt for August

 

"Every garden, large or small, ought to be planned from the outset, getting its bones, its skeleton into the shape that it will preserve all through the year even after the flowers have faded and died away" …Vita Sackville-West

 

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As the day lilies begin to fade and the black-eyed Susans are not to be ignored, now is the time when annuals really show what they are made of. They are the workhorses of the garden. Few flowers rival the months of unbroken color they give us.

It's hot and it's dry this month. Give your dogwoods and native rhododendrons a good soaking. Also, pay attention to any recently planted trees and shrubs. They need to be watered on a regular basis to help them establish a well developed deep and healthy root system. Try using a soaker ring.

The most efficient way to supply water to plants is at the ground level. This minimizes evaporation and places the water exactly where it's needed…in the soil. Soaker hoses, bubbler attachments and drip irrigation are some of the most efficient systems.

While you are staying cool, relax and take a look at your bulb catalogues. Start planning and ordering soon for the best selection of bulbs. Instead of planting in the freezing cold of November, you'll be prepared to plant in October!

This is the last month of the year to prune trees that bleed badly like birches and maples. Any summer blooming shrubs can be pruned now.

Now would be a good time to divide those crowded spring-blooming perennials. Cut the lily stalks as they begin to die back and remove the brown foliage around these plants. You might want to divide these by digging them up, and breaking the clump into several pieces using your hands, a sharp knife or a spade. Throw away any parts of the plant that are old or diseased. Replant the divisions and don't forget they too need water until they become reestablished. Hostas will be happy with this procedure too because they will be finished blooming by now.

Stop fertilizing your perennials now. This will give them time to harden and be strong in order to survive the winter.

All new fall plantings should be in the ground six weeks before the projected first frost. This will give them time to adjust. The ground freezes and thaws many times during the winter and these perennials will make it through.