Some gardens can look tired come August – especially if there has been a settled dry and warm period. Watering with a hose or sprinkler can only do so much, and for those on water meters it can be difficult to justify using fresh water on the garden.
However, many plants will survive perfectly well, perking up at the first heavy shower. Look for plants that thrive in Mediterranean climates to refresh the garden at this time.
Many Mediterranean plants have adapted to dry hot conditions by having narrow leaves such as Rosemary and Lavender, and these will be flowering well now.
The genus Salvia includes Sage, used for culinary and herbal use, and as there are varieties with different coloured leaves, they provide an interesting foil for other flowering salvia, such as ‘Hot Lips’ with red and white flowers on wiry stems, or Salvia Caradonna with stout erect blue flowers. Easy care and perennial, both thrive in hot spots once established.
Agapanthus are also very useful for sunny areas, and will be looking good now. For consistent flowering leave them to make large clumps before dividing. Deciduous varieties can be left outside in sheltered spots
Another group of plants that are useful for looking good now are those from the tropics such as bananas and Cannas. These require more humid conditions to be at their best but they love the heat and lend the garden a lush feel. Pot your Cannas up and arrange together, the flowers will delight you for weeks during summer.
If you love an English country garden style and grow a range of herbaceous perennials that take over from summer flowering plants – Heleniums and Asters always do well during August.
For a riot of august colour, and fabulous blooms to cut, nothing beats beautiful Dahlias! With so many colours and shapes to choose from its often hard to find space in the garden for them all! Great in pots on the patio too.
DAHLIA DELIGHTS!
The national flower of Mexico, the dahlia has a proud history reaching back to the days of the Aztec empire. Originally grown by the Aztecs as a food crop for their starchy root tubers, the dahlia was later transported back to Europe by Spanish colonists in the 18th century. Today, dahlias are an incredibly popular ornamental plant. While there are only 42 species, there are over 57,000 different cultivated varieties!
Your planting site should be in full sun.
Plant tubers outdoors in the early spring, between 2-6 inches deep, depending on variety, after the last frost and once the soil has warmed.
After the tubers have sprouted, water the plants at least once per week, increasing watering to twice per week or more during dry spells.
Deadhead faded blooms to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage flowering.
