Seasonal Tips, Older Entries
Lilacs are hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance. They can grow from 5 to 15 feet tall, depending 
on the variety. The fragrant flowers are good for cutting and attractive to butterflies.
Planting
Grow lilacs in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil (at a pH near 7.0). If your soil is in poor condition, add compost to enrich.
Select a site where your lilac will get full sun—at least 6 hours. If lilacs don’t get enough sun, they will not bloom well.
Make sure the site drains well. Lilacs don’t like wet feet and will not bloom with too much water.
Plant in either spring or fall.
Transplanting lilacs from a nursery is easy. If it’s container-grown, spread out the roots as you settle the plant into the ground; if it’s balled or burlapped, gentle remove it and any rope before planting. Set the plant 2 or 3 inches deeper than it grew in the nursery, and work topsoil in around the roots. Water in. Then fill in the hole with more topsoil.
Space multiple lilac shrubs 5 to 15 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Read More *Courtesy Old Farmers Almanac
Seasonal Tips
August in Southeastern Wisconsin brings hot, humid days and warm nights—perfect for lush growth, but also demanding extra care in the garden. As the peak of summer shifts toward early fall, your beds and borders need attention to stay healthy, productive, and beautiful. Here are five essential tips to keep your August garden thriving in Zone 5:
1. Water Deeply and Mulch Wisely
August heat can stress plants and dry out beds quickly. Aim to water in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal. Give your shrubs, vegetables, and annuals a deep soak—about 1–1½ inches of water per week—rather than quick, shallow sprinkles. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought-tolerant.
After watering, replenish or add a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch (shredded bark, composted leaves, or straw) around your plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Just be sure to keep it a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent rot.
2. Scout for Pests and Fungal Issues
Warm, humid conditions are ideal for pests and diseases. Check plants daily for signs of trouble:
- Japanese beetles on roses, grapes, and ornamentals—handpick early in the morning.
- Squash vine borer on pumpkins and squash—watch for wilting vines and bore holes at the crown.
- Powdery mildew on cucurbits and ornamentals—remove severely affected leaves and improve air circulation.
- Aphids and whiteflies on tender new growth—blast off with a garden hose or apply insecticidal soap.
Rotate watering methods away from overhead sprinklers to reduce leaf wetness, and treat any outbreaks promptly with organic options like neem oil or horticultural oil.
3. Harvest, Preserve, and Succession Plant
Your summer crops—tomatoes, beans, peppers, cucumbers—should be coming in strong now. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production and prevent over-ripening. Preserve bounty by canning, freezing, or fermenting excess.
At the same time, plan for a fall harvest:
- Direct-seed fast-maturing greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce) and root crops (radishes, beets) in mid-August.
- Transplant seedlings of kale, broccoli, and cabbage started indoors earlier.
- Sow cilantro and parsley for autumn flavor, and consider snap pea plantings for a late-season treat.
4. Deadhead, Divide, and Feed Your Flowers
Keep flower beds looking their best by deadheading spent blooms on annuals and perennials like petunias, rudbeckia, and coneflowers. This prevents seed set and redirects energy into new growth.
August is also an ideal time to divide overgrown perennials—daylilies, hostas, and phlox benefit from division to maintain vigor. Lift clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant immediately with fresh compost or organic matter. After division, give them a light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support recovery before cooler weather sets in.
5. Plan Ahead for Fall and Lawn Health
As summer winds down, begin prepping for fall plantings and winter lawn health:
- Clean up any fallen leaves, spent annuals, and vegetable debris to reduce overwintering pests and diseases.
- Top-dress perennial beds with well-aged compost to boost soil structure and nutrient levels.
- Order spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils) now to ensure the best selection; store them in a cool, dark place until planting in September.
- For your lawn, consider aeration and late-summer overseeding in mid-August, followed by a light application of high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage root development before frost.
Keep Your Garden Thriving!
By following these August gardening tips—wise watering, vigilant scouting, timely harvesting and succession planting, flower-bed maintenance, and fall preparation—you’ll set your garden up for success through the end of the season and into spring.
For all your supplies, seedlings, and expert advice, visit Heritage Hill Nursery at 10801 Pleasant Valley, Cedarburg, WI 53012, or explore our offerings online at heritagehillnurseryinc.com. Happy gardening!
Specials
Summer is hitting its peak here in Southeastern Wisconsin, and as the days stretch long and hot, your garden becomes both a retreat and a creative outlet. Whether you’re planning a peaceful corner filled with the calming sound of water or looking to brighten up your borders with bold, low-maintenance color, Heritage Hill Nursery has the perfect August specials to help you refresh your space—and save big while doing it!
This month, we’re offering two unbeatable in-store specials that combine form, function, and late-season beauty:
Fountains & Fountainettes — 50% OFF!
There’s nothing quite like the gentle trickle of water to transform a garden from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your front yard or a compact accent fountainette for a cozy patio nook, our entire collection of fountains is now half off—but only through the month of August.
Why Add a Fountain to Your Garden?
Fountains do more than add elegance—they create a multisensory experience:
- Soothing Sound: The calming gurgle of running water drowns out neighborhood noise and promotes relaxation.
- Attract Pollinators & Birds: Many birds and beneficial insects are drawn to water features, especially during dry spells.
- Improved Humidity for Plants: Fountains can raise the ambient humidity in surrounding garden beds, helping sensitive plants thrive in dry August conditions.
From classic stone columns to whimsical designs and space-saving tabletop styles, our wide selection of fountains and fountainettes offers something for every taste and budget.
Pro Tip: Place your fountain near a seating area or in view of a favorite window so you can enjoy its beauty and movement all day long!
Kodiak® Diervilla Honeysuckle (Red, Orange, Black) — 25% OFF!
Looking to add vibrant, fuss-free color to your landscape that looks great now and well into fall? Look no further than the Kodiak® series of Diervilla (Bush Honeysuckle)—a stunning group of native-friendly shrubs bred for bold foliage and pollinator appeal.
We’re offering 25% off three standout cultivars:
🔴 Kodiak® Red
- Striking red-tinged foliage from spring through fall
- Soft yellow blooms attract pollinators all summer
- Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant
- Mature size: 3–4 ft tall × wide
🟠 Kodiak® Orange
- Glowing orange new growth and deep green summer foliage
- Bright golden flowers bloom steadily from June to frost
- A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Mature size: 3–4 ft tall × wide
⚫ Kodiak® Black
- Dark purple-black foliage adds contrast and depth to borders
- Compact and tidy habit, ideal for smaller gardens
- Excellent color retention even in full sun
- Mature size: 3–4 ft tall × wide
Note: This special applies to Kodiak® Diervilla varieties only. Other honeysuckle selections are available at regular price.
Why Gardeners Love Diervill
Not all honeysuckles are created equal. While some varieties can be aggressive spreaders, Kodiak® Diervilla is a compact, non-invasive shrub that’s ideal for southeastern Wisconsin’s Zone 5 gardens. Here’s why it’s become a favorite:
- Low Maintenance: No pruning necessary unless shaping is desired.
- Tolerant of Dry, Shady, or Rocky Conditions: These shrubs are tough!
- Fall Color Show: You’ll enjoy an extra season of visual interest as leaves turn fiery red, orange, or burgundy.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Continuous blooms make Diervilla a go-to for bees and butterflies.
Mix & Match for a Late-Summer Refresh
Looking for ways to integrate both specials into your garden design? Try pairing a stone fountainette with a backdrop of Kodiak® Diervilla for a high-contrast focal point. The dark foliage and warm tones of the honeysuckle enhance the cool, flowing movement of water features, creating an environment that feels balanced and alive.
Don’t forget—our staff is always happy to help you plan and design with these selections in mind. Bring in photos or measurements of your garden, and we’ll guide you to the right fit.
All Sales Final – While Supplies Last!
Like summer itself, these deals won’t last forever. Here’s what you need to know:
- In-store only — while inventory lasts
- Fountains & Fountainettes — 50% OFF
- Kodiak® Diervilla (Red, Orange, Black) — 25% OFF
- All other honeysuckle varieties sold at regular price
- All sales are final
Come early for the best selection—we expect many of our most popular fountain styles to sell quickly!
📍 Visit Us Today!
Heritage Hill Nursery, Inc.
W173N9170 St. Francis Dr.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
📞 (262) 255-1920
🕒 Check our current hours here
🌐 heritagehillnurseryinc.com
🌿 Make This August Bloom with Heritage Hill
Your garden still has so much to give this season. Whether you’re crafting a serene retreat or building up bold late-summer borders, August is the perfect time to invest in long-lasting features and colorful, native-friendly plants.
Stop in and explore these incredible specials while they last—and as always, our team is here to help your garden grow beautifully.
Specials
Summer is in full swing, and July is the perfect month to protect your garden from pests and add fresh color with hardy, low-maintenance shrubs. We’re excited to offer two standout in-store specials—plus an online-only discount on everything!
🌟 July Specials 🌟
1. Insecticides & Fungicides — 35% OFF
Keep your roses, vegetables, and ornamentals healthy all season long with our top-quality insecticides and fungicides. Whether you’re battling black spot, powdery mildew, or hungry caterpillars, you’ll find just what you need at a fraction of the regular price. All sales are final.
- Excludes Espoma products
- All formulations—ready-to-spray concentrates, dusts, and wettable powders—included
2. Snippet® ‘Lime’ & Czechmark™ Trilogy® Weigela — 25% OFF
Brighten your landscape with two standout Weigela cultivars renowned for their early-summer blooms and compact habits:
- Snippet® ‘Lime’ Weigela
- Lime-green foliage with rosy-pink flowers in May–June
- Compact: 2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide
- Czechmark™ Trilogy® Weigela
- Three flushes of blooms—spring, early summer, and fall
- Proven Winners® selection; 3–4 ft tall and wide
Other Weigela and lilac varieties are available at regular price.
“All Sales Final”
Seasonal Tips
As July’s high temperatures and humidity settle in, your Southeast Wisconsin garden needs a little extra care to stay lush and productive. From keeping soil moisture consistent to staying ahead of pests and diseases, a few strategic tasks each week will help your plants power through the heat. Here are five essential July tips to maintain vibrant blooms, strong growth, and a healthy, low-maintenance landscape all month long.
Deep, Infrequent Watering
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
- Give established shrubs and perennials a thorough soak (1–1½ inches) once a week, rather than light daily sprinkles. This encourages deeper root growth and greater drought resilience.
Stay Vigilant Against Pests & Diseases
- Inspect leaves and stems weekly for signs of Japanese beetles, spider mites, or fungal diseases (black spot on roses, powdery mildew on phlox).
- Treat early with insecticidal soap or a targeted fungicide to prevent outbreaks from spreading.
Deadhead & Pinch to Extend Bloom
- Remove spent flowers on perennials and shrubs (coneflowers, phlox, roses) to encourage new bud formation and maintain a tidy appearance.
- For annuals like petunias and geraniums, pinch back leggy growth to promote a bushier habit and continued flowering.
Mulch & Weed Management
- Refresh or add a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch (bark, straw, or chopped leaves) around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures stable.
- Pull weeds by hand before they set seed—mid-summer weeds can rapidly produce a second generation if left unchecked.
Feed & Support Summer Performers
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to heavy feeders like roses, hydrangeas, and vegetables to sustain bloom and fruit development.
- Stake or cage tall perennials (delphiniums, tall phlox) before they flop under the weight of rain or blooms.
