Perennials:

• Make no mistake, fall does not mean the end of the perennial garden. In contrast, with the scorching temperatures of summer behind us, fall gives way to new planting opportunities.
• Is your landscape lacking bright vivid colors? Why not try planting some of the many varieties of Coneflower?
• Bright blue spikes of the Russian Sage anybody?
• If the planting beds are already full, you can still add color by planting mums in containers and placing them around the landscape.
• Whatever flowers you choose, the cooler fall temperatures and a modest watering schedule will ensure color throughout the rest of the season.

Shrubs:

Throughout this blog, there will be a common theme… cooler temperatures of fall provide opportunities for additional plantings. Shrubs are no exception.

• Some shrubs may require more water, especially during the hotter months, such as hydrangeas, viburnums, and ninebarks.
• Although you can plant anytime during the season, fall is often best for people that lack the time or dedication for regular watering.
• A few plants that offer fall interest and can be found at Heritage Hill Nursery are sumac, chokeberry, hydrangeas, fothergilla, viburnum.

Perennials:

• When planting in August keep making additions. Don’t be afraid of expanding this time of year. For instance, dig and divide iris poppies and other spring-blooming perennials.
• Mulch perennial gardens if you haven’t done so yet. Use evergreen needles if you have them. This will keep beds moist and cool.
• Don’t do any fertilizing. This will cause problems with survival during the winter months.
• Keep watering, especially new plantings. They require about an inch of water a week.
• Continue deadheading to prevent reseeding and to prolong blooming.

Shrubs:

• Check all shrubs for water stress. Prioritize if water bans come in order.
• Overwatering plants suffer root rot, shallow watered plants are more susceptible to drought. Monitor closely.
• Replenish mulch in August with a 2-to-3-inch layer. Do not bury the crowns.
• No fertilizing is needed in August here either.

Lawns:

• Don’t kill the yard. Keep mowing at 3 to 3 ½ inches. Cut newly sod grass as soon as it is well-rooted. The early part of the month is focused on sustaining the lawn.
• Proper care, whether the grass is dormant or growing, will help the lawn survive the heat and drought.
• As temps cool, you will notice the improvement in the health and appearance of your lawn.
• An established irrigated lawn should receive 1 inch of water when it shows signs of wilting.

If you have any doubts or lawn care questions, stop in and talk to a Heritage Hill Nursery representative.

Perennials:

• Depending on how much or how little rain your area receives, droughts can be devastating on gardens.
• Shallow watering early in the season can be a problem in July when the roots of plants are not accustomed to searching deeply for water.
• In July, water deeply, but no more than once per week during dry spells.
• To cut down on potential disease and to reduce water lost to evaporation, water early in the day or morning.
• Keep in mind to top off watering in your garden regularly to make up for evaporation.
• Remember, July can be beautiful, but the heat may be brutal.

Shrubs:

• Just like June, July is a good time to prune shrubs that have already bloomed!
• It is what is needed for future growth. It is also a good month to trim hedges. This keeps the hedge looking full and lush all season long.

Lawns:

• Fertilizing in July. Pay attention. Only irrigated and highly managed lawns can be fertilized this month.
• Do not fertilize dormant or non-irrigated lawns in July as it can damage or kill the grass.
• Also, as July sets in and drier conditions normally persist, you may not need to cut the grass as often. Keep this in mind and enjoy your yard!

If you have any doubts or lawn care questions, stop in and talk to a Heritage Hill Nursery representative.