Things to do in August

Design-

                Add annuals to any bare spots in the garden.  They will provide a welcome splash of color to the landscape throughout the rest of the season.

Chores-

                By cutting back some of your early-flowering perennials now, you can coax them to re-bloom in the fall.  Plants such as Linum, Artemisia, Lysimachia, and Lavender can be cut back to the new young growth at the base. 

                Continue to watch the moisture level of your garden.  Do any necessary watering in the early morning to minimize pest and disease risk.

                Fertilize your roses for the last time this season, stopping fertilization now assures the fact that the plant will enter the cold season with mature growth, and not vulnerable tender shoots.

                Consider fertilizing your annuals to brighten them up.  A monthly application of liquid fertilizer will provide a noticeable boost to your plants.