As summer gets underway and brings with it a wave of warmer weather, you may find some portions of your landscape are in need of a mid-season refresh. By replenishing planters and gaps in garden beds with a selection of annuals, you can easily provide an added pop of color destined to flourish through the months of July and August.
The summer of 2020 will likely feature ample time spent entertaining family and friends in the backyard, making it all the more important to ensure your property is looking its absolute best.
Bring Life to Blossoms
At this point in the season, certain annuals tend to fade and become crowded by more vigorous plants, leaving them somewhat withered and damaged. The combination of warmer temperatures and a lack of sufficient hydration can lead to an abundance of lifeless blossoms. This, coupled with the tendency to place plants in closer-than-ideal proximity in spring, may result in some overlap as annuals blossom to their mature size come summer.
It’s never too late to do a bit of deadheading and trimming, which can give a much-needed facelift to long, leggy plants. Fertilizing, as well, may be helpful as the season progresses, as many annuals tend to require added nourishment later in the summer. Following such measures, plants will typically perk up within a week or so, and remain lush through the remainder of the summer.
Replenish & Revitalize Your Garden
Should you determine that new additions are the way to go, local nurseries generally stock a selection of heat-tolerant annuals through July. By purchasing larger plants, you will immediately benefit from these blooms effortlessly filling any empty spaces in your garden. Their expansive root systems absorb enough water to acclimate them to higher temperatures during the summer months.
Containers, as well, can be revitalized with new annuals, adding color and vibrancy to any arrangement. Light, airy grasses are another option, as these tend to thrive in heat and provide a suitable filler for any garden.
Once these additions are welcomed into your landscape design, be sure to take extra care during the first couple of weeks, watering frequently and monitoring moisture. By lifting pots to determine weight, or sticking your finger into the soil itself, you should be able to accurately gauge an appropriate level of hydration. It may be beneficial to water more than once a day at this time of year, earlier and then again later in the afternoon if needed.
For more information on caring for your summer annuals, and recommendations for your specific landscape design, contact Dodds & Eder today.