August 2024 Newsletter

August 2024

SHRUBS TO DEADHEAD IN SUMMER

By Kristina Howley for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs

Our gardens do so much for us! So it feels good to go in and do a little work for them. If you like a tidy look or you’re just itching to get out into the garden, there are some shrubs that you can deadhead in the summertime. They may even benefit from a trim! Butterfly Bush, Crapemyrtle, Diervilla, Esperanz, Indian Hawthorne, Spirea, Lilac, Roses and Sweetspire. Read more

HOW TO EXTEND THE GARDEN SEASON

By Shawn Christianson, Gardener's Supply Company

Freezing temps? Scorching sun? Where you live will certainly impact how you garden and what you grow. A few simple techniques and materials can help a gardener overcome extreme weather and extend the gardening season. Let's answer some frequently asked questions about season extension. For season extension techniques, for example, how to protect my roses during winter? Read more

CELEBRATING BLOOM TOWNS

By Delilah Onofrey for Suntory Flowers

Photos courtesy of Delilah Onofrey and the Springfield Kiwanis Children’s Garden Committee

Embracing beautification initiatives transforms the quality of life where you live, work and play. One of my favorite parts of summer is seeing beautiful hanging baskets and large planters overflowing with a mix of annuals, perennials and tropicals in public setting. It could be just a few blocks on a local Main Street or commercial district. When I drive or stroll through, it makes me light up and appreciate where I am. Planting pride and community revitalization is what the America In Bloom (AIB) nonprofit organization is all about. The plantings reverse the course of blight and decline and become a catalyst for positive change. Home - America In Bloom Read More

GROW DINNER PLATE-SIZED HIBISCUS THIS SUMMER

By Susan Martin for Proven Winners

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners

If your garden looks like it has seen better days by August, spruce it up with Summerific hibiscus which is kicking into high gear now. Whether you live in chilly zone 4 or steamy zone 9, these durable perennials will be the star of your late summer garden. This time of year, when other plants in your landscape might look like they’re ready to call it quits, Summerific® perennial hibiscus is kicking into high gear. Nicknamed “dinner plate hibiscus” for their impressive seven to nine inch diameter flowers, these plants bloom in shades of red, pink, lilac and white. Most have a scarlet eye that radiates out from the center of each ruffly textured blossom. Read more

BUILDING A FLORAL BRIDGE TO FALL

By Dan Heims, Terra Nova Nurseries

Photos courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries

Happy almost fall, campers! Yes, we are in that weird transition between summer and fall. Many annuals have dropped to the wayside and faded, perennials have given their all, but now stay depleted…Except…for a select few that define this middle season. It is required that these plants stand out and put on a show. Two dragons lead the pack; a Crocosmia and a Nepeta that both embrace and echo or set off perennials like Heuchera and Echinacea. Do not discount the Sedum! Sedum ‘Marina’s’ sky blue foliage is a perfect counterpoint to orange Heleniums, Echinacea and Heuchera as well. Read more

THE MODERN MEADOW: THE GARDEN DESIGN TREND TO START THIS FALL

By Doreen Wynja, Monrovia

Photos courtesy of Monrovia

Fall is a time of planning and planting. Cooler weather and typically adequate rainfall make this time of year the perfect season to give the garden a boost and get a jump on spring designs. It’s also a great time to look at what’s new in garden design trends. “One trend we’re watching for 2025 and beyond is a design we’re calling the Modern Meadow,” said Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia.

IT'S TIME TO MAKE A STATEMENT IN YOUR YARD!

Article and photos courtesy of Unique Lighting Systems

One of the tenets of landscape design is to create a focal point in your yard. Many times, this is accomplished by choosing a statement piece or specific landscape feature to highlight. Statement pieces can draw you into a space, express your creativity and add a touch of individuality to your yard. It could be an architectural element such as a fountain or statue, a pond, tree or even a unique plant. "Statement pieces create visual interest in your yard,” said Alexis Deasy, marketing communications manager for Unique Lighting Systems. “They can take the space from average to stunning.”

WATERMELON PACKS A HEALTHY PUNCH!

Article and photos courtesy of Dr Earth

Watermelon packs a punch with important vitamins and phytonutrients. The combination of antioxidant vitamins C and A stop free radicals from causing damage to cells that otherwise lead to many ailments: plaque build up in arteries through the oxidation of cholesterol, increased inflammation. Watermelon is also a great source of the phytonutrient lycopene, which has received much attention for its antioxidant behavior and ability to reduce the risk of many cancers. Read more

EXPAND YOUR GARDEN BEDS WITHOUT CHEMICALS

By Melinda Myers

Photo courtesy of Melinda Myers

There never seems to be enough room for all the plants you want to grow. If space allows, create new garden beds to expand your planting space and increase the beauty of your landscape.

Start by evaluating your current landscape design and plantings. Perhaps, expanding an existing garden bed or connecting two smaller beds is a better option than creating a whole new garden.

WATER SMART, GARDEN SMART!

By Heidi Dramm Becker

Photos courtesy of Dramm

With many of us recently inspired to grow our own vegetables, taking on varying sizes of “victory gardens,” there’s no doubt that more of us will have more to water! The average American family uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses. More than half of that outdoor water is used for watering lawns and gardens. However, we need to remember to water wisely… water smart, Garden Smart! Read more

FOUR COOL HOUSEPLANTS TO ENJOY YEAR-ROUND

By Justin Hancock, Costa Farms Horticulturist

Photos courtesy of Costa Farms

Too hot to spend time in your garden? Keep your thumb green with these super-cool houseplants. Houseplants make any indoor space more cozy and attractive. If you live in a cold climate, they help give you a connection to lush greenery, even during the winter. And if you live in hot climates, in summer, houseplants give you a lovely view inside from the comfort of the air conditioning. Here are four interesting, but easy-care, houseplants you can consider. Read more

FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR PLANTING ROSES

By Robin Jennings

Photos Courtesy of Heirloom Roses

Think you missed the window on planting roses for this season? Guess again! Fall planting is actually one of the best times to plant roses, especially own-root roses from Heirloom Roses. With milder weather and warm, workable soil, you can easily plant roses in your garden and reap the benefits of earlier spring blooms and a well-established root system for your newest rose. Fall planting will give your rose a significant head start and the coming autumn rains will take care of most of the watering for you!

GROWING A FALL FERMENTATION GARDEN

By Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf

Photos courtesy of True Leaf

While you are likely in the thick of harvesting from your summer garden, it is time to consider what you may want to grow during the fall months. Consider extending your harvest season by growing cool-season vegetables that can be preserved for the winter months with fermenting practices. Fermented vegetables are not only tasty but also incredibly healthy and beneficial to support your digestive, mental, and immune systems. Because fermented foods contain natural preservatives, you can enjoy your fresh garden harvest well into the winter months while setting your body up for success against common illnesses. Read more

GIBBS GARDENS IN AUGUST: GORGEOUS, BOLD, BEAUTIFUL COLOR EVERYWHERE

Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens

Photos courtesy of Gibbs Gardens

August, the last month of summer, is a good time for stargazing—and even better for enjoying spectacular flower displays throughout Gibbs Gardens. Gorgeous, bold and beautiful color welcomes visitors with elegant arrangements on the Flower Bridge entrance, Le Jardin’s colorful serpentine planting beds, the allées of lavender-flowered crape myrtles and the unique lime green blossoms of Limelight hydrangeas. Read more

VEGETABLE POWER! BOOSTING YOUR BODY FROM HEAD TO TOES

Photos and article courtesy of GrowJoy

We all know vegetables are good for us, but did you know that specific veggies can target different parts of your body? Let's take a deep dive into the real benefits of “eating your vegetables” and discover how these nutritional powerhouses can support various aspects of your health. Remember, variety is key when it comes to growing and consuming vegetables. Each vegetable offers a unique mix of nutrients and beneficial compounds. Growing a diverse garden can also improve soil health and attract beneficial insects, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By planting a wide range of colorful vegetables in your garden, you're not only providing your body with diverse nutritional support, but you're also creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem in your backyard. Read More

SUPPORT BUTTERFLIES IN AUTUMN - YOUR GREENHOUSE CAN HELP

By Mary-Kate Mackey, Hartley Botanic.

Photographs courtesy of Hartley Botanic

A few weeks ago, I took a day trip to the tiny town of Elkton, Oregon to visit butterflies. The Elkton Community Education Center includes Elkton’s library, community meeting area, and other historic buildings, but the Butterfly Pavilion, a netted hoop house that shares the open parkland on the Umpqua River was my goal. But I didn’t know that the most magical part of my journey wouldn’t be in the pavilion. Read more

CRAFT IDEAS USING DRIED FLOWERS, HERBS, AND VEGETABLES

By Carrie Spoonmore, ParkSeed

Photos courtesy of ParkSeed

Beauty from Nature and a Little Zhuzh from You: In a world dominated by technology and fast-paced living, there's something soothing about connecting with nature through crafts. One way to do this is by using dried flowers, herbs, and vegetables in your crafting. These natural elements not only add a touch of rustic charm to your crafts but may also infuse your living spaces with a gentle fragrance that invokes a sense of tranquility. Here are some crafts you can make using dried flowers, herbs, and vegetables, along with simple instructions on how to dry and prepare them.

DO YOU HAVE A BALD BIRD AT YOUR FEEDER? IS SOMETHING WRONG?

Article courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited

"Bald-headed birds" are often seen in late summer. Usually it is grackles, jays or cardinals with a complete lack of feathers on their heads. While the rest of the bird's body looks normal, a completely bald bird certainly raises curiosity. Most birds undergo a seasonal transformation in summer, losing and replacing their feathers in a process known as molting. Molting describes when a bird replaces some (partial molt) or all (full molt) of its feathers. Birds will also molt if they have lost feathers that need to be replaced immediately.

TOP LANDSCAPING TIP

In this episode of GardenSMART, we get tips about how to design our gardens that survive the onslaught of deer? First, find out if your neighborhood has deer pressure? Generally, the older neighborhoods have more deer pressure. Then you need to identify the safest places in the garden and the most vulnerable places in the garden. You want to put your more deer resistant plants out on the fringes where the deer will feel safe because they can jump back into the woodland. Deer don’t like fuzzy leaves, they don't like any plant with a scent. Herbs are more deer resistant. A lot of plants have a fragrance. If you crush the leaf of a plant and it has a fragrance, they generally don't like that, it may be it has some chemical in it that's a little toxic to them. Watch the video...

A GARDEN THAT TRANSPORTS YOU INTO BEAUTY AND TRANQUILITY

In this Episode GardenSMART takes a tour of one of the finest gardens in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains is little known Sapphire Valley. Teaming with wildlife and amazing views from every angle, it's a gardener's paradise. Majestic waterfalls fed by pristine streams and mountain peaks frame the landscape. This is the garden of Mauree and Hank Booth, affectionately known as Two Ponds. They wanted places one could sit and reflect on the beauty. They wanted quiet places. But they also love sound, particularly the sound of water. So they created some gorgeous water features that Mauree thinks our audience will really enjoy. To learn more, click here.