Simply for being a summer month!
And at the latter part too, when most of big work have been done and it's just a case of maintaining the growth spurt that happened on previous months.
And most of the spring perennials have already gone dormant and you safely cut away all the dead growth still remaining. Not much putting up to do with green/brown combo that is usually the case with June and July.
The only thing is that in UK, warmth is not guaranteed either. I remember last year we even had a frost scare! However, I'm not that fussed with too much warmth. Moderate is fine, it's more comfy to garden at such temperatures, as long as it's sunny.
Cutting back all of the dead growth from spring perennials has exposed some ground space that disappeared for awhile. The garden felt sparse initially...
Of course it's not. The other thing is that a lot of plants that were previously squat are much taller now. Taller than us and creating a canopy. And we can walk underneath their foliage.
Means more visibility of what's underneath the canopy. Which also means planting space.
But must not forget the perennials that will be back next spring! Just probably need to look for some evergreen to keep those summer dormant ones company.
Hmmm...reasons to plant shop!
I love August!
Mark :-)
And at the latter part too, when most of big work have been done and it's just a case of maintaining the growth spurt that happened on previous months.
And most of the spring perennials have already gone dormant and you safely cut away all the dead growth still remaining. Not much putting up to do with green/brown combo that is usually the case with June and July.
The only thing is that in UK, warmth is not guaranteed either. I remember last year we even had a frost scare! However, I'm not that fussed with too much warmth. Moderate is fine, it's more comfy to garden at such temperatures, as long as it's sunny.
Cutting back all of the dead growth from spring perennials has exposed some ground space that disappeared for awhile. The garden felt sparse initially...
 |
| Did I just say sparse? |
Of course it's not. The other thing is that a lot of plants that were previously squat are much taller now. Taller than us and creating a canopy. And we can walk underneath their foliage.
Means more visibility of what's underneath the canopy. Which also means planting space.
But must not forget the perennials that will be back next spring! Just probably need to look for some evergreen to keep those summer dormant ones company.
Hmmm...reasons to plant shop!
I love August!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Wait, were you saying something? August something or other? You shouldn't post such lovely photos of the lushness if you actually want us to read! ;)
ReplyDelete(August here is usually very hot and humid so there's less "enjoying" of the garden, but the grasses and tropicals are all getting nice and big so it's hard not to love it! I think I like September better though -- better weather.)
Was just thinking that too Alan that in a lot of parts in northern hemisphere it is uncomfortably hot this month. Sometimes UK weather has its advantages :)
DeleteAugust is a lovely month in the garden. Because summer is when I have time, things are still being planted but mostly it's a time of maintaining and enjoying. Who wouldn't love that? Now go buy some more plants!
ReplyDeleteAnother good thing Peter is that September is looming, meaning plant sales, yay!!
DeleteI was just pondering how to fill a couple of August garden holes too. Damn I hate when I have to go buy plants...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy August!
and you too Loree :)
DeleteI had to look very hard to find that planting space. Good on you for finding it and the resulting shopping opportunity. Thank goodness there is no such thing as a full border.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Sarah, the more crammed in the merrier :)
DeleteHi Mark, you garden looks quite "junglely" in the very best way right now! I am always in awe of the lushness that you are able to achieve in the summer. Living in dry and hot San Diego and being confronted with very strict water restrictions on top of that I sometimes can't help but envying you guys.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Christina
Ahh but to have your mild winters Christina :) hopefully the drought there will end soon
DeleteI half-expected to see a photo of the 2 of you with your feet up on the railing of the jungle hut, enjoying an ice tea (or something stronger). It's good to have time to relax and truly enjoy the garden. Unfortunately, our August weather is not nearly as hospitable to summer dreaming.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we do that Kris, feet up on the railing :) funny enough iced tea is rarely drunk in the UK but so popular for the rest of Europe
DeletePart of me wants August to last forever. Then I remind myself how much I love Autumn. Even winter has its charms. Where would we be without the wonderful parade of seasons? Oh, I guess that would be Tahiti?
ReplyDeleteAhh if only Tahiti is so easy to get to Ricki...
DeleteAugust clearly is very different in the U.K. Your photos tell the tale.
ReplyDeleteHere in California August is hot and seems to last forever (just like July). September is better, but I can't wait for October, one of my favorite months of the year. Still warm and sunny, but much gentler on plants and people, and with the promise of fall in the air.
I did think of that Gerhard, how different August is in here. The rest of Europe gets really hot and muggy like there as you're probably aware already :))
DeleteAugust is downright yukky here Mark ! Everything is spent and tired. I do lot's of cut-back now in anticipation of a beautiful fall garden. I do enjoy seeing the contrasts in gardens far away..
ReplyDeleteHopefully autumn will be good for everyone Kathy :)
DeleteI love August too! I love it when the garden goes a bit bonkers and all is overgrown and lush, then a quick (or maybe longer) tidy up and a bit of thinking about the months ahead and off we go again! It must feel wonderful to walk under the foliage of your taller trees, a lush jungle in the UK. It's also good to reassess the garden on a regular basis to see gaps or where an area can be improved - although I'm surprised there are any gaps in your garden!! Have a good weekend, xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Caro! There will always be space somewhere :)
DeleteI love August because it means only another month of high temps and humidity! I also appreciate that it is a type of down time. I can't plant during this month, and I do the minimal amount of maintenance I can get away with. I love your wonderful, lush garden, with its canopy of exotics and delightful surprises all around. It obviously enjoys August as much as you do.
ReplyDeleteAll looks lush and flourishing guys. I think that temperatures in the southern half of the U.K. have been a tad warmer for most of the summer which will have suited your tropical jungle. It's been the summer that never was so far in the north west. Have fun plant shopping - there's always room to squeeze something else in.
ReplyDeleteAugust must be lovely in London :). The garden seems to enjoy it! august here it is hot but it is better than july!
ReplyDelete