Friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil - but
      it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small silly 
      presents every so often  - just to save it from drying out completely.

If you own or operate a business you owe it to yourself to contact Antoine's team today.

 

 

 

Bianca - Member at large

 

Trish - Member at larger

Gay men's Outreach Worker

The Aids Committe of Durham Region

22 King Street West, Suite # 202

Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1A3

905-576-1445 ext. 15

AUGUST  IN  THE  GARDEN
 
We are fortunate this year that we are getting rain on a timely basis which has made the garden less demading for water.
 
BUT: You still need to water and fertilize those hanging baskets and pots of plants to keep them looking and growing strong.
 
Order or at least think about planting some spring bulbs now.  Tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth,scilla,etc. If you are mulching your garden, it could probably use a touchup, by keeping it 3 or 4 inches thick it suppresses weeds and keeps moisture in.
 
Keep deadheading and harvesting. Pick herbs for fresh use and for drying or freezing.  Harvesting will keep them growing.Cut back the foliage on any perennials that have finished flowering and are looking tired.  They will regrow and maybe even flower again. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials now and keep them well watered so that they make new roots before winter sets in. Prune summer flowering shrubs as the flowers fade.  They will be more shapely and vigourous for next years flowers. Edge your garden beds.  By putting a clean crisp edge on the garden, it makes it look great and keeps the grass from creeping into the beds. Take pictures of garden.  Mid August is when most gardens are at their peak.  Take pictures of container combinations that you would like to repeat. Yours or your neighbours!!
 
This is a good time to start dividing perennials.  Either spread them through your garden or perhaps swap them with neighbours and friends. Mid August to mid September is a good time to overseed your lawn.  As the night temperatures start to cool, grass starts  to grow more vigorously again.  And there is time for the seed to sprout and put down  some good roots before winter arrives.
 
And the most important thing to do, is sit back and enjoy your garden. You've worked hard to create your  EDEN, so enjoy!!
 
But it is also a time to criticize and analyze your garden.  Is it everything you want it to be?  What changes could you make for next year to make it even better?  Oh the possiblities!!  Where are the magazines??  What does my neighbour have in that hanging basket?  I have no colour in my garden in August-----what will I do?  Actually if you go to a good garden centre each month or twice per month, you will see what is in flower at that time;  be it a tree, shrub, perennial or annual.
 
Anyways, enjoy the rest of the summer, pop open a cool one and relax.
You've earned it.
 
Till next time  IN THE GARDEN,

Charlie

Plant Expert & Newsletter Columnist