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Collier's Garden Scoop
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August 2016
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Deep summer is when laziness
finds respectability.
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These adorable, fuzzy plumes belong to dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln').
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An especially hot June makes it seem like summer is dragging on forever this year (although children likely don't agree with a new school year starting this week!). With the arrival of August, the 'dog days' are officially here. Stop by this month if you need a few annuals to freshen up your garden until mum and pansy season. We'll receive new container and decor shipments for the fall season over the next two months, so there will be some fun new things to discover at the nursery. We look forward to seeing you!
August Hours
Closed Sundays
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 Enjoying Home-Grown Fruit
is Easier Than You Think!
One of the most enjoyable things about summertime is stopping by a roadside produce stand or farmer's market to stock up on delicious fruits and veggies. While we aren't in the right climate to grow some fruits, there are several yummy (and perennial!) options you can grow in your own garden. Most of us are familiar with the southern favorite, blueberries (learn more about these and how to grow them in our November 2009 newsletter), but take a gander below for a few more options to add to the mix for a home-grown harvest (all are in-store now!)...
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 Lemon & Lime
Both of these tart and tangy fruits originated in Asia, but found their way into cultivation in the Mediterranean region by the first century AD. Lemon seeds were brought to the Americas by none other than Christopher Columbus himself. Lemons are especially useful to have around, as they are needed in a wide range of culinary dishes, desserts and drinks. Unfortunately, neither lemons or limes are very cold hardy, but the good news is both can easily be grown in large containers and overwintered indoors. Plant in a container that is 18 inches in diameter, or larger, and at least as deep. While nighttime temps stay above 40, plants can stay outdoors in partial or full sun (need at least 4 hours of direct sun per day). Overwinter in a bright, sunny (but cool) basement, garage or partially heated sun room (avoid placing plants near heat sources). Spring and summer flowers are followed by ripening fruit in fall and winter.
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 Figs
Along with blueberries, figs are a classic Southern fruit that every garden should include if it has the space. Fig trees do grow quite large, from 15 to 30 feet tall and wide! Their multiple, sprawling trunks and large leaves make the plant itself quite ornamental, and then of course the delectable summer fruit is quite enjoyable too! Baskets full of soft, sweet figs ripen between July and September and can be eaten freshly picked or made into preserves and enjoyed throughout the year. Site plants in partial or full sun and prune lightly in winter as needed. Otherwise, fig trees are very low maintenance, and drought tolerant, once established.
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 Muscadine
Adding one of these Southern grapes to your garden requires a bit of work up front (as this vine needs a sturdy structure to support it and a bit of training and pruning to get it going), but once established will reward you with a sweet harvest for decades to come. Muscadines are the most heat-hardy grape, and so are best suited to thrive in southern summers, and they are also more resistant to common disease problems experienced by other grape varieties. Grapes ripen in late summer and fall. Some training and pruning is required to keep plants healthy and maximize fruit production, but these are relatively easy plants to grow and enjoy in your landscape.
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Create a Rest Stop for the Bees and Butterflies
If you enjoy attracting these beauties to your garden, be sure to provide a water source, as well as nectar and pollen sources, so they can rest and rehydrate on hot summer days. Both bees and butterflies require shallow water and a place to perch. Fill a container with pebbles or marbles and then fill with water so that they are barely covered. Place in a shady spot so the water won't get too hot from sun exposure. Empty and replace the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean. This fresh water source, along with the blooms in your garden, will create an oasis for bees and butterflies to enjoy this summer!
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Expand Your Garden- for Free!
Summer is the ideal time to take stem cuttings from many trees and shrubs. This is a simple and fun way to create new plants for your own garden, or to share with friends and family. All you need are plants to take cuttings from, potting soil and empty pots, and rooting powder (which we have in stock). Check out this article from Fine Gardening Magazine for step-by-step instructions, helpful photos and a list of some of the best shrubs to take cuttings from. |
 August Lawn Care
to Centipede lawns in
early August.
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Collier's Nursery
205-822-3133
2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road
Birmingham, AL 35243
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