Already this summer, the garden has endured weather of extremes, very hot periods leading to prolonged dry spells and more recently very heavy rainfall which unfortunately has produced major flooding in some areas. Usually by the time we reach August, the garden has hopefully come through intact the usual challenges and sometimes disappointing unpredictable vagaries of Irish summer weather. Often a quiet month, however the challenges of prolonged dry spells, occasional intense heat and few cold wet spells can create unexpected work.
Traditionally this period represents a changing transitional phase in the garden year as we move from the peak flowering performance of the summer months of June and July before the plant season prepares itself to slip quietly away and make ready for the onset of autumn. But, if you are looking for more flower power and a longer flowering performance to fill any current gaps in the planted borders now is the time to do it. Try filling those gaps now with reliable flowering perennials and to create a strong flowering display well into the autumn this year but also each and every subsequent year too.
Splendid looking late summer flowering and easy to grow perennials includes Helenium, Liatris, Rudbeckia, Echinacea and Aster. Also worth looking for the more compact and evergreen Agapanthus White Storm (white flowers) and Blue Storm (blue flowers).
Other key tasks this month:
