It’s July already and I just moved out of my rental and into a new home! Yes, I am very excited. All the moving and unpacking has kept me away from the computer and more importantly, it’s kept me out of the yard. And this yard – my new yard – needs a lot of help. Not a flower is to be seen, and all the shrubs – ahh, small trees – are overgrown.
This house sat empty for about a year and apparently the previous owners weren’t very good at outdoor upkeep so I have my hands full.
Although I’d love to get to gardening, there is an issue with grading the land to get rainwater away from the house so I won’t do too much until that is taken care of.
It feels like I’ve spent this entire year buying a house. I started looking in March and then found this place in April, and just moved in July 11th. I’ve missed planting, weeding, picking flowers and all the summer fun of blueberry picking and mountain hiking. All my efforts have been towards home-ownership. It’s well worth it, but I have a feeling of not living among the world.
So, is it too late, when August is right around the corner, to think about gardening? No!!! In fact, I know that many plants need to be planted in Fall. It’s the second best time of year to plant (other than Spring).
Unfortunately, most of the great looking plants have been bought already, but the positive aspect would be finding bargains in the perennial section. I was at Tenney Farms in Antrim the other day and picked up a couple of yellow (Stella d’oro) day-lilies, a white phlox, and red coneflower. The hydrangeas have all been bought, of course, but I have other favorites and the Stella d’oro will bloom for such a long time. I also love daylilies because they are easy to divide and one plant can become several over the years.
So it’s not too late to garden but planting hydrangeas might have to wait until next Spring.
Related articles
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- A tour of my friend Bev’s Garden (redgardenclogs.wordpress.com)
Thank you for sharing!
Hydrangeas Blue 
This time, late July is a good time to start a new perennial border. You could start by taking a pH reading if you don’t know the history of your plot. Decide what soil amendments you should add. Decide what to plant and why. I work in weather Geo-climatic Zone 8, South Western British Columbia. For me the timing is perfect for planting fall brasica plants like Kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts, with some protection from the hot sun until established and providing adequate moisture and nutrients. For my zone mid October is ideal the start Russian garlic.Providing adequate nitrogen to carry them through the winter.
Mid October is also good for deviding or planting perennials, fruit trees et al, but fruit shrubs are better done in spring time. Your pH and soil nutrient test would be your most important numbers.Garden clubs are a good source for plants and good information for your area or your local extension service.
I am doing this because I just had cataract surgery and needed to do something relaxing. Good luck with this.
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Hi Jack,
Thanks for that good info. I will have to do a soil test I suppose. Right now I have a lot to deal with in the yard and uprooting the blackberry bushes is one! They are growing right in the sunny backyard where I’d like to have a veggie garden. I’m so glad you mentioned the garlic planting – I definitely want to do that and I have a couple months to get ready. I wish I were younger and had a stronger back – yard work has to be done in increments!
Wishing you a quick recovery from the surgery and visit my blog any time!
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