August in the Garden

August has a gentler rhythm.

The excitement of early summer begins to soften, but the garden is still full of life. Dahlias are reaching their peak, bees continue to dance from flower to flower, and warm evenings invite us outside to enjoy everything we've spent months nurturing.

It's a month of maintenance rather than major jobs. A lot of watering, a little pruning, plenty of deadheading, and perhaps a moment to pause and appreciate just how far your garden has come considering the crazy temperatures.

What to Do in the Garden in August

• Water Camellias and Rhododendrons - Although these shrubs may not be flowering now, August is when next year's flower buds are developing. If the weather is dry, give camellias and rhododendrons a deep soak every so often to help ensure a beautiful display next spring.

  
  

• Prune Lavender - Once flowering has finished, give lavender a tidy trim to keep plants compact and prevent them from becoming woody. Avoid cutting into old wood, as it won't readily produce new growth.

  
  

  I've already harvested and pruned mine this year, and after collecting a little more from some lovely clients (with their permission!), I'm hoping to make my first lavender wreath. Wish me luck!

  
  

• Keep Deadheading - Continue removing spent flowers from roses, dahlias, cosmos, sweet peas (if yours are still flowering) and other summer favourites. Regular deadheading encourages plants to keep producing blooms well into autumn.

  
  

• Feed and Water Pots - Containers work incredibly hard at this time of year. Daily watering during hot spells and a weekly liquid feed will keep displays looking lush and flowering for longer.

  
  

  I continue to use Shropshire Seaweed Feed throughout summer to keep my pots healthy and blooming. (Affiliate link.)

  
  

• Prune Cherry, Plum, Magnolia and Walnut Trees - Late summer is the ideal time to prune these trees. Pruning now helps reduce the risk of diseases, particularly silver leaf, which can affect stone fruits when pruned in winter. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches and lightly shape where needed.

  
  

• Collect Seeds - August is a wonderful month for collecting seeds from your favourite flowers. Cosmos, sweet peas, nigella, honesty and poppies are just a few that can be saved for next year. Allow seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting and storing them somewhere cool and dry.

  
  

  There's something incredibly satisfying about growing next year's garden from this year's flowers.

  
  

• Prune Wisteria (If You Haven't Already) - If you didn't get around to pruning your wisteria in July, there's still time. Cut this year's long, whippy shoots back to around five or six leaves from the main framework to keep it tidy and encourage better flowering next spring.

  
  

What's Happening in the Garden?

• Dahlias are putting on their biggest display of the year.

• Bees and butterflies are busy enjoying late summer nectar.

• Seed heads begin to form, adding beautiful texture to borders.

• The first hints of autumn quietly begin to appear in the changing light.

  
  

August is a month of abundance, but also of looking ahead. Saving seeds, caring for shrubs, and preparing plants for another year reminds us that gardening is always about thinking one season ahead.

Final Thoughts

August encourages us to slow down.

The frantic pace of spring has passed, and the garden asks only for gentle care in return for everything it's given. A watering can in one hand, secateurs in the other, and perhaps a basket for gathering seeds or bunches of lavender.

Before long, autumn (my favourite season) will be knocking at the garden gate. But for now, there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy.

All my love, love from Donna 🌷