August in the Garden
Why the Best of the Gardening Year Isn't Over Yet
It is easy to think of August as the beginning of the end for the gardening season. Summer holidays are drawing to a close, lawns may be looking tired after weeks of sunshine, and many of the early flowering plants have finished their display.
In reality, August is one of the most rewarding months to be in the garden. It is a month of colour, careful maintenance and forward planning. Many plants are only just reaching their peak, while others are quietly preparing for spectacular autumn displays.
As broadcaster and gardener Alan Titchmarsh once said, "Gardening is all about looking forward." Few months capture that sentiment better than August.
Keep Watering, But Water Smarter
One of the biggest challenges in August is maintaining healthy plants through warm weather.
Rather than watering little and often, give plants a thorough soak once or twice a week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil, making plants more resilient during dry spells.
Early morning or late evening watering also reduces evaporation and gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
Containers and hanging baskets deserve particular attention, as they dry out much faster than borders.
Deadheading Makes a Huge Difference
Many summer flowering plants still have plenty to give in August.
Removing faded flowers encourages plants to produce more blooms instead of diverting energy into seed production. Roses, dahlias, cosmos and many bedding plants will continue flowering well into autumn with regular deadheading.
Taking just a few minutes every couple of days can extend your displays by several weeks.
August Is Still Full of Colour
One of the biggest misconceptions about late summer is that gardens begin to lose their impact.
In fact, many shrubs and climbers are only just coming into their own.
This season, we have some beautiful evergreen climbers in store that demonstrate exactly why August remains such an exciting month. Their glossy green foliage provides structure throughout spring and summer before producing flowers towards the end of summer and into autumn. As temperatures begin to fall, the leaves gradually turn rich shades of red, creating colour that lasts right through winter before returning to fresh green growth the following spring.
Plants that offer interest across multiple seasons are some of the hardest working additions you can make to any garden, providing colour and texture long after many summer flowers have faded.
Hydrangeas Take Centre Stage
Few shrubs capture the beauty of late summer quite like hydrangeas.
August is often when they reach their full potential, producing large flower heads that continue well into autumn before gradually changing colour as the season progresses.
Whether you prefer classic blues, soft pinks, crisp whites or deep burgundy tones, hydrangeas provide reliable impact year after year.
To keep them performing at their best:
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Water thoroughly during prolonged dry spells, particularly newly planted shrubs.
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Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
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Avoid pruning flower heads too early, as they provide valuable protection for next year's buds through winter.
We currently have some excellent offers on hydrangeas in store, making August an ideal time to introduce one of these dependable shrubs into your garden while they are looking their very best.
Think Beyond Summer
Experienced gardeners know that August is also a month of preparation.
Many spring flowering bulbs will soon become available, lawns begin recovering from summer stress, and borders can be refreshed with new shrubs and perennials while the soil is still warm.
Planting now gives roots time to establish before winter, often leading to stronger growth the following spring.
Gardening has always been about planning ahead, and August offers one of the best opportunities to do exactly that.
Keep Feeding Your Garden
Hanging baskets, containers, tomatoes and flowering plants continue using large amounts of energy. Regular feeding helps maintain healthy foliage, stronger roots and longer lasting displays.
For great products at great prices, recommended by our in stores plant teams, check out:
Think of feeding as helping plants finish the season just as strongly as they started it.
Visit Us This August
If you are looking for inspiration, August is one of the best times to visit the garden centre.
Our latest arrivals include beautiful evergreen climbers that provide interest throughout every season, alongside stunning hydrangeas that are currently looking spectacular. Whether you are refreshing borders, adding late season colour or planning ahead for autumn, our team is always happy to help you find the right plants for your garden.
Because while summer may be beginning to change, the gardening season is far from over.