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IN THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER Summer’s officially here and with it the hottest days of the year. The heat is beneficial to some plants but many seem to long for a respite from the heat. Gardeners, too, are not as ambitious when the temperature hovers at or above 90 degrees. So what is one to do when plants need more care yet their caretakers are too hot and tired to do much? Here are a few suggestions. Take advantage of morning’s cool temperatures. Rise at dawn, make a cup of coffee or tea, and go out and tend to the garden. I like to start with the area that is pummeled by afternoon sun but is shady in the morning. It’s an opportunity to enjoy those plants while the temperatures are cool. Watering,a little deadheading, and plucking a weed or two are pleasant chores at this time. The hummingbirds are most active in the early morning so you’ll have the good fortune to watch their antics. What could be better than a hummingbird show coupled with the early morning scent of lavenders, agastaches, roses, or other fragrant blooms? Watching the day dawn is an added bonus. Remember you can always take a nap during the hottest part of the day or go to bed early to catch up on sleep.
Survey your garden for shady lounging areas for different times of the day. If your favorite spot is too sunny in the afternoon, consider creating shade with an umbrella or canopy. Plant a tree this fall to help shade that too sunny area. It may take quite a while before it’s big enough to provide shade but it will happen. In the mean time set up a table for dining, comfortable chairs for reading or lounging and enjoy the shade created by your canopy. If the area is suitable for a pergola, you might want to consider building one and planting vines at the four corners to create a shady spot. While the vines grow up to the top, you can place fabric, latillas, or branches over the beams to create temporary shade. While enjoying the water feature or shady areas, take a periodic break of five or ten minute to tend to the garden then go back to your relaxation. Short periods of work like this are almost not like work so things will get done before you know it. A month from now the weather will be cooler and you’ll have forgotten the heat of the summer.
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Add a small water feature to your garden. It can be as simple as a birdbath or shallow bowl of water among the perennials. Add a small rock so birds or small animals can easily climb out. Water has a cooling effect if it’s a large enough body. But small water features have a psychological cooling effect which is helpful at this time of year. When filling the bowl, let a few drops hit your arms and legs. If a new plant looks terribly wilted, give it a drink at the same time you take a sip of water. Hydration is key to surviving excessive heat for plants and people.