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Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Perennial Garden Thriving In August
By BROOKE YOUNGER
If you live in a cool, temperate climate, most summer and spring flowers wane or wither by August. Start by clearing out old, dead foliage at the end of summer to prepare for fall.
Since many perennials bloom in cool weather, deadheading old flowers in August is key to improving your perennial bed. Consider collecting seeds or leaving them for wildlife.
Spent daylilies can be cut down to about 3 inches above the soil, encouraging new green growth in fall. Avoid pruning fall-flowering perennials like aster, goldenrod, and Boltonia.
Pull any weeds from the roots to prevent them from spreading, check your plants for mildew, and cut back on fertilizer. Test your soil in late August and amend it as needed.
For regions with mild weather, divide and replant spring-blooming bulbs for fuller growth next year. Plant flowers like chrysanthemums and add mulch for moisture and nutrients.