Late summer transition

The following is by Linn County Extension Master Gardener, Claire Smith:

Well, we need to do a little repair work.  The recent thunderstorm decimated part of my new zeroscape.  The force of the water relocated some huge rocks and washed away a lot of mulch.   Fortunately the Hosta were still in bloom so I hadn't transplanted them out there yet.  It's time to move the Iris now, too.  August is a great time to divide and transplant Iris, Poppies and other spring blooming perennials.

Stroll around your gardens and assess where you might want to add new plants or rearrange beds yet this summer.  Remember that new plantings need about one inch of water each week.  Deadheading will prevent reseeding but will prolong blooming.  Guesstimate when the last set of flowers will bloom and leave the last batch of seedpods to add winter interest.  Cut back and remove damaged and dead foliage.  Pruning sub-shrubs is best done in March.  Let them harden off for winter now.

Now is also a good time to apply a thin layer of mulch.  Mother Nature will probably provide us with some steamy days yet this summer and mulch will keep beds cool and moist.  With all of the recent rains you may be well advised to lightly rake the existing mulch a bit as a preventative to slime mold.  This fungus can develop and feed on your plants.  It is generally harmless.  As you are raking the mulch, remove clumps of leaves and other debris to eliminate unwanted critter habitats and potential damage to the surrounding plants.  Pull mulch away from tree trunks.

Late summer is transition time.   Pour of glass of lemonade.  Sit down and enjoy your gardens. Then pull out your garden journal and jot down what you like and what you want to change next year.