Tag Archives: summer gardening in Dallas

WHEN YOU DON’T GET WHAT YOU WANT, YOU GET EXPERIENCE

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Dallas Garden Buzz

August 30, 2023

Old sayings are so often true and in the garden this summer, there is no doubt at all.

No way, is this post full of cheer, the summer is miserable for gardeners and plants alike. But as always we can learn a lot and really we have to. Like it or not gardens are just essential for birds and lizards and insects of all sorts. They count on plants for their very life—and what would a gardener be—without a garden —so what to do?

Don’t forget about grasses. This is seep muley, not dramatic but looks good in a quiet way.
Common Mullein has lots of bad habits but don’t overlook all the good ones.

Observation comes to the rescue and brings a bit of joy and hope. Some plants are holding on—and even blooming—if not right this minute they are planning to—soon.
These are the plants we must remember, be sure to plant again for the next summer—which we sincerely hope will be more pleasant but –we can’t count on it.

Mealey blue sage is a self seeder, sometimes too much, but tries hard and what lovely color in hard times.
When plants self seed, they find what works for them and are often far healthier than the ones planted by us.

Some of these plants are not the most spectacular but they are lovely in their own right and most important provide essential nutrition for the little lives counting on the garden. Fennel is a host plant for black swallowtails, plus we can enjoy using fennel and it is still alive.

Carry on watering mulching deadheading and trimming—it honestly isn’t so bad early in the morning. But don’t stop there. Take pictures make notes do what it takes to keep the plants that are surviving and even succeeding in your garden in your mind. That way there will be less wasted work and money next year. Sadly of course remember also what failed miserably. When the going gets tough—some plants just give up. More than likely not their fault at all they just were never intended for this weather. Best to face it and remember it clearly.

Yarrow, not blooming, but healthy and will bloom again when the time is right.
Candelstick trees seend themselves then send down roots before they grow tall. This is a great plant for dealing with adverse conditions.
Amaranth has a long history of living in hot places.
Clammy weed doesn’t give up. This plant is in a little shade which helps.
Tithonia requires upkeep but it’s worth it for flowers in serious heat.

Hope isn’t the best strategy for the summer garden –at least around here. Look at what works in your garden and in gardens you visit, Raincatcher’s welcomes visitors any time. Tuesday mornings there will be gardeners available to answer questions. You might even enjoy summer gardening!

Make experience; even of this dreadful summer—count for knowledge of what works—and what doesn’t. That will make us all better gardeners!

Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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