There’s a change in the air…

The morning air is getting crisper and mellow. This is one of my favorite times of the day. The humidity levels have been lower too – which is quite unusual for a late southern summer. This is going down in the book of records for my August Garden Journal. And just a week later – as I update this to publish, this week is slated to be a week filled with temperatures in the high 90’s! You just never know!

Transitioning

Now, don’t get me wrong – we’ve had some whopper summer days – the 3 H’s as they put it! Hazy, Hot and Humid. Those days I seek employment elsewhere – or get out as early as possible! But, the transitioning of the seasons is beginning: the daylight hours are shortening, autumn perennials are already beginning to bloom and now is a good time to survey and to plan for the year to come.

Solidified Plans

As I was working in the garden yesterday, I was convinced of my plans to downsize garden beds. I know me and I know I want to be a good steward of my garden for a very long time! Taking good care of the garden requires a lot of effort – especially in the summer months – so, cutting back in just one bed can make all the difference in being able to accomplish and to thoroughly enjoy the garden – so that it continues to be a pleasure not a chore.

Garden Winners

For the southern garden, the choices in plants that can thrive depend upon their ability to take the summer heat and humidity – and when they bloom. Our ‘growing season‘ is long and begins in February in spring and can extend until late autumn – November. It is the summer’s heat that determines whether a plant can thrive. Those that require ‘a long winter’s nap’ may need special help, ‘micro climate’ or simply not to be considered. It is a challenge to find out what can work. Here are my Garden Winners – stalwart plants that perform beautifully:

Crape Myrtles

 

These come in a wide variety of color and they fill the summer garden with confetti blossoms.

Knockout Roses

Blackeye Susans

Purple Coneflower

Geranium

And I will always have Roses

These two are still blooming – though sparingly. It is a difficult environment for these roses as they’re susceptible to Black Spot, but if you’re diligent, you can keep it at bay.

What do you like to grow in your garden? Do you try plants that are not usually suited to your climate – if so, how do you make it work?

I am sharing this post with these Delightsome blog parties:

 
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Sunny Simple Monday @ Sunny Simple Life

Tuesday Garden Party @Fishtail Cottage

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine’s Corner
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 
Open House @ Bernideen’s Tea Time Blog 
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Beverly’s Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage
Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage
Home @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Open House @ Bernideens Teatime Blog
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage

Saturday Showoff @ ROSEGARDEN at Malevik

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

Be Inspired @ Common Ground