You might not be a huge fan of the summertime heat and humidity, and working in the garden under the blazing sun may not be your idea of fun. But as Stephanie Cohen and Jennifer Benner’s The Nonstop Garden points out, with a little planning and ingenuity, you can get a garden that blooms continuously throughout the season, allowing more time to sit back and enjoy and less time toiling in the backyard. So get going with these tips:
Knit combinations together with a theme: If you feel overwhelmed stepping into your local garden center, try going in with a plan. One of the easiest ways to stay on track is by choosing a color theme and sticking to it. Also because leaves last longer than flowers, choose a mix of foliage plants that match your motif.
Select a succession of perennial blooms: Because summer is a season loaded with flowers, it’s easy to have a non-stop flower display throughout the season. Pick strong performers that peak at different times throughout the summer to have an endless parade of blooms.
Have fun with see-through plants: Bed and borders do not always have shorter plants in the front with taller in the back. Taller plants that have an airy habit (such as tall verbena) can be placed closer to the front, yet still allow you to see the plants in the back. The effect can be dramatic and playful.
Give it up to summer-flowering shrubs: A fair share of shrubs give a good floral show in the summer. Try Virginia sweetspire, clethra, bigleaf hydrangea, or sun-loving butterfly bush.
Choose partners that “pop”: To create unforgettable combinations, choose plants that contrast in color as well as texture. A splash of deep burgundy or bright yellow foliage really helps to make neighbors stand out. Or the combination of small and large leaves and flowers provides extended interest.
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