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Garden in August |
How the garden looks in August at the height of the dry season is, in my opinion, the true test of how successful a garden is in a Mediterranean clime.
While vacationing on the island of Cephalonia for the second time during July, I was reminded of the fact that a garden can look great during the hottest and driest time of the year. These Bignonia.radicans (Campsis.radicans), Plumbago.auriculata, Hibiscus, and Nerium.oleander for vibrant color which was set against a background of
Pinus.halepensis, Thuja. occidentalis, and Pittosporum.tobira. Mass plantings of Agapanthus with its deep gentian flowers and Canna lillies (Canna.indica) with their large leaves and
spectacular flowers in red, orange and yellow act as accents. What was conspicuously missing was any extensive use of lawns.
I have recently applied some of these 'tricks to my two gardens and am hoping for a 'bumper crop' of lushness over the next few years.
August in a Mediterranean climate is the perfect month to:
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take pride in those plantings which are doing well.
- prune growth which has gotten out of hand during the weeks of neglect while vacationing.
- contemplate what needs to be done during the upcoming rainy season.
My personal do list will include:
- additional plantings of Oleander in locations where they will have enough room to grow unhampered.
- increase use of evergreens as a back drop.
- judicious use of the shade which these new plantings will offer.
- remember not to make any new additions to the garden after March 1st--whether herbaceous perennials, shrubs, or trees. They will not be able to handle the combined stress of hot sun accompanied by drying winds which is all a part of my garden.
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