Time to Relax. August (and September) tend to be a relatively laid-back time in gardens, time to enjoy the work put into your landscape earlier in the year. Not that there’s nothing to do, but with the heat and dryness, better to sit back with a refreshing drink and appreciate what’s there, rather than burning yourself out on chores.

Observe. While you’re sitting outside relaxing, don’t fail to notice what is missing in your landscape or garden. The glass is half full, but let’s consider how to fill it up. These can be added later in the cool season, but make a mental note about what you might like to grow. Need more shade, more screening, more fragrance, more cut flowers, more produce??? Pay attention to what you see in other landscapes that may appeal to you. Will any of these work for you? Make notes for your planning purposes.

Take a picture. If you don’t know what a plant is, take a picture or several, there are many online sites for plant identifications, or maybe you have a friend who knows plants, or you can visit a local nursery. And a picture is invaluable compared to fumbling verbal descriptions, especially if you don’t speak “plants.”

For those who followed my suggestion for a “June prune” should be enjoying a repeat on some of those plants now. You might even find the time to nip back a few again and try for a third show; this works well for roses. Even classic “summer plants” such as dahlias, cosmos, zinnias and such can be extended by dead-heading. Generally, after any significant pruning, some extra water may be crucial at this season to put out new growth. But always balance the appearance with leaving some seed for birds and other wildlife.