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What to do in the garden in August ๐งโ๐พ, win-win ways to recycle storm damaged plants โ๏ธ, & more ๐๐ต
Published about 2 months agoย โขย 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener,
August is here, which means we're nearly halfway through the monsoon. And a new month brings new gardening tasks. Compared to July, there's more to do in the garden this month -- more plants to be pruned and fertilized, and more pests and problems to watch out for, too.
If you had any storm damage, be sure to check out the unique "win-win" ways to recycle storm damaged branches, trees, shrubs, cactus, and other succulents below.
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I recently had an unfortunate garden loss. I was shocked that the wind ripped a 5' hop bush completely out of the ground, severing the trunk from the roots. There's no way to fix that.๐ญ But I decided to plant something different in that spot -- see today's featured plant, 'Orange Jubilee'
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Things are picking up on the gardening scene. Pima Co. Master Gardeners has 3 online classes the first week of August, and there are some plant sales to look forward to, too.
In this week's newsletter, we cover:
What to do in the garden in August
Featured plant: 'Orange Jubilee'
Unique ways to "recycle" storm damaged plants
Purslane, portulaca, & moss rose -- what's the difference?
Upcoming plant sales
and more!
August Gardening Guide
August in the desert Southwest is a lively month of contrasts as sporadic storms can bring welcome rain and cool fronts, and beautiful sunsets. But it can also bring pests, floods, and damaging winds. Hereโs what tasks to do in the garden and problems to watch out for during this changeable month. โGet the details here โโ
Recycle Storm Damaged Plants
Did you lose any trees, branches, or cactus during recent storms?
Instead of paying to have them hauled away or taking them to the landfill, consider donating branches to Tucson's Reid Park Zoo. Depending on the species, they may want your branches to feed their animals! Learn more about this program here.
If you have a cactus or other succulent that fell over or broke, Anita Cactus will remove for free and rehome them.
Visit their Facebook page for more info, or call or text 440-850-1820 to set an appointment. Their service area includes Tucson and beyond to Marana, Oro Valley, Oracle, Rita Ranch, Phoenix, and Sierra Vista.
โOrange Jubileeโ: Festive Yellow Bells Hybrid
This large shrub, with its clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers, is as festive as its name implies. It's a hybrid of the popular shrub yellow bells, and is similar in appearance and care requirements. โLearn more โโ
Upcoming Tucson Events
Tucson's garden scene is picking up. Here are some of the highlights coming up soon: * Blooming Barrel Sale @ Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society (8/8) * Propagating Native Shade Trees Workshop @ Watershed Management Group (8/6) * Dog Days of Summer Sale @ Desert Survivors (8/9)
If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out Tohono Chul's "Chillinโ at the Chul" for food, drinks, live music, & family activities. (Fri. & Sat. evenings through August.) Admission is free! ๐คฉ
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes.Anyone can participate in these.
Purslane, Portulaca, & Moss Rose: Whatโs the Difference?
There are three plants commonly grown as annuals that go by the interchangeable common names โpurslaneโ, โportulacaโ, and โmoss roseโ โ it can be confusing! Understand the difference and similarities between them, once and for all. โLearn more โโ
Garden Quote
"Garden as though you will live forever." โ William Kent, landscape architect
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
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