August and September are often overlooked in the garden. Many people think the gardening season is coming to an end, when in fact these months can be among the richest and most beautiful times to enjoy the garden (less work, stunning beauty). That inspired me for the title: The late summer garden, maybe the most beautiful of the year.
August is the bridge between summer and autumn
The garden is changing, but don’t clean everything up just yet. Seed heads can be beautiful and add texture and interest to the late summer garden. However, remove the seed heads of self-seeding plants such as foxgloves, hollyhocks, poppies, and fennel before they have a chance to take over your garden.
Ornamental grasses are just beginning to shine, and bees and other pollinators still rely on late-season flowers for food. So resist the urge to give your garden a full “spring cleaning.” Leaving some plants standing not only creates a more natural look but also supports wildlife well into autumn.
What I’m doing in my garden now
I previously wrote a post called Things to Do in the Garden in August. One major difference compared to when I first wrote it, is the weather. This year has been exceptionally dry, so the focus is on watering deeply rather than frequently.
In my original article, I only mentioned pruning wisteria. However, August is also a good time to prune several other plants, so I’ve added lavender, lavatera, perennial salvias, hedges, boxwood shrubs, and stone fruit trees to the list. It is important to prune in this time of year to redirect the energy of the plants into forming next spring (flower) buds.
Other late-summer gardening tasks include taking cuttings, harvesting herbs, cleaning containers, and dividing perennials if needed.
We are always interested in tips from our readers, let us know in the comments.
Looking ahead for spring
Garden centers are now (or in 1 or two weeks) starting to sell tulips, alliums, daffodils and crocuses. Even though planting usually starts later, this is the best time to choose because the selection is still complete.
Buy bulbs in August or September.
Store them in a cool, dry place.
Plant when the soil cools in autumn.
And if you are lucky you will have a beautiful bouquet like this one next spring!
painting by Tjalf Sparnaay
Bring the season indoors
One of the things I love most about the late summer garden is that the inspiration doesn’t have to stay outdoors. This is the time of year when I find myself bringing a little of the season inside. A few ornamental grasses in a simple vase; seed heads gathered during a morning walk, or branches with berries can add just as much character as a bouquet of fresh flowers. The soft greens, warm ochres, faded pinks, and earthy browns of late summer also find their way into my home through linen cushions, ceramics, and natural textures. It’s a gentle reminder that our gardens can continue to inspire us long after we’ve stepped back inside.
Finally
The late summer garden reminds me that beauty does not always lie in bright colors or perfect flowers. Sometimes you find it in wilting petals, swaying grass, and the promise of a new season waiting around the corner. (Or does that sound a bit too New Agey? 🤔)
Enjoy your late summer garden!
I hope this article has inspired you to look at your garden with fresh eyes and enjoy the quiet beauty of late summer. If you know someone who loves gardening, nature, or simply slowing down to appreciate the changing seasons, I’d love it if you shared this article with them—whether that’s by email, Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social platform. Every share helps Woonlookbook reach more readers who enjoy finding beauty in the everyday.
