Garden Tip 186

The combination of extremely dry weather and hot temperatures can create havoc in the garden. Many of us are seeing tip burn, leaf scorch, and/or defoliation of tender plants such as hydrangeas, hostas, and rose bushes.

While not lethal, this damage should be pruned back to good growth, improving both the health and appearance of the plant. Depending on the severity, this pruning can sometimes leave gaping holes in the summer landscape.

Luckily, it is never too late to create container planters that can add interest and color to these open spaces. One can be very creative in constructing summer planters, as the plant selection is endless this time of year. Annuals, perennials, tropicals, and hanging baskets can all be used to make quick but beautiful combinations.

Combining flowering plants with the texture, color, and leaf size of foliage plants can result in some very unique and interesting combos. So, clean up those damaged plants, creating not holes in the garden, but opportunities.