Garden Tip 194

Cape Cod has been in a level 2 (significant) drought stage all summer long. Gardens under these conditions for such prolonged periods can look dull and drab by the latter part of August. The freshness and vibrant colors of early and mid-summer have long since disappeared.

I use container plants in times like this to add a bit of cheer to the garden scene. Garden centers still have a good selection of six-inch and nine-inch annuals (some even have garden mums, but I wouldn’t go that route yet!).

I repotted the plants into larger containers for ease of watering and to better match the scale of the garden. Placed singularly or in groups, the annuals will be a focal point of color, interest, and surprise well into fall.