Monthly To Do List: August 2008 (The End Is Near)

The end is near -- Calgary's Summer is almost to a close. Don't put off today, what can be done in the great summer sun we still have.

* Last chance to lift, divide and replant irises; take extras to the Fall Plant Exchange. http://calhort.org
* Keep up with weeding; place weeds gone to seed in garbage.
* Deadhead annuals and some perennials for continued bloom; leave some decorative seedheads.
* Continue to water on a regular schedule. A rain barrel might not be enough at this point though. (keep in mind)
* Continue to thoroughly water annual plantings and containers.
* Discontinue fertilizing trees, shrubs, and roses.
* Stop deadheading hardy roses in late August.
* Carefully remove mildewed or black-spotted foliage into plastic garbage bags for disposal.
* Take geranium cuttings, etc., before first frost.
* Acquire and plant spring bulbs as soon as possible. I'M TALKING TO YOU BOBBI -- GET READY FOR THE TULIPS!
* Keep containers going as long as possible by covering them or placing them indoors if frost is predicted.
* Assemble a supply of old towels, sheets, etc., for frost covers.
* Following overnight frosts, mist tender flowers with sprinkler before the sun touches them; you may save some of them.
* Cut flowers that preserve well and save them for winter containers (e.g. globe thistle, baby’s breath, nigella)
* If you still have tomatoes -- keep an eye on them. The frost can kill or stunt them -- if you have thick plastic create a little greenhouse, or be prepared to bring them in from the cold (they want the heat and humidity -- hopefully you have them in a ceramic pot (or what my mom used to do: An old concrete sink (that's another story))

Enjoy the rest of the summer -- fall is upon us!