by Jeanne

What? Are you crazy? Adding plants to the garden at the end of July, when it’s hot as blazes out there? When the heat index soars above 100? When plants everywhere struggle under the burden of heat, humidity, and scorching sunlight?

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting.

There are many good reasons to wait until the fall to add plants to the garden, but there are just as many good reasons to add more plants now, in midsummer.

First, you can actually see the empty spots in the garden. I don’t know about you, but I’m notorious for cramming plants into every available space in the spring…and leaving gaps in other spots in the garden. The result is that some areas of my flower garden become too crowded while others beg for new plants. Some of these areas are sections where spring and early summer blooming bulbs have finished their cycle, too.  I need to pop some annuals in for color; perennials will only compete with the bulbs next year.

Another good reason is the summertime sales. My favorite garden center regularly surprises me with fun finds on the discounts rack. A $2 salvia here, a $1 flat of petunias there. Many of these plants have been beaten to hell and back, and if I can find only a few green leaves left on the crinkly mass of dried out stalks I’ll take them home and nurture them back to health.

Lastly, a true gardener has to get her hands dirty regardless of the time of year. True, there’s always weeding to be done, but weeding feels like cleaning the house to me; a necessary task, but one offering little creativity. Adding plants, on the other hand, is like redecorating. You can let your creativity go wild!

So yes, in between heat waves, you’ll still find me puttering among the flower beds. Last weekend, I added three impatiens ($1, total) and a perennial without a tag that looked sort of like a salvia but not that it’s perked up, isn’t salvia at all.  And that’s my last and final reason to shop for plants now; the mystery. Where else can a gardener find intrigue, fun and the chance to buy new reference books?

Happy summer gardening!