Garden Architecture - Gardening for the Second Week of August

We've arrived at that point of mid-western summer where the planting has pretty much stopped and we're definitely seeing the bounty of all that winter and spring planning and planting. Just because we're not putting a trowel in the ground, does not mean the planning stops! We've spent this week working on some new foundational and structural ideas for the Amberwood gardens.

I was inspired by a neighborhood social media re-use/recycle group to put a post out asking if anyone had old bricks piled up that they'd like to get rid of. Within about 10 minutes... jackpot! I got to visit 2 neighbors (one I've known for years, and some new friends) and came home with 150 various old bricks that will make for amazing bed edging. I love the look of edging beds with brick. It feels old fashioned (which I like) but can also look really clean and tidy depending on how you place them. I have a big project in the works that involves putting in a loooong bed along the back property line at Amberwood, so these bricks will be a good start on that work. You can also contact brickyards in the area and ask for used bricks. Often you can get them at a very low price or sometimes even for free! Next time, I'll share more about my next big project!

Here are some jobs to do for the second week of August:

1. Continue to weed - you've made it this far! Don't let those weeds take over or go to seed. You'll just have a bigger mess next year to deal with!

2. Continue to save seeds from this year's plantings for free plants next year! This week I've collected seeds from some Larkspur that I planted for the first time this year. Beautiful spikes of lavender, purple, and white. I will direct sow these seeds in the garden this fall.

3. Start watching for big sales on garden equipment. A lot of big box stores are turning over inventory to fall and winter. It's a great time to start looking for deals, especially if you are in the market for new furniture, pots, planters, trellis, etc...