August is a crucial time for keeping your garden thriving and preparing for the upcoming autumn. From vibrant flower beds in Killarney to productive polytunnels and vegetable patches in Clonakilty, here are Heritage Grounds Maintenace's tips on how to make the most of your garden this month.
Harvesting & Maintenance
August is a month of abundance in Irish gardens. If you're growing vegetables, you'll likely be harvesting daily, but timing is key. Courgettes can quickly turn into marrows, beans become tough, and lettuces bolt to seed if left too long. Picking your produce while it’s still young and tender will ensure the best flavours and encourage further growth. The same goes for flowering plants—sweet peas, for instance, will only keep blooming if you regularly cut their flowers. Left alone, they quickly form seedpods, causing the plant to slow down.
Regular deadheading of perennials like dahlias, heleniums, and penstemons is essential for keeping your flower beds looking fresh and vibrant. Removing spent blooms helps direct the plant’s energy toward new growth, extending the flowering season well into autumn.
Verbena bonariensis seed heads
Verbena bonariensis seed heads create a striking effect when coated in frost and provide a valuable food source for birds during winter. To enjoy their seasonal beauty and benefit wildlife, avoid deadheading any plants you wish to leave for winter seedheads.
Taking Cuttings
August is also the perfect time for propagation. Plants like salvias, pelargoniums, and penstemons can be easily propagated from cuttings. This is a cost-effective way to increase the number of plants in your garden next year. Simply cut a 10-15cm shoot from a non-flowering stem, dip it in rooting powder, and plant it in a mix of compost and grit. Keep the cuttings in a sheltered spot, such as a greenhouse or cold frame, through the winter, and they’ll be ready to plant out next spring.
Salvia cuttings for propogation
Top August Gardening Tasks
Cut back alchemilla and hardy geraniums to promote new growth.
Water regularly, especially in dry weather, to keep flowers and vegetables thriving.
Prune wisteria to keep it tidy and under control.
Collect seeds from foxgloves and other early-summer perennials for future planting.
Feed container plants with a high-potash liquid fertiliser to extend their flowering season.
Lift and pot up strawberry runners to create new plants for next year.
What to Plant in August
August is also a time to sow and plant for the future. Consider adding some of these to your garden:
Lupins
Dahlias
Salvias
Rudbeckias
Foxgloves (for next year's blooms)
Spinach
Lettuce
Turnips
Cabbage
Chard
Whether you’re tending a large estate or a small urban garden, planting now ensures a stunning display next season and a steady harvest through the colder months.
Plant Rudbeckias for a beautiful midsummer display
Late Summer Blooms
August in Ireland sees some striking plants in full bloom. Many of the late-summer flowers are well-suited to the Irish climate, particularly in counties like Cork and Kerry, where a mix of coastal and countryside conditions create unique growing opportunities. Here are some highlights to look for:
Agapanthus ‘Megan’s Mauve’ – With striking lilac-mauve blooms, this plant thrives in sunny, open spots and adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Crocosmia x Crocosmiflora ‘Emily McKenzie’ – A stunning option for late-summer colour, with its bright orange and crimson flowers. Perfect for borders or mass planting.
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’ – These tall, striking flower spikes bloom in shades of apricot and creamy yellow, bringing a two-tone effect to your garden.
Hesperantha coccinea ‘Major’ – The bold crimson blooms of this South African lily bring dramatic late-season colour to your borders.
Melianthus major – Known for its architectural, grey-green serrated leaves, this plant provides strong visual interest through late summer and autumn.
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’
Get Your Garden Ready for Autumn with Heritage Grounds Maintenance
At Heritage Grounds Maintenance, we offer professional garden care and landscaping services across Cork and Kerry. Our expert team is ready to help you maintain your garden’s beauty throughout the summer and prepare for the cooler months ahead. Whether you need regular maintenance or a complete garden overhaul, we’re here to assist.
For advice on the best planting strategies or to schedule a consultation, get in touch with us today and let us help you create a garden that thrives year-round!
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