Heat can help with home gardens

    The heat and humidity of a typical summer leave little ambition to do much more outdoors than sit on the porch with a cold lemonade in one hand and fan in the other, much less worry about the condition of the garden. But, every proud homeowner wants to have a landscape that is not only presentable but attractive, despite the heat.
Pioneer Times photos/Sarah Berthiaume
READY FOR SPRING — Snapdragons from an Orient greenhouse show off their spring best.
    Due to the work of today’s plant breeders and growers, who are producing ground-breaking new plants, homeowners with and without gardening know-how can enjoy the best of both worlds — stunning, colorful landscapes and lazy, hazy summer days.
    “Summertime gardening can be challenging, but with the right plants and a few small chores, warmer months can become favorite times to create colorful and lush beds, borders and containers,” says Jessie Atchison with Ball Horticultural Company, one of the world’s leading breeders and producers of plants.
    Perhaps the most important element in landscaping during periods of heat is to choose the proper plants. It is essential to pick varieties with reliable performance, brawny root systems, and strong resilience so they can stand up against high atmospheric heat and humidity. Durable selections that can withstand these types of extreme conditions will not only outlast others but will remain with vibrant color and robust hardiness.
    “Try creating a long-blooming and low-maintenance border with heat-bearing annuals. This arrangement is ideal for most any hot spot in the lawn,” says Atchison. “Wave Petunias can be used because their hardy, low-growing, and extra-spreading habit provides an almost never-ending variety of color and form in the landscape.”
    Atchison also suggests creating a unique-shaped bed that meanders around the house or connects two spaces. “These make for suitable areas in which to rotate annual color plantings from summer into fall,” she says. “Alternating heat-loving petunias of contrasting colors, such as those from the Shock Wave or Tidal Wave series, highlights the space and creates added design interest.” Wave Petunias are available in five series with hot-climate staying power.
    The Original Wave series grows lowest to the ground and spreads across the landscape, making it ideal for slopes and banks. For added color and interest, plant the new Shock Wave series as the perfect accessory in baskets, containers and small in-ground beds. For otherwise drab, heat-fizzled borders, the Easy Wave ‘Mystic Pink’ variety holds its own as a psychedelic pink and white flower, while the Shock Wave ‘Electric Mixture’ looks like a high-voltage blend of vivid purple with pink veining.
Location, Location, Location
    Sheer heat commonly harms plants far less than heat mixed with humidity. “Since the rate at which temperatures change causes stress to plants more than temperature alone,” says Atchison, “homeowners should tailor plant selections to growing conditions.” Using an online USDA Zone Hardiness Map is a means to determine which plants are intended for each region. “The country is divided into 11 growing zones, one being the coldest and 11 the hottest,” she says. Plant tags usually indicate the zones in which the plants will thrive.
    Yet, factors close to home play roles in the success of new plantings for summer. These include the site’s soil type, sun, wind, aridity, humidity and location of the planting area. Wilt- and wither-proof plant choices for gardens that face south or west are essential since these areas tend to receive direct sunlight and remain hotter. Allure, Designer, and Fantasia Series geraniums are classics from Ball Horticultural Company with unique colors and flower patterns that do not fade in settings with unwavering sun. “With variety names like ‘Hot Coral’, ‘Peppermint Twist’ and ‘Strawberry Sizzle’, they hold their bright hues all season,” says Atchison.
Key Elements for Success
    Plants — even robust selections — are healthier when planted in good soil. Accurately prepared soil allows for retention and absorption of water, not to mention equates to aeration. Before planting, soil can be amended with organic matter like compost or manure and bagged fertilizers that consist of natural potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. “During warmer months, mulching is important to cover the soil, keeping it cooler and minimizing evaporation,” says Atchison.
    Water is an obvious component of balmy season gardening. Watering during the early morning or evening — when temperatures are somewhat lower — leads to a reduced amount of strain on plants and decreases loss of moisture during the heat of the day. “Though, avoid watering at too shallow a depth or more often than necessary as waterlogged soil can cause root-rot,” cautions Atchison.
    Some plants are known for their moderate water need and subsequent ability to thrive in sun and warmth such as Serena Angelonia, a striking plant for containers and landscapes, and Aztec Verbena ‘Dark Red’ best used in baskets and mixed containers. Solcito Zinnia is a versatile annual with tiny golden-yellow blooms that aptly takes the heat.
What Counts in the End
    When committing to a summer season garden, the objective should be a harmonized and convenient space filled with color and design reflective of personal style. The most important aspect is low-maintenance, yet eye-catching plant material with the capability to engage and delight gardener and guest alike.
    To learn more about plants and planning for summertime gardens, log onto www.ballhort.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent