Garden Highlights
Traditionally, the final month of summer, August, marks a period of transition in the garden. While the vibrant colours and buzzing insect life from June and July linger, signs of the approaching autumn are becoming evident. Wetter weather, meadows being cut back, and the ripening of apples and blackberries all signal the change in seasons.
It's time to begin pruning back plants and shrubs that have already shown their best colours, preparing them for the colder months ahead. Our daily tasks now extend beyond general maintenance and weeding, shifting towards tidying and prepping for the busier planting and over-wintering jobs.
August is a great time to enjoy the last of the summer blooms. Keep your garden vibrant by cutting flowers such as dahlias, cosmos, asters, scabious, penstemon, rudbeckia, and sunflowers. These make beautiful arrangements for the home and encourage continued blooming into early autumn.
August Rituals
Garden Maintenance
In August, it's essential to stay on top of garden maintenance. This includes cutting back lavender after it has flowered to encourage healthy growth next year. Weeding remains a constant task, especially with the late summer growth spurts. Additionally, begin the process of brambling— cutting back overgrown areas to tidy up the garden and prepare for the cooler months.
August Table
From Garden to Table
August is a bountiful month for harvesting vegetables. Courgettes, kale, salad greens, tomatoes, French climbing beans, runner beans, beetroot, chillies, leeks, onions, peppers, and figs are all ready to be picked. These fresh ingredients are perfect for summer salads or hearty meals.
Recipe Idea: Summer Garden Salad
Combine freshly harvested salad greens with sliced tomatoes, roasted beetroot, and crumbled feta. Add thinly sliced courgettes and a handful of French beans. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing and nutritious dish that celebrates the best of August's harvest.
A-line all day long – Utility at its best
This summer, we've found ourselves rarely out of our A-line utility shirts when tending to the garden - and chores around the house; the lightweight nature and deep pockets have provided us with much-needed shade from the sun on our backs, and a practical place to keep all the knick-knacks one gathers when trying to multi-task. Definitely our favourite garden companion this season.
Shop the A-line Utility shirt here
