I’ve worked a lot on getting gardens to preform year round, and it’s difficult, especially when factors like water usage come into account too. But there are some plants to think about if August is an important time for you, and why wouldn’t it be? Summer is still amazing.

The large white flowers open in the evening only and attract bees, moths and all kinds of nocturnal insects.

When I went back today, I was pleased that the peach tree and apple tree, planted last fall, had fruit on them, and the blue spruce trees had grown, the ash trees looked good, and the honeylocust was lovely.

Gardening is a game of gambling sometimes. We try new things and hope for the best.

I approach every September with mixed emotions, and sometimes I feel that that my plants follow me into this cycle. It is almost like every day is a going away party, much like I hope to feel the summer that my son graduates from high school.

This is the time of year where it is easy to take our gardens for granted, and to let them go. The young love phase is over. The dog days are here. Weeds and insects are starting to win some battles and we pick out battles.

I looked out at the patio and golf ball sized hail had landed. Only a couple that big to be sure, but lots of smaller ones too. After a few seconds of processing that I was in an emergency, I ran outside.

Catmint, one of the most hardy drought tolerant plants in Santa Fe, often attracts butterflies, as well as bees.

One problem that people often overlook in the southwest is the need for shade gardens.

The lovely pear tree that had yet to meet it’s fate of the hand of the evil pruner.

When is it safe to plant in May?…