You know what they say ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’! This saying is true of plant material also.  We all know that summer in Illinois is HOT and HUMID! Your beautiful turf starts to turn a nice shade of brown and the beautiful gardens you had earlier this spring now look, well, not so beautiful. 

Believe it or not, there are some plants that actually like the heat and humidity of Illinois in the summer! Native plants like Purple Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan, Sunflowers, and grasses like Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed, and Switch Grass all thrive in the hot, humid weather that most of us dread. Other non-native plants like Sedum, Daylilies, Phlox and other Ornamental Grasses are great tough plants that will add summer color to your gardens! The Illinois Certified Nursery Professional (ICN Pro) at your local garden center will be able to show you these summer beauties and many more! He or she will also be able of offer other great recommendations on how to keep your garden looking its best!

Lawn

Keep your mowing height up! Raising your mowing height increases the vigor of the turf. A more vigorous turf is more tolerant of dry conditions, and more able to compete with weeds.  Never apply weed sprays or fertilizers to your lawn in the summer months.  If you have weeds that you believe need treatment, contact the ICN Pro at your local garden center for recommendations on timing and types of applications that need to be made.

If you are considering installing an irrigation system that is effective and efficient you should contact an irrigation professional.  There are many laws and ordinances that govern irrigation systems, and getting a professional can save you time and money.  You can contact an irrigation professional through the Illinois Green Industry Association, just visit www.illinoisgreen.net to find a professional near you.

Garden

Weeds can become a major problem in July and August. There are many tricks to maintaining a weed free bed- besides spending hours a day pulling weeds! There are several products available that are very safe and effective. But before you run out to spray everything in sight- check with your local ICN Pro. They will be able to tell you what products will be most effective in your situation!  It will save you time and money!

Water is a necessary ingredient in your new landscape beds and any beds that lie under overhangs. Your established beds probably won’t require any much water - however if the soil is very dry, it would be beneficial to give the bed a good soaking. 

Bulbs will be arriving at your garden center in late August or early September. Plan now for where you will plant them.  Bulbs work beautifully when combined with perennials and groundcovers. For companion planting suggestions, contact the ICN Pro at your local garden center. He or she will have many ideas of how to use bulbs effectively in your landscape.

Cut back annuals and perennials when they begin to look ‘ratty’.  Spent blooms can be cut off, and brown leaves can be trimmed back.  This year we have seen an abundance of powdery mildew and other great fungi – if you see something that concerns you, snip off a piece and take it to your local garden center and ask your ICN Pro for their diagnosis. 

Fall mums and pansies will be arriving at your garden center in late August. Chrysanthemums are the traditional fall flower! These hardy plants come in many different colors and can be planted just about any time- just be sure to mulch them! There are many new and improved pansies available now! Some can be planted in the fall. They will go ahead and bloom in the fall and then most will survive the winter and come back to bloom the next spring!  For more information regarding mums or fall pansies, contact the ICN Pro at your garden center!

Remember that its NOT TOO LATE TO PLANT! Whether you want to establish a new perennial garden, re-do your foundation planting, plant a tree, or just need some ideas that will spruce up your yard- the landscape designers at you local garden center are ready to help you!  Remember that you can plant successfully until the ground freezes in December!

Water Garden

When temperatures heat up, it is a good idea to stop feeding your fish. Feeding contributes to algae in the pond and the fish will survive just fine without feedings.

Try to stay out of your pond - the more the pond is stirred up, the more algae you will have. 

If you have questions about your existing water garden, or would like help starting a new water garden, contact the ICN Pro at your local garden center.

Native Landscapes

If you have a new native landscape, it is a good idea to mow it to help prevent the weeds from going to seed.  When you mow, you will want to set it on the highest setting. If you have questions about establishing a native landscape, contact the ICN Pro at your local garden center.

If you have an established native landscape, it should be in its full glory! Sit back and enjoy the birds and butterflies that will flock to feed on the beautiful flowers!

Insects and Disease

In high humidity powdery mildew can become a problem on roses, bee-balm (Monarda), phlox and many other of our favorite garden plants.  Powdery mildew can be controlled with a fungicide spray.  Ask your local ICN Pro for the recommended fungicide and application rates for your area.

Stay abreast of state-wide problems like Emerald Ash Borer.  Knowing about these pests can assist local authorities in tracking the pests movement. For up-to-date information check out www.illiniosgreen.net

Birds and Butterflies

Keep your bird feeders and hummingbird feeders clean and full! Dirty feeders spread disease.

Need help? Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals (ICN Pro’s) are ready, willing, and able to answer your gardening questions.  You can find an ICN Pro at your local garden center! He or she would be glad to help you with your landscaping endeavors! Get to know your ICN PRO!

What is an ICN Pro? An ICN Pro is a person who is dedicated to the Green Industry.  He/she has committed themselves to maintaining a level of professionalism that is unsurpassed in the industry.  An ICN Pro has completed a rigorous series of tests that include sections on General Standards, Design, Perennial Plant Material, Woody Plant Material and Plant Diseases.  Currently there are over 300 ICN Pro’s state wide. To find an ICN Pro in your area check out  www.illinoisgreen.net/icnprolisting.htm.

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by Carey Boehm-Corrie, ICN Pro of the Year (2003), Boehm's Garden Center, Rushville, IL