The rainy weekends of late spring may have gotten the better of some gardeners. But while it’s already mid-July, there’s still plenty of time to beautify your outdoor living space with containers full of brightly colored foliage and blooms.
Many garden centers and independent nurseries are still stocked with annuals and perennials — perfect for potting up in beautiful arrangements. And better yet, many retailers are discounting, now that July 4th is passed.
Colorful foliage plants, like coleus, look great all season long and come in contrasting colors that attract the eye without flowering blooms. Scabiosa is a perennial that bears flowers through autumn. Dahlias and trailing varieties of campanula also offer prolific color through the end of summer.
Or consider designing your containers with perennials that can be planted in-ground in the fall, such as hydrangea.
Planting in a premium potting mix, will ensure that your plants get off to a great start. And regular feeding with plant food will keep them beautiful all season long.
Of course, in another few weeks, the garden centers will be full of great plants for fall containers. Colorful mums, pansies and sedum will make their debuts shortly. So, if you miss out on summer, don’t despair. There’s always autumn!