LATE SUMMER FLOWERS
by Carole Schwalm

Late summer -- August to mid-September

If you are still enjoying your outdoors and your flower garden looks a little on the sparse side, check out your local nursery. Some still have plants available and at a lower price. Re-pot and/or place the containers in the flowerbed to fill in the blanks.

Continue deadheading flowers, and this extends the season. They often rehab and re-bloom. Cut geraniums to the ground once the flowering is over, and they can give you a second act or more blooms.

Collect seeds. Use an envelope or a paper lunch bag. Label the seeds, so you know what you have. Store them in a cool, dry place.

Trim hedges. Be daring and have a go at creative pruning. Try a few branches.