Learn About Summer Loving Gardens
August is a month when the sun shines bright and makes our gardens happy. During this time, there are special summer loving plants and flowers that thrive in the sunshine and grow strong and tall
There are also veggies that are perfect to plant in sun-soaked soil. But remember, the heat of the sun can also make our plants tired, so it's important for us to take care of them. Together, let's explore the magic of our summer loving gardens!
Plants that love the sun
Let's talk about some of those special plants that love the sun. Plants such as sunflowers, lavender, and succulents do really well when the sun is shining bright
- Lavender
Lavender is a lovely purple flower that smells really nice. It has long stems with lots of tiny purple flowers growing on top. The flowers are arranged in a cluster, and when you touch them gently, they feel very soft and delicate. The smell of lavender is thought to help us feel calm
- Sunflowers
Sunflowers are tall and beautiful flowers that grow very big. The flower head is surrounded by lots of bright yellow petals that look like rays of sunshine. Sunflowers are not only pretty to look at, but they also provide food for birds and animals. Their seeds are very yummy and can be used to make sunflower oil too
- Dahlia
Dahlias are beautiful flowers that come in many different colours and shapes. Some dahlias are big and round like a ball, while others have long petals that look like tubes. There are thousands of types of dahlias and their flowers can be as big as your hand!
- Hebes
Hebes are small and pretty flowers that come in different colours, such as purple, pink, blue, and white. They are named after a Greek goddess – Hebe was the goddess of youth and beauty, and these flowers were named after her because they are so lovely and delicate
- Cacti & Succulents
Cacti and succulents are unique and interesting plants that come in many different shapes and sizes. Some cacti have spiky needles or thorns on their stems, while others have smooth and round shapes. These plants do so well in dry weather that they can last months with no water!
How plants and flowers adapt to the sun
Plants are very clever – they know how to take care of themselves, just like you do! Some plants have special ways of staying healthy in hot, dry weather, such as:
- Moving with the sun
They turn their leaves or flowers towards the sun to get lots of sunlight. This helps them grow and make food!
- Waxy coatings
Some plants have a waxy coating on their leaves, which helps them keep water inside and stops them drying out too quickly
- Fuzzy layer
Others might have a layer of fuzz, which traps air around the plant and acts like a cooling blanket
- Smaller leaves
To cope with hot weather, some plants have smaller leaves to prevent them from losing too much water
- Thicker stems
By having thicker stems, plants can store more water to see them through the times when it is very hot and dry
- Deep roots
Just like drinking from a very long straw, deep roots allow plants to find water far below the surface, which comes in handy when it hasn’t rained in a while!
How to protect plants from the sun
Even though some plants do well in lots of summer sunshine, some others might struggle in hot, dry conditions. That’s why, in August, it’s more important than ever to protect our gardens from the sun – just like we protect ourselves with hats and sun cream! These are some ways we can look after our green spaces
- Keep plants hydrated, sustainably!
Just like we need water to drink and stay healthy, plants need water too! Water helps plants grow, stay green, and make beautiful flowers. But we also need to be mindful of using water wisely, especially during times when there's not a lot of rain
- Provide shaded areas
Having shaded areas in the garden is like creating a cool and refreshing oasis for us and the plants to enjoy. Shaded areas can also help conserve water because the soil doesn't dry out as quickly
- Planting in pots
When we plant in pots, we can move the pots to a shadier spot if it gets too hot and give them the exact amount of water they need
What to plant now
If you’re lucky to have a veggie patch, August is a great time to plant new seeds for some late summer goodies. You can even plant these in pots!
- Beetroot
Beetroot is a colourful vegetable that can be purple or red. It tastes sweet and earthy, and can be crunchy or juicy when eaten
- Radishes
Radishes are small and come in different colours like red, white, or black. They grow quickly and have a refreshing and slightly spicy taste
- Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that’s very healthy! It has a mild and slightly bitter taste, and it's packed with nutrients to keep us strong
- Lettuce
Lettuce is a leafy vegetable that is crispy and has a refreshing and mild taste, perfect for yummy summer